You will need:

• A completed Graduate Online Application
• Application Fee $75
• 3 Letters of Recommendation are only acceptable when submitted electronically directly from the recommender to the online application
• TOEFL test scores (if applicable)
• Your Personal Statement
• Transcripts
• Project Summary
• Portfolio

Personal Statement (approx 500 words – 1 page)

Use the personal statement to describe your long-term objectives as a socially engaged media maker. You should also explain your reason for pursuing graduate study, and in particular, why Hunter’s IMA-MFA Program is relevant to your creative goals.  The personal statement is your opportunity to give us a sense of who you are, what you’ve done, what inspires you, and what you hope to do. Make your personal statement “personal,” not generic.  We have to read a lot of these, so make sure it specifically reflects your personality and perspective and how these fuel your interest in media making.

Project Summary (approx 500 words – 1 page)

Describe a media project you could envision making in the IMA-MFA Program. What medium/s is it? How might you present the work, as a film, a website, an audio piece, an installation, or in another form? What is it about? What inspired it? How does your past work inform your approach to this imagined project?  In what ways would the piece reflect your personal approach or connection to the material? Be specific about the details of your idea.

Portfolio Cover Sheet

Important Note: You can’t put embedded links in the pdf for the application. For some reason the application software doesn’t allow us to click on them. Put the full URL for all links and make them linkable/clickable. Your portfolio submission contains examples of your creative work on which you had creative control or a significant creative role.  We recommend submitting between three and ten projects in your portfolio. Creative work can include films, audio, interactive web, interactive installations, photo series, documentation of performance, etc. Each project you submit should tell a story of some kind.

The preferred format for submission of the portfolio is via what we call a Portfolio Cover sheet which is simply a document where you’d list the projects you’re presenting. You’d put the title of the project, the direct link to where it lives online (YouTube, Vimeo, Soundcloud, a page on your website, google drive, etc.) *And full URL only, no embedded links And then below the link, you’d describe the project and story behind it in a paragraph. And if it’s a collaboration, your specific role. When relevant, include information about the project history and future plans. Make sure the link continues to work and that your portfolio remains accessible throughout the application review period (through May).

Example:

1. Project Title

URL link to project

A paragraph describing the project (what is the story, what is the deeper meaning, what inspired it, what was your role if a collaboration, running time if applicable)

2. Project Title

URL link to project

A paragraph describing the project (what is the story, what is the deeper meaning, what inspired it, what was your role if a collaboration, running time if applicable)

FAQ – ADMISSIONS

Can I apply for spring admission?
Possibly.  Generally students are accepted for fall semester enrollment only, though you could take a class or two as a non-degree/non-matric student in the spring semester and there are some instances where you could apply for a Spring semester start. Contact the program coordinator to learn more: imamfaassistant@gmail.com

Can I visit the program?
Yes. First we like to meet with you individually via zoom to hear more about your interest in the program and we can answer any questions you might have about IMA and the application. Contact the program coordinator to learn more: imamfaassistant@gmail.com. During the zoom meeting we can talk about observing a class and visiting. Prospective students are also welcome at program events like Thesis Shows, visiting artist events and workshops. Please email the Program Coordinator, Natalie Conn, to set up a meeting at: imamfaassistant@gmail.com

When do I have to decide whether to accept the offer?
We expect accepted students to inform us by the date provided in their acceptance email whether or not they intend to enroll in the program.  This deadline enables us to offer any available spaces to applicants on the waiting list in a timely manner.

Can I defer my admission?
It’s possible to defer one semester or one year if needed, contact the program coordinator with any questions at: imamfaassistant@gmail.com