<p>My D's longer term goal is to get into a top MFA program in Studio Art. The current question is to weigh the pros and cons between doing a BA in Art at a good liberal arts college (e.g. Vassar, Hamilton, Middlebury, Wesleyan) or doing a BFA at a larger university (e.g. Syracuse, U-Mass, Purchase). (For various reasons we decided not to pursue the art schools such as RISD, SAIC, MICA, etc.) I guess if it turns out that 99% of the MFA decision is based on the portfolio, then maybe the BFA would be the way to go since that will maximize the time she works on art. But at a ranked MFA program (e.g. Yale, Carnegie Melon, UCLA) is it really 99% about the portfolio? Thanks for any responses.</p>
<p>UAlbanyProf,</p>
<p>IMO, you wouldn’t hurt your MFA chances at all by going to a top tier LAC as a Fine Art major. If that’s what your daughter wants then I would go to as many LAC’s as possible and spend all your time in the art departments (we already know the rest is perfect right?). I would grade them as you might grade a grad program: who would be teaching me, what are the resources like, etc.). Look at as much student work as possible.</p>
<p>My guess is that most of these top LAC’s have very good art departments, certainly good enough to develop talent to an MFA application level.</p>
<p>None of my beeswax but your daughter might also consider adding a dual major in Art History. AH is right in the sweet spot for these LAC’s and that would strengthen her chances when it comes time to apply for grad school.</p>
<p>If her stats are at this level (top LAC) then maybe she could also apply to the MFA targets you mentioned as an undergrad fine arts major. Why not apply to Yale, CMU, and UCLA as an undergrad as well as the LAC’s mentioned?</p>
<p>I would make a minor correction to your assumption: I would say that an applicant’s portfolio would be worth about 80% to 90% of his or her application for MFA programs. Just a guess and of course this would vary greatly depending on the school. GPA matters, who you studied under matters, GRE does NOT matter, and I believe strength of BA/BFA program matters. But all of that might add up to 10 to 20%.</p>
<p>Sorry, this is a little bit of a ramble. I guess my main point is that I wouldn’t be too quick to write off the art depts at the top LAC’s until I had investigated further.</p>
<p>Best,
Wheaty</p>
<p>Wheaty–Many thanks for the very thoughtful reply. We’ll ruminate on all your advice.</p>
<p>I would be curious, if you find out anything about how much/percentage portfolio is weighed in at those top MFA colleges Wheaty mentioned please let us know. I do know that we were told at many Art Schools with liberal arts courses tales of students getting into these programs but I have no idea if this was that common. Especially considering that the art school’s curriculum would leave one lacking in number of credits since they emphasize the art courses so much. So I’ve always wondered what was weighed for those MFA programs.</p>