<p>Hi, im a high school senior about to enter college this fall. Because i got rejected from my dream school, I'm planning on attending a different college and transferring in two years. However, I'm stuck between Art Institute of San Fran and Academy of Art University. I'm getting so many mixed reviews on both schools that i just can't seem to choose. I get that AAU has sort of a bad rap because so many people drop out, but it's apparently the only college that participates in fashion week, a huge plus for someone planning on majoring in fashion design. On the other hand, AI is also apparently bad because it's education is sub-par, but my sister insists that i go because i got in when their acceptance rate is ~32%. I also want to minor in Culinary arts, and the AI system is the only college that provides both majors in one school. The reason im so torn is that i can't figure out which would be better as a transfer school, since i am set on transferring to RISD my junior year. </p>
<p>Also, my family is lower-middle class; high enough that i don't have financial aid raining down on me, but low enough that my parents have made it plain they can't support my college career. at this point, im so scared of being in debt until my forties that im sort of leaning towards a gap year to raise money. But then if i did take a gap year, i'd be forfeiting any scholarships i receive because most of them require me to prove im attending college this coming fall. </p>
<p>I've always wanted to live in a dorm, but neither have dorms, just school appointed apartments. AI doesn't even have a meal plan, but AAU's rooms are apparently a bit on the dirty side...</p>
<p>I know this is very rant-y and panicked, but I have two months of school left, and then I'm an official graduate. </p>
<p>really, i just want a straight answer i know most can't give me; if i'm planning on transferring, which school is better for me to attend my first two years? or should i just take a gap year? or just flunk and be a super senior- because that's how desperate and confused i am.</p>