MFA in Studio Art: FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about the Studio Art MFA Admissions Process
Where do I find info on how to apply to the MFA program?
At this link: http://www1.ccny.cuny.edu/prospective/humanities/art/mfa/alt/admissions/index.html
Who is eligible to apply to the MFA program?
Applicants must have an undergraduate baccalaureate degree (BA, BS, or BFA). A concentration in studio art including any of the following: drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, video, photography, installation, intermedia, multimedia, performance art, or a related field is preferred.
Admitted students are required to have at least twenty-eight credits or the equivalent in studio art, and twelve credits or the equivalent in art history.
Applicants who already hold an MFA in studio art are not eligible to apply.
Are there any exceptions made to the admission requirements? Can I be given credit for life experience?
Applicants who show strong artistic promise, but do not meet the above degree requirements, may be granted admission on a provisional basis. This is a very rare exception, and the applicant’s portfolio must clearly show a level of artistic development and knowledge equal to that of an undergraduate degree in studio art. The student may be required to take undergraduate courses, which do not count towards fulfilling the MFA requirements.
My work includes numerous disciplines. Is it possible to work in numerous disciplines while in the program?
Yes. As we encourage each artist to create work in the discipline(s) of his/her preference. The program is interdisciplinary with a focus on individuality.
Can my application be considered for both the Studio Art and DIAP programs?
Applicants must send a complete, separate application to each program.
Can I attend the program part time?
No, our program is full-time. Students are in full-time residence for four semesters with the option of taking classes during the summer.
Can I take all of my classes in the evenings?
No. There are required courses that meet in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings.
How much is tuition and is there financial aid and scholarships available?
Please visit these links for this information:
The City College of New York Tuition & Fees:
http://www1.ccny.cuny.edu/prospective/admissions/tuition-fees.cfm
The City College of New York Scholarships & Awards:
http://www1.ccny.cuny.edu/prospective/admissions/Scholarships-Awards.cfm
The City College of New York Financial Aid:
http://www1.ccny.cuny.edu/prospective/admissions/financial-aid.cfm
Nomination and merit-based department awards, such as the Connor Awards are awarded to current students on a competitive basis.
Is it possible to have my portfolio reviewed before I apply?
We cannot review any portfolios before the application deadline.
I am considering applying to the program. Can I arrange a visit and have someone take me on a tour?
Yes, you can e-mail us to arrange a tour. To get the best sense of the program, we also strongly suggest attending our open studios held in November. Please check our website for the date and time.
If you are planning a trip to the New York City area, please contact us first so we can suggest a time and day of the week that would work well for your visit.
Are transcripts required? To what address do I mail transcripts?
Official transcripts from each degree-granting institution attended are required. Do not submit the transcripts separately. Please include them with your application materials.
Is a resume required? To what address do I mail it?
Yes, a Curriculum Vitae or Artist’s Résumé is required. Pleaseinclude it with the your application materials.Guidelines for artists’ résumés can be found on the College Art Association website: http://www.collegeart.org/guidelines/resume.html
What are the requirements for the digital images to be submitted for the portfolio?
Still images must be JPEG files, 72 dpi, with maximum dimensions of 1024 x 768 (but no smaller than 800 x 600).
Each file must be named with the applicant's Lastname_Firstname_number.jpg.
Smith_Josephine_02.jpg
Smith_Josephine_03.jpg
Etc.
Files sizes larger than 3 MB will not be opened or reviewed.
Files must be submitted on a Macintosh- and Windows- readable standard-size CD with “MFA Application”, applicant name, year written directly on the disc.
Place all image files (up to 20) on the CD in a single folder of your name.
Unreadable or incorrectly formatted CDs will not be considered.
Powerpoint, Flash or similar presentation formats are NOT acceptable.
How many images may I submit?
At least 15 are required, but no more than 20 are permitted. Some of the 20 images can be installation shots or details.
Can I submit video?
Yes, you may submit a video in addition to, but not instead of, the CD-ROM portfolio. A representative still of each track should be included in the CD-ROM Portfolio. DVDs should be clearly labeled with your name, the title of the work, and the length of all segments to be viewed. Please do not send DVD masters, only copies.
How long should the personal statement be?
Roughly 750 words. The personal statement is an artist’s statement that discusses your artwork, artists, and thinkers who have affected your practice and your reasons for pursuing an MFA at City College.
How many students apply?
This number varies from year to year. It is a highly competitive process.
How many students are accepted?
Each MFA student has their own studio space; therefore the number of students admitted is limited to the number of open studios. The maximum number of students accepted in recent years is fourteen. Do you accept students for the spring semester?
No. We only accept students for the fall semester.
When will I hear if I have been accepted?
You should receive a letter by late March.
I was wait-listed. When will I find out if I get accepted?
It is not possible to indicate a specific date of acceptance as we can only determine if we will begin contacting those on the waitlist once accepted applicants confirm their intention to attend the program. We will notify you if a spot becomes available.
Can you tell me why I was not accepted?
It is impossible to offer critiques of work or give more specific feedback as many different faculty members are involved in the admissions process.
