The graduate curriculum in visual arts is a full-time program with no midyear admissions. Admission to the M.F.A. is based on four criteria: (1) transcripts of previous educational experience, (2) three letters of recommendation, (3) a personal statement of 300 to 500 words on the applicant`s academic and career objectives and his or her creative focus, and (4) a slide portfolio or media documentation.

The last item, the portfolio, is extremely important. It should consist of no more than 10 35-mm slides (no glass mounts) in a slide sheet. Slides should be numbered in the order of viewing and should be marked clearly with the applicant`s name and "top" (viewing direction). Applicants in media- and time-based arts (video, film, and performance) must submit a videotape of no more than 10 minutes that shows the applicant's strongest segment. No original works or carousels should be submitted.

Mail the portfolio directly to the Graduate Director, Department of Visual Arts, Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1959. Portfolios will not be returned unless they include a self-addressed envelope that has sufficient postage for return mailing. The Department of Visual Arts is not responsible for lost or damaged materials.

Applicants are required to submit all of their credentials by the deadline listed on the admissions application or its accompanying literature. Applications are reviewed by the graduate faculty.

Application forms and requests for general information should be addressed to the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 18 Bishop Place, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8530. In addition, applicants may download application forms or apply online at the http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu web site. The telephone number is 732/932-7711.