Hello all,
I’m a high school junior looking into my college choices. I’ve done some research and I’m looking in to several schools, but I’d like to get some outside opinions because my parents and family really know next to nothing about my chosen major.
I’m looking into majoring in either animation or illustration, and if applicable I would like to minor in equine studies, although that is not mandatory in my college search.
Preferably, I’d like to get into a traditional school rather than an art school so I have a bit of room to change my major if needed, but so far my major choice is pretty firm.
I’d also like to have access to a good, solid equestrian team that I can ride for and progress with. A club team would be okay, but I’d prefer a varsity team.
The problems I’ve run into with looking at some colleges with both of these factors is accreditation. Schools like SCAD don’t seem to have a good reputation in the arts industry, although it would fit my needs fairly well.
Academically, my unweighted GPA is 4.0 (weighted is 4.22) and I scored a 29 on my ACT. Straight-A student and involved in NHS, volunteer work, acting, and horseback riding, so pretty well-rounded.
I’m looking for a school that will challenge me, has at least a decent reputation and won’t get me thought of as a joke in future job pursuits, and hopefully an equestrian program to be involved in. Money is not a huge issue, but obviously, the less expensive and more options for scholarships, the better! I Live in Oklahoma, but am more than willing to go out-of-state.
Thanks in advance for any helpful insight and tips! Anything is better than nothing, let me know about any schools close to fitting my list.
Auburn has an award winning equestrian team http://www.auburntigers.com/sports/w-equest/aub-w-equest-body.html
And a graphic design program http://bulletin.auburn.edu/undergraduate/collegeofarchitecturedesignandconstruction/industrialandgraphicdesign/graphicdesign_major/
As an Auburn graduate I can attest that no one has ever thought of my degree and education as a joke. My degree has always been well respected. I have an interior design degree from the College of Architecture, Design, and Construction.
The Ivies have equestrian teams.
Stanford is located on a racehorse “farm”.
Auburn is a good suggestion.
You might also look at Cornell’s Department of Animal Science and its Department of Art. Both are strong programs; however you’d have to ask them about minors or double majors as they are two different schools within the university.
Skidmore which is in Saratoga Springs, according to its website, “boasts one of the nation’s top intercollegiate riding programs.” Also a strong art department.
Some others to look at for equestrian teams or clubs and good art departments are Hamilton, Williams, Vassar, Kenyon. Smith and Mt. Holyoke if you are female.
You should retake the ACT to try to get your score up a bit. Or try the SAT.
Thank you all for your suggestions! I will definitely look in to those schools. And @momrath , I plan on retaking the ACT and also taking the SAT this fall. I’m hoping to get the score up at least to a 30, so that should help me in my decisions. Thank you.