So far so good with my uni applications. I applied to Newcastle, Leeds, Brookes and Nottingham Trent all for fine art, and Bristol UWE for a drawing and print course. I received interview/Eportfolio requests from all of them which I was pleased with. However, I did not send an Eportfolio off to Newcastle as they wanted one very prematurely and I wasn’t ready or all together too fussed about going there so that was one crossed off the list fairly early on.
My next thing after that was my interview at Bristol UWE. I drove to Bristol by myself and arrived early enough to have a short wonder around the city which was nice as I’ve never been to Bristol before, then I had a tour around the uni/Bower Ashton (their art centre), and I was really impressed, the facilities were so nice and up to date, with countless print rooms all for something different. My actual interview was very chilled and not stressful at all, and at the end the interviewer told me that although they’re not meant to tell you on the day, that I had got in which was great as it’s one of my top choices, so a big fat weight was lifted off my shoulders as I knew I was sorted for next year. I phoned my mum and told her and at the end of our conversation she asked me if I was going to cancel all my other interviews, which I thought about for a minute and realised that no I wasn’t going to do that as I haven’t actually looked around any of the other places I’ve got interviews with so am not in the position to make an informed decision about that, especially as Leeds was sort of on par with Bristol UWE in that I’m quite interested in going there. I did however cancel my Brookes interview as I’m sure that having gotten into Bristol I won’t be going here next year as I want to experience as many places as possible in my life, thus a move to a new city such as Bristol or Leeds is more desirable to me than staying in Oxford.
My next interview is with Nottingham Trent on the 20th Feb (during half term). I plan to drive myself there the night before and stay with a friend then go to my interview the next day. Nottingham Trent is another that I’m not too fussed about going to I don’t think, but again, I haven’t actually looked around there so I’m not going to make any rash decisions and still go along to my interview…despite the 3hr drive…
My last interview is with Leeds on the 7th march, luckily they’ve asked for an Eportfolio in advance so you don’t have to bring your whole portfolio, just 4 good quality images of your work, to the interview. This is a relief for me as I’ll have to get the train to Leeds, and from previous experience last year, I know that lugging my full portfolio about on the tube and train all the way up to Leeds is not fun at all. I recon I’ll be more nervous for this interview than the Bristol one as I think Leeds are more selective and academic than Bristol for their art course so theres a strong chance they’re going to ask bitchy stuck up art questions. But oh well I’m sure I’ll be able to bullshit my way through somehow…!
(post updated 10th march 2019)
I think I’ve come to a decision, and it is that I’m going to accept my unconditional at Bristol. After my Leeds interview I’m pretty sure that I don’t want to go there. This is because the course doesn’t seem right for me as 40% of your whole overall grade is based on a more academic side which I’m sure is great for some people, but not for me (and no it’s not because I’m dyslexic- that’s not the problem although many people might assume it is), it’s purely because I want to do an art course in order to be physically creative most of the time. I know that all courses have some form of academic basis, for which I’m pleased because I do believe being taught history of art or cultural studies etc whilst doing a fine art degree is important, just not 40% important. Furthermore Leeds’ course has more of a foundation feel for first year and seeing as I will have already completed my foundation year, this to me will feel tedious, and then for second and third they just let you go and tell give you no project briefs or anything which again, works well for some people, however, not for me. So seeing as I loved Bristol and their facilities, it looks like that’s where I’m headed for next year!
Ophelia Bate 