Art school or traditional college?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I am a current college student at a community college who is looking to transfer for the 2011 academic year. I don't know which schools to apply for, though. I am debating b/w applying to some art colleges or to a traditional college. I am having problems finding traditional schools with the majors I want - photography, media studies, and advertising.</p>

<p>My dilemma is that while the two traditional schools I was considering, MSU and U of M, would be cheaper (I'm from MI), they either don't offer the programs I want, or are not very strong in them.</p>

<p>The two art schools that I've liked so far - Parson's and the San Francisco Art Institute - have more of the programs that I want but are very expensive. I was looking to spend under 20k per year on tuition, but these schools range from 30-35k. Is is worth having substantial loans for undergrad school?</p>

<p>And another downside is, though I've done two yrs community college, in art school, my credits may equate to only one year, or possibly, no transfer of credit at all.</p>

<p>At the same time, I have been thinking of maybe majoring in English - I have always wanted to write for entertainment mags, but to me, photo/film/media seems more exciting. Majoring in English, I could go the traditional school route. However, I think that having a degree in some kind of media would give me more career options in the things that I'm most interested in.</p>

<p>Does anyone have any advice for me?</p>

2

<p>I would go to Michigan and go to an Art school for your MFA.</p>

3

<p>Since you aren’t completely decided about your career path, MSU or U of M would be better choices than an Art school. You can do a double major, or just a minor in media, if you want to.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

4

<p>^Exactly. Go for a traditional college. Art school is only for people who are 104% sure that they want to do nothing but art.</p>

5

<p>Have you visited the art school at Michigan? My daughter loves it there. I am not sure about transfer issues, but there are programs that let you get a BFA or a BA or a joint degree. You get to study art and design, but also have the university experience. You should take a tour, and talk to administrators and get a feel for what is offered.</p>