The 2021 MFA application is available on SlideRoom and can be accessed here: https://meca.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/54770
MECA&D’s community is as diverse and unique as each individual artist within it and each new student adds immeasurably to the vibrancy of our community. Applications are evaluated individually, with consideration given to the strength of the portfolio and academic achievement.
We welcome students to apply by the priority application deadlines stated for each program. Each applicant is considered for merit-based scholarships upon acceptance into the college.
Deadlines for entry in Summer 2021
Full-Tuition Scholarship Deadline: January 22, 2021
Priority Deadline: February 26, 2021
After the priority deadline, we will accept applications on a rolling basis through May 1, 2021 as space permits.
All incoming MFA students must start in June with the summer intensive. We do not offer Fall or Spring admission.
How to Apply to the MFA at MECA&D
To apply for admission to our MFA program, either as a full- or low-residency student, please submit the following to the Admissions Office:
☐ Completed SlideRoom Application
☐ Application Fee
The application fee is $70 for all applicants and is payable by credit card on the SlideRoom application. The application fee is non-refundable.
☐ Letter of Intent
Please submit a letter of intent of approximately 750 words that describes your intended field of exploration. The letter of intent should include an analysis of the applicant’s current work and goals for graduate study. Goals should include a discussion of the work related to material, cultural, and critical contexts. Please upload this letter as a PDF directly to your SlideRoom application.
☐ Curriculum Vitae
Please submit a full curriculum vitae which includes your education, employment history, exhibitions, publications, and honors. You will be asked to upload this as a PDF directly to your SlideRoom application.
☐ Two Letters of Recommendation
Recommendation letters should come from professional and/or educational references who can speak from direct experience about your potential to thrive within a rigorous, cross-disciplinary graduate environment. Letters should address your ability to work independently, to contribute to an intensive learning community, as well as your artistic promise.
On the SlideRoom application, you will enter the names, titles, emails, and phone numbers for two recommenders as well as the nature of your relationship and how long you have known them. SlideRoom will generate an invitation to your recommenders automatically with a link for them to upload their recommendation letter directly to your application.
☐ Official College Transcripts
We require official transcripts from all previously attended undergraduate and graduate institutions. 3.0 minimum GPA is required. Transcripts will be considered official if they are sent by the issuing institution through Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse Transcript Service, or if they arrive to MECA&D in an envelope that is stamped and sealed by the issuing institution.
If your institution is mailing your transcripts, they should be sent to:
Maine College of Art & Design
Attn: Graduate Admissions
522 Congress Street
Portland, ME 04101
Please note: in order to be award federal/state financial aid, we require transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, even if credit was not earned.
☐ Digital Portfolio
Your portfolio should be submitted for review directly on your SlideRoom application. Please submit 15–20 digital images of work, or up to 10 minutes of video.
☐ Additional Application Notes
+ Candidates may be interviewed via Skype by the Admissions Committee. Finalists may be required to make a presentation of their work to the Committee or submit additional written work as requested.
+ Accepted international students must complete and submit the Declaration of Finances (DOF) form to the Admissions office.
☐ International Applicants
For more information, contact admissions@meca.edu or call 207.699.5023
Banner image: Will Jacks, MFA ’20, Hand Prints (detail), Silver Gelatin, 2019