<p>I'm applying to grad schools at the moment, I'm a graphic designer and illustrator, when I off-chance stumbled upon MIT's Media Lab program and I'm very intrigued. I was hoping that perhaps others on CC have applied to the program, or gone through it, or perhaps even had experience with it at the undergrad level.</p>
<p>It seems to be that it's more of a blend of many different kinds of people in the media and design work from programmers, to designers, to electricians, which I really love the concept of. It seems to be more about innovation.</p>
<p>Any experiences from anyone?</p>
<p>Seems interesting. I second katy’s question; I’m curious to hear about experiences as well! :)</p>
<p>Hi katy - </p>
<p>The media lab is probably the coolest place in the world (conservatively speaking). </p>
<p>You’ve got a good read of it. I actually applied to the Media Lab long before I started working as an admissions officer (didn’t get in). </p>
<p>There may be some MIT students who have UROP’d in the Media Lab who could answer questions about it. Or, I’d be happy to try to answer any specific ones you have. Unfortunately, the Media Lab doesn’t offer public tours, otherwise I’d tell you to check it out. </p>
<p>One thing you should know is that the ML looks for technical experience (preferably expertise) in some area. You don’t need to have an engineering degree per se, but everyone has at least programming / machining / etc knowledge. </p>
<p>You might also look at the Comparative Media Studies grad program ([MIT</a> Comparative Media Studies](<a href=“http://cms.mit.edu%5DMIT”>http://cms.mit.edu)), which works with the ML on the Center for Future Civic Media ([MIT</a> Center for Future Civic Media | Innovating civic media tools and practices and testing them in communities](<a href=“http://civic.mit.edu%5DMIT”>http://civic.mit.edu)). </p>
<p>Or, if you really want to work on technologically interesting interactive art stuff, try [ITP</a> | Tisch School of the Arts | NYU](<a href=“http://itp.nyu.edu%5DITP”>http://itp.nyu.edu) in NYC.</p>
<p>Hi Chris and thanks for the reply.</p>
<p>It does seem that it being MIT, that there is more of a science and technology aspect of the media lab. I have an expertise in vector illustration, using such programs as Adobe Illustrator, that I’ve been doing about 10 years now. I suppose what I do is more about 80% superficial with the program, and only about 20% in-depth on the program itself, though the last couple years I’ve become more interested in the other side of it.</p>
<p>I’m not really sure I have any concrete questions, I’ve been looking at alumi websites, trying to get a better idea of just exactly what the media lab strives to create, or work on. Lately I’ve been more interested in the idea of the postmodern/contemporary art era, which has been heavily influenced by technology and social media, and how design and illustration create a bridge, and not just aesthetically, but in how it works as well.</p>
<p>Im not sure if MIT is the fit for me exactly, perhaps I’m just not “there” yet, but I figured I would learn more about it and maybe even apply, because you never know.</p>
<p>Hi Katy - </p>
<p>There is definitely stuff at the ML that would interest you, but to me, what you’re interested in sounds perfect for [ITP</a> | Tisch School of the Arts | NYU](<a href=“http://itp.nyu.edu%5DITP”>http://itp.nyu.edu). </p>
<p>Which is slightly different from the ML, but in their general field the two programs are 1 and 1A.</p>
<p>Thanks for the link. Starting to research grad programs is like opening up a whole new world!</p>
<p>Hey MITChris,</p>
<p>I’ve been interested in interactive technology since I ran into ML two years ago. </p>
<p>Any idea what it takes to get it? Because it’s so expensive to apply, I want to know if I have a decent chance of getting in before I apply, you know?</p>
<p>Also, this is the only place I’ve seen ITP being mentioned. I looked up other college with similar courses and found ITP. Anyone here who has applied to ITP or has a general idea of what is expected in the portfolio? I’m an electronics engineer and I don’t have a artsy portfolio. I have acting, writing and art to my credit.</p>
<p>before I start panicking, Anybody out there with any idea?!?1</p>
<ul>
<li><p>no clue what it takes to get in. </p></li>
<li><p>ITP is awesome but i don’t know what is in the portfolio.</p></li>
</ul>