I don't know how much advantage there is to applying early. I am starting the UVA MLA program this summer/fall and I applied the day before the deadline. As long as you put sufficient time into your essays and portfolio, I don't think it really matters when you apply. But, yes, there is always the peace of mind factor...I kind of forfeited that by applying when I did.

that is kind of what i figured. Do you mind me asking what your undergraduate was? I will be applying next year with a degree in biochemistry of all things so am curious where other are coming from.

I got my app in just under the wire for LA in 1995... I had to work on my portfolio a lot. I showed my work to Beth Meyer (the head of the program at the time) in September, when I was first considering applying, and I showed it to her again right before the deadline... she gave me a thumbs up the second time around, and apparently kept my portfolio to show to applicants who were not art, environmental design, or architecture majors in college.

I didn't end up going there, and I kick myself everyday. : )

srqmanatee... have you considered pharmacy school? Two years with your background, the academic programs are usually pretty inexpensive compared to MD or LA.

Srsly, I almost went back to school for this - $95K/yr starting salary at Walmart in my area... you an always do landscape design on the side... I f'ed up organic chem, and would have to retake it, though... enough for me : (

Yes, I a little disenchanted, but a PharmD is recession-proof.

Chris

srqmanatee - I went to a liberal arts college and majored in english and art. Since then, I have been working in marketing for a design company so I had quite a few things to put in my portfolio. That said, I did spend a lot of time on the design of the portfolio. At the open house I met other people that had been accepted with undergrad degrees in environmental science and biology. They took a community art course or two so that they'd have some drawings to add to their portfolio.

As for eranthis, I can understand your disillusionment at the moment, but I can assure that it is close to impossible to find a job in any sector. My teacher friends are working as subs, my lawyer friends are living at home. So, srqmanatee, don't let the current climate affect your decision too much.