<p>a friend of my daughters approached me for some guidance. He graduated in June, but was uncertain whether or not he wanted to go to college so he took the year off. He has decided that he wants to go to college. He had an 89 HS average and got 1110 on the SAT (Verbal/Math). He is interested primarily in arts/film. Also has an interest in taking some courses in astronomy.
He would like access to a mid or large city (not necessarily in the city) that has a decent arts community.
He is of Guatamalean heritage, but was adopted and raised in a Jewish family. He does identify with both cultures.
His father passed away a number of years ago and the family does not have a lot of financial resources.
He is aware of the instate SUNY choices available, but is looking to broaden his selection.
Any ideas?
Thanks.</p>
<p>If he is in NY State then SUNY (or CUNY) is probably the best choice financially. Hunter College and Brooklyn College in NYC I think have good art programs, and SUNY New Paltz and SUNY Purchase are also excellent. I’m not sure about GPA requirements at SVA but that may be another option. Out of NY State maybe try Columbia College in Chicago.</p>
<p>holliesue, is he able to take some art or film-production classes this year which would help him put together a portfolio? I’m not familiar with affordable east coast schools, but if he is a really gifted artist, he should check out Cooper Union which is tuition-free I believe. The portfolio is quite specific, so he should look over the requirements. I think bears&dogs is our resident expert on CU, so perhaps she can give more info if this is realistic. :)</p>
<p>Is he in the city graduated public HS?
if so, he can still make it to the portfolio review on this Saturday, for Saturday program portfolio prep class. It takes kids less experienced and post grads but show “potential”
Cooper’s web info is lax, you might want to call up and confirm time and place for sure.
[The</a> Cooper Union Saturday Program ? Free Art Classes for High School Students in New York City](<a href=“http://www.saturdayoutreach.org/temp/saturday_howtoapply.html]The”>http://www.saturdayoutreach.org/temp/saturday_howtoapply.html)
He can also apply to other classes that do not require portfolio review.
Better hurry, first come first served.</p>
<p>If he can commute = either went to city schools or suburbs, and bit more advanced and has good idea/works to show, try Outreach.
But I am not sure if they’d take post grad kids.
Again, you want to call up and make sure info on the web is correct.
[The</a> Cooper Union Outreach Program ? Free Art Classes for High School Students in New York City](<a href=“http://www.saturdayoutreach.org/outreach/apply]The”>http://www.saturdayoutreach.org/outreach/apply)</p>
<p>If he can get into ^ either of these, good chance he is on the OK track for Cooper.
He should look around and see if kids/ works are his kind of thing. It is either you get it or you don’t.</p>
<p>Since his heritage is interesting, small LACs that has astronomy and good art dept. that wants to bump diversity might want to give good aid.
His grades and scores are bit low but you never know.
Hampshire, Skidmore, I am sure there are many I can’t think top of my head, could be easier/cheaper than SUNYs depending on what family can afford.</p>
<p>Far as I know, Purchase film is more complicated and hard to get in, art is easier.
for art, try NPD at Purchase. Sat, Nov 12, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
I guess private art schools are not an option because of finance?
If he is an extraordinary artist, it might happen.</p>
<p>CUNYs are hard ones. cheap if you can commute but before you get to do fun stuff, so much gen ed and giant sized classes sometimes remedial of HS works to get it over with.
Most innercity kids I knew who went this route either dropped out or took time off (forever) before get to choose major.</p>
<p>It all depends what kind of artist and learner he is.
Why didn’t he think he want to go to college?
Is it money or something else?
the answer to that^ might be a good indicator what kind of environment is best for him.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t completely discount the private schools. If there is not a lot of family income, many of them can offer a nice financial package that can make them even more affordable than some of the state schools which are hurting for finances these days. Grade wise: how about Emerson in Boston, UT-Austin in Texas, Grand Valley State in Michigan, Colorado College, Drexel and Temple in Philadelphia. Those all might be good choices. If they haven’t done a Financial aid calculator, the College Board Website has a good one.</p>
<p>thanks for the suggestions!</p>