2 Comments
Feb 17Liked by sofía aguilar

I was just rejected from my dream MFA program (in art practice). I just had the realization yesterday that I may not get in anywhere that I applied.

I feel for you. It’s a strange bittersweet feeling. I can’t stand the optimistic advise that my parents/ friends are giving me. “Your portfolio is so strong… you’re so talented… I can’t believe they didn’t accept you.” etc… I really wish people would stop calling me talented. It is such a cheap compliment. It is more flattering if people would engage with my work. I’m pursuing art because it is what I love to do… it is how I want to spend my life…

Also, I feel terrible like I let down my recommenders. Yet, I have a strange happiness. People cheering me up has the opposite effect of compelling me to feel sad. But I’m not sad. Getting rejected is refreshing insofar as I’m finally receiving an honest evaluation. I need to confront reality and deal with the fact that my work is disparate and I don’t have much professional experience… Getting rejected has made me even more determined to dig in and defend my choice to be an artist.

It was cathartic to read your post. I hope that you were able to develop and refine your craft despite not being at an MFA.

How are things after a year?

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