How to Apply for a MFA

In our first installment of this two-part series, we explored the question of grad school: Can you and should you? If you’ve decided an MFA is right for you, you’re in the right place. This practical guide will walk you through the essential steps of applying, from finding the right program to securing your spot.

We’ve gathered insights from MFA graduates across North America to bring you a field-tested guide to the application process, so let’s get into the specifics.

Finding the Right Program for Your Art Practice

The best place to start is with research. Not every school with an MFA program is a good fit for you. You need to find an institution that can meet your specific needs and align with your goals.

Connect with Faculty and Alumni: The faculty will have the biggest impact on your experience, so reach out via email to professors you’d like to work with. Prepare a list of questions about their teaching philosophy and their own practice. Additionally, connect with alumni. Look for them on social media and ask about their experience, the facilities, and how the degree has impacted their careers.

Look Beyond the Obvious: Start with schools you’ve heard of, but then branch out. You’re looking for a program that has the right mix of studio and theory, a good reputation among its graduates, and the facilities and faculty you need to thrive.

Investigate Their Marketing: A program’s social media, newsletters, and website can reveal a lot. Are they actively promoting their students and faculty? Are their connections to the local art community strong? A well-marketed program will help you once you graduate.

Securing Your Studio Space and Funding

The financial and logistical details of an MFA are just as important as the academic ones. Don’t overlook them.

• Demand a Written Guarantee for Studio Space: As a prospective student, you are a potential customer. Universities want to convert you, but be sure their promises of studio space or teaching assistant positions are in writing. This protects you from showing up to a “studio” that’s a windowless broom closet off campus.
• Assess the Studio vs. Theory Ratio: If you want a research-heavy experience, find a program with faculty known for their writing. If you prefer to make art with as little theory as possible, examine the program’s course structure and find the right balance for you.
• Make Funding a Priority: Our survey respondents agreed that scholarships, bursaries, or teaching positions were foundational to their MFA experience. Research and secure funding early. This will influence everything from where you can live to how much stress you’ll have. As a previous grad student, I know what it’s like to live on protein powder to save money, and I don’t recommend it. Here are resources for the US, and one for Canada loans & grants

Crafting a Winning Application Package

Your application is your first chance to make a powerful impression. Don’t rush this part.

• Write a Compelling Letter of Intent: This letter outlines what you want to accomplish in the program. Discuss the research you want to explore, the faculty you want to work with, and why this specific program is the right fit. However, unlike a grant proposal, it should be somewhat open-ended. You are going to school to learn, so be open to new directions.
• Choose the Right References: Your letters of reference should come from former professors or professionals in the art world who know your work well. Ask them well in advance and provide them with any relevant context, like the research you want to do. Choose people who will be delighted to write a letter for you—if they seem surprised by your request, it may be a sign to find someone else.
• Plan for Worst-Case Scenarios: Before you even apply, it’s worth thinking about what you would do in a tough spot. For example, what’s the process for changing a thesis supervisor? In my time in the University system as a student, support staff and prof, I have seen it all–and then some. Speak to alumni and get a sense of how issues were resolved–or not resolved.

In Conclusion: Be Prepared and Build Your Portfolio

Deciding to apply for an MFA is a deeply personal choice. Being as prepared as possible will ease or prevent future doubts. Your research will help you avoid the regret of “I should have gone somewhere else” or “I wish I had chosen a different supervisor.”

You’ve done the research and are ready to take this big step. Now it’s time to show them what you can do. A professional portfolio is the most critical component of your MFA application. It’s how you prove your artistic vision, your skill, and your dedication.

Start building your professional portfolio on Format today, start a 14-day prova gratuita and put your best work forward.

For more support, see our comprehensive guides on:

• Artist statements
• Proposte
• Documentation