SVA, SAIC, Univ of the Arts, MassArt or MICA? Low Res MFA

[squidgal]

I've applied to several Low Res MFA programs. I'm a returning student and did not expect all these acceptances. Additionally, two schools have offered funding ranging from one-third to one-half. The other 3 have told me that there are offers but they do not yet have numbers available. 
Commuting is possible at SVA. The others would require 6-8 weeks per year in a dorm which sounds more hellish every time I think about it.
Should I put on my big girl panties and go to SAIC as it is my first choice? Should I go to SVA because it is almost as highly ranked and I get to sleep in my own bed and make local connections even though I hate commuting? Should I go to MassArt because it is more affordable and I really liked the professor who heads the program? If any of the schools that haven't given me numbers yet turn out to be fullride, should I just automatically go there? 
Are any of these schools so crappy as to avoid consideration? Any so wonderful that I should automatically forsake all others? Do rankings even matter? 
Thanks for your help!


 

Edited March 10, 2017 by fuzzylogician
Edited for privacy at poster's request

[PaperMoon]

Hi, @squidgal! I am very glad to have stumbled on your post because I have applied to all of the same low-res MFA programs as you (minus SVA) and am planning to start this summer. I have been very fortunate with acceptances, as well, and am in the same conundrum you were in last year: I need clarity! What did you end up doing? How did you make your decision? And do you have any advice or insight regarding any of the schools and their programs?

SAIC was tied for my top choice with MICA, but I am on the East Coast and the idea of travel logistics and hauling work back/forth every year seems daunting. But the idea of going to SAIC feels amazing for so many reasons.

MICA has had my heart for as long as I remember,  and they have been very personal from the beginning - they interviewed me and called me to let me know I was accepted (SAIC sent me the acceptance and called after). I was told that the funding at MICA will amount to approx 1/3 tuition, but it's 3 yrs/4 summers, so I'm thinking it could end up still being more expensive than a shorter program.

MassArt and Uarts are feeling secondary at this point, but what if there is funding? Any advice would be so appreciated! Thanks!

[Ruby123Mark]

How did this all turn out for you all? I’m weighing if I should go to MassArt, SVA, Bard or SAIC - starting this summer, 2021

[squidgal]

Ruby123Mark,

 I wound up going to a small MA program in Scotland. It was a fraction of the cost of any of the US schools. I was afraid to assume the debt required for the US schools. I would have preferred a school that I could have physical attended.

check out their various curriculums. MassArt was too focused on drawing for me.

[123123435]

6 hours ago, Ruby123Mark said:

How did this all turn out for you all? I’m weighing if I should go to MassArt, SVA, Bard or SAIC - starting this summer, 2021

Oh, did you already hear back from Bard?

[Ruby123Mark]

No - I heard back from SVA today though. Did you hear from SAIC yet? Where are you applying?

Edited February 12, 2021 by Ruby123Mark

[123123435]

Didnt apply to SAIC but heard back from MICA!

[123123435]

How high up there is SAIC for you?

[dramallama_07]

On 2/13/2021 at 5:08 AM, Ruby123Mark said:

No - I heard back from SVA today though. Did you hear from SAIC yet? Where are you applying?

Oohhh. Sva MFA fine arts or low res? And final acceptance or interview call?

[Ruby123Mark]

I had an interview with SVA for the low res program, and then got the acceptance about a week later. No news from Bard or SAIC. Anyone heard from Bard or SAIC?

[Ruby123Mark]

I think SAIC is really expensive, although I haven't worked out the numbers yet. And I'd rather be in NYC than Chicago. That said, there is there reputation to consider. I'm just interested to see if I get in at this point. I've applied to all low res programs.

[Ruby123Mark]

I really never even considered an overseas school, although I certainly would have if I'd have thought of it! The tuition differences would make that mighty appealing to me as well!