Have no Idea where I should focus on applying (painting programs)

[KSuverkrubbe]

Hello everyone! I am wanting to apply for MFA programs for painting in the fall...I have been looking around at schools but I have no idea where to apply. I think I should keep my application list down to 7 ...just because of application fees and so I don't rip my hair out from trying to fill out applications I have no idea really where to go....>-> I don't have the option of visiting the schools so I have to go off impressions.

 

My professor has given me some suggestions- she seems to think that I have a good shot at a top tier school (and so does my other professor) so I decided I should shoot big...I will probably have at least one safety school just in case. I admit my knowlege of other artists and the art world in general is limited, so I want to get someplace to broaden my perspective- but this also means that I really don't know how to assess my own work in the context of other artists....Anyway, I only have a few kind of wants and as long as those are fulfilled it feels like a toss up to where I go.

 

- I want to be in a city so I can easily walk to places and I can be active in a community / be able to go to the store, just regular stuff by walking or taking a bus- plust i want to be in an area with galleires i can frequently go to

 

- I want a nice studio space of course!!! preferably residence that is close enough to the studio to walk to.

 

-I want a place that is rigourous but hopefully more so on the art work and less on the 'extra curricular academics" (some places require you take courses outside of the studio or art ).I think if the painitng program is good enough I can push myself to get over this though.

 

-I want a great painting program with a lot of variety but that is open to traditional (aka no mixed media) and figure centered paintings. I also want student work that will challenge me (but it wouldn't hurt to have a likeminded student there ).

 

I would also prefer a 3 year program , but most programs are not 3 year :c.

 

I can honestly budge on anything I think if it is worth it...I just don't know where to go!!! I need advice....Please help!!! which 'big name schools' are REALLY worth it?

 

I don't want to panic, just throw names in a hat, and just draw where i want to go. I feel pretty flustered about the whole thing. ;-; It's my life! and I want to go someplace that will help me !!!

[tincanevening]

I believe Indiana and the New York Studio School are great for figurative painting. 

 

There is a lot of information on this forum, so I suggest reading a few years back. If you're finishing up undergrad, go ahead and apply if you feel ready, but consider taking a few years to travel, show, and paint! It's scary to think about when you're just finishing college, but it's often a good idea to let your work and life develop a bit before jumping into a program. Figure out in which part of the art world you want to be. 

 

Best of luck!

[Xxanderr]

I would consider attending Graduate National Portfolio Day.

[seefortyone]

If you are looking for a top-tier school, according to US News Best Graduate Schools (for painting), you should apply to the following top 6 schools:

1. Yale University

2. Rhode Island School of Design

3. Art Institute of Chicago

4. Columbia University

5. Maryland Institute College of Art

6. University of California Los Angeles

 

If your teachers think you can get into a top-school why don't you ask them which top schools he or she believes you have the best shot of being admitted to? Once you compile a list of places you want to apply to then try to visit the schools and meet current students. If you can't then I'd suggest emailing some of those students. Ideally they can give you a view of what to expect if and when you are admitted.

 

Good luck!