Hi guys! I am currently a high school senior who is applying to UCLA’s DMA program for Fall 2016. I was wondering if any of you have are in this program right now and could give me some insights into this major. For instance, what is the most important factor when it comes to admission for this program? what type of work did you include in your portfolio? what were your GPA, SAT scores, extracurriculars, etc… This will be extremely helpful!! Thank you all!!
Besides the admission process, etc. What jobs can this major lead to after graduation?
Also, does the DESMA program require an artist statement as part of its admission requirement? I do not see that in the supplemental worksheet, but some threads that I’ve seen on CC say that they had to write another personal statement on top of the 2 UC app mandatory personal statements.
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Hi! I am currently a student in the program. As far as submissions go, the weirder the better. I would say the department stresses concept and intent over skill. If possible, try to avoid submitting traditional 2D art. Submit games, animations, things you built, etc. Internet art is a big thing in the department. Google “vaporwave” for inspiration on this front.
No artist statement, only the 2 essays you have to write to be accepted to UCLA anyway. I suppose you could use this as an artist’s statement if you wanted to…
I transferred, so I didn’t submit SATS, but the department cares about your PORTFOLIO over everything. If you have a 3.0 and an outstanding portfolio, they will admit you.
As far as jobs go…welp, it’s an art program. It is what you make it. It will not train you to be an animator or a graphic designer, but it will allow you to become those things if you want to. You have to put in a lot of work and direct yourself towards where you see yourself in the future. Some people go on to become professional artists, work for tech companies, UI Design, animate, make games, make movies, etc. It’s up to you.
Hope this helps.
@hillcleary Thank you so so so much for the input!! Extremely helpful and great insight into the program!! The program sounds amazing and seems like a great fit for me as I love conceptual art as well as combining art with technology!! I am also very glad to hear that the department stresses more on portfolio than it does with GPAs and SATs(my stats are below avg.). By the way, is there any way I can contact you so that I could show you some of my works and have you critique them? Thank you so much again!!
@hillcleary oh yeah, do you know if undergraduate applicants to this department will be requested for letters of recommendation (I know UCs don’t ask for LOR, but perhaps this certain department does?) or does it vary from person to person?