Applying to the MFA Program in Photography and Film

Evaluation Criteria

Decisions for admission are based on the following criteria:

• A highly accomplished portfolio of artwork

• A clear and well-developed artist statement

• Transcript evidence of success in academic coursework at the undergraduate level
  
  
• Personal Recommendations

• Personal Interview (finalists only)

Application Deadline

January 15 to be considered for University Graduate School Fellowship and financial support.

February 15 to be considered for teaching assistantships, working fellowships and scholarships.

Acceptance notification will occur in early April.

Application Submittal Process

Step 1:

• Complete a VCU Graduate School Online Application:
  Please fill out the VCU Graduate School online application at http://www.vcu.edu/graduate/ps/apply_options.html
  
  
• International students please follow the directions for applying at
  http://www.vcu.edu/graduate/ps/apply_international.html
  
  International students please note:
  To be considered for direct entry, a TOEFL score of 600 (250 or better for computer-based exams), or IELTS score 7 is required. Applicants with a score of 550 – 600 (213 – 250 for computer-based exams) or IELTS 6.0 – 6.5 may be admitted provisionally with an English language deficiency. If approved by the Department Chair, these students can take English language classes at VCU in the summer before academic enrollment. Pending successful completion of the ELP requirements, these students may enroll in Fall classes.
  
  Applicants with a TOEFL score below 550 (213 for computer-based exams), or IELTS score below 6.0 will not be considered.
  
  Submit Portfolio, Documentation list, Resume, and S.A.S.E. (only if submitting slides) materials for your application directly to:

  
  
  The Office of International Admissions
  Virginia Commonwealth University
  P. O. Box 843043, Richmond, VA 23284-3043
  U.S.A.
  

  Careful compliance with application instructions will insure the proper viewing of your     materials.

Step 2:

Submit the following:

1. Portfolio :

• Submit 20 still images
  
  OR
  
  
• a minimum of three recent films or videos for which the applicant has had primary responsibility in production
  
  OR
  
  
• a combination of still images and short video clips, not to exceed 20. Single media as well as mixed media and multimedia works may be submitted.

Portfolios can be submitted online through the School of Arts Portfolio System at http://app.art.vcu.edu/portfolio/login.php or through the mail.

If mailing the portfolio, the following formats are accepted: slide transparency, CD, and DVD. Mail to the following address:

Melanie A. Christian
Graduate Coordinator
Virginia Commonwealth University
Pollak Building Room 201
School of the Arts
325 N. Harrison St.
PO Box 842519
Richmond, VA 23284 USA

Portfolio Formats

Digital Files (if submitted on-line)

• Image:
  Jpeg format only (Quality 12), max 1280 pixel height x 1024 pixel width at 72 dpi; file size no larger than 4.0 MB per image
  
  
• Video:
  All videos must be formatted in MPEG4 using the H.264 codec at 640x480 pixels with MP3 audio or 48k AIF. Limit the size of your video to 100 MB. Video files should be no longer than three minutes in length.

Please include information identifying each numbered image or clip with the following: title, date, size, materials (be specific) and any additional information to help us understand the nature of what you are presenting. The on-line application form includes space for this information.

A student may submit a website link in addition to the main portfolio for possible review.  Please keep in mind that evaluation of the website is not guaranteed nor a substitute for submittal of the required portfolio.

Please do not submit a portfolio as a Power Point or Keynote slideshow.

Digital Files (if mailed as DVDs or CDs)

• CDs or DVDs may be submitted for still images, film, video art, video installation, performance or interactive web-based work.
  
  
• Follow the same format and file specifications as the online digital file preparation guidelines, as listed above. Please also provide a printed documentation list identifying each numbered image or clip with the following: title, date, size, materials (be specific) and any additional information to help us understand the nature of what you are presenting.

Slide Transparencies (mailed)

• Include 20 slides, numbered 1 through 20.
  
  
• Also provide a printed documentation list identifying each numbered image with the following: title, date, size, materials (be specific) and any additional information to help us understand the nature of what you are presenting.

2. Artist Statement

Write a three to four paragraphs artist statement that directly places the work being reviewed within the context of contemporary art practice, art history and critical theory. This replaces the "Personal Statement" required on the VCU Graduate Application form. Submit the statement with the on-line application or mail directly to VCU School of Arts, Dean’s Office at the address above.

3. Letters of Reference

Applicants are responsible for securing three letters of reference from persons who are qualified to write about the potential for success in the V.C.U. Photography and Film M.F.A. program.  If you are currently a student or a recent graduate, it is strongly suggested that the letters of recommendation come from faculty or practitioners in the arts. Delivery of letters via e-mail, directly from the recommender, is preferred but not required. Letters e-mailed from the applicant will not be accepted. E-mail letters to photofilm@vcu.edu. Hand mailed letters should be sent to VCU School of Arts,Dean’s Office at the address above.

4. Official Transcripts

The graduate program requires 36 term hour credits in studio art at the undergraduate level with a minimum of nine term hour credits concentrating in photography or cinematography. However, applicants who do not meet these requirements will be considered.

All applicants (even if submitting an online portfolio) must submit two copies of official transcripts from all higher education institutions previously attended.

Official transcripts should be mailed directly to the following address:

 
VCU Graduate Admissions
 PO Box 843051
 Richmond, VA 23284-3051

5. Interview

The admissions process is highly selective and requires a personal interview on campus or by phone for those candidates who have been recommended as finalists for consideration of acceptance. During the personal interview, the department will determine if your interests, experience, and abilities would be best served by the Photography and Film M.F.A program. At the same time, an applicant will have an opportunity to ask questions in order to assess the program’s suitability in relation to personal artistic and educational goals.

 Campus Visit

All applicants, especially finalists, are encouraged to visit the campus for a tour of the facilities and to meet with a departmental representative. Please make an appointment by e-mailing the department at photofilm@vcu.edu.

Application Checklist

1.   Online Admission Application and application fee.
   
   
2.   Three letters of reference (must be e-mailed or mailed to VCU School of Arts, Dean’s Office at the address above)
   
   
3.   Two official transcripts from each college or university previously attended (must be mailed directly to the VCU Graduate School at the address above)
   
   
4.   Artist’s statement (submitted online or mailed directly to VCU School of Arts, Dean’s Office at the address above)
   
   
5.   Portfolio (submitted online or mailed directly to VCU School of Arts, Dean’s Office at the address above)
   
   
6.   Image/video clip list and description (submitted online or mailed directly to VCU School of Arts, Dean’s Office at the address above)
   
   
7.   Self addressed stamped envelope for return of slides (only). No slides will be returned without a S.A.S.E

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