My son chose Sixth College because of the lack of foreign language requirement!
We did know that UCI had a foreign language requirement. I think my son would have to take one more semester of Italian (or start a different language). He could try for the subject test, but not likely to do well enough. He feels his math disability affects foreign language. Not sure how, but that what he said tonight.
@sbjodorlo,
I know that your DS and my DS are looking at mildly similar programs: game design, computer science, animation, and they have both gotten into the same schools in CA. At first blush, CSUF and CSULB, seem like they would offer more opportunities for your DS because they offer not only good computer sci classes, but also good art and animation (and maybe design?) classes. UCSD ICAM seems very unartsy, undesigny, and researched based, and from what I remember, their arts classes tend to run along the lines of studio art. UCI also has studio art, no real game art or animation, and I don’t think they have much design classes. In fact, the UCI Comp Game design website says that they do their game art in collaboration with LCAD (not even with UCI). So I think that CSUF and CSULB would provide more opportunities to explore the more artsy and design side of things, much more than the UCs.
NEU would frankly be ideal, and would have a good blend of both; the question is if he should be that far from home. We didn’t research Purdue’s program so can’t comment on that.
P.S. My DS was admitted to Sixth in ICAM as well. They are twinsies.
Congratulations to your DS, @YoHoYoHo! Is UCSD in the running? Since your DS applied to it and he is interested in similar majors, what does he think of ICAM? I’ve looked at it over and over trying to understand the focus, and my son is actually waiting for someone to email him back. Just trying to figure out what you do with ICAM. Initially, many months ago, my son didnt really like ICAM because of what you mention-more research based and less hands on. So, it will be interesting to see what the person emails back.
Does your son have a lot of formal art experience? Mine has none.
We do realize tha UCI’s degree is really a CS degree with no art. He says he’s interested in the gamut of game design, from the character and animation development to the technical side of getting the game to do what you want.
So I don’t know that any of the programs are off the table.
CSULB hasn’t given us a f. aid package yet.
Where is your son leaning or is he still waiting on more schools? This is a real challenge, isn’t it? In a good way, though!
Still waiting on more schools. He applied to a ton because we are full pay and are seeking merit aid. My DS path is easier than yours DS because he is much more art focused. Has taken classes in animation, char design, figure drawing etc at art schools, and art school is probably a better fit for him, but I wanted a full range of majors for him to explore so he applied to traditional unis and not art colleges. If he is fully committed to art only, then we could entertain a transfer in the future like @gladiatorbird DS did who is at LCAD…
Before Sr yr, DS wanted to do game design. He did a summer program in game design and the other kids did the programming and DS did the sprites and art assets, so it became more clear to him where his interests were going. But that’s how we know about the game design majors and schools, and so some of the UCs he applied as a game design/comp sci major instead of as an art major, but he’s definitely been running more and more towards art this year.
As for UCSD specifically, DS loves the campus; he did a summer program there. What is not to like? But the ICAM major just seems UGH! He is now trying to tell me that the major doesn’t matter because he will likely change majors, but UCSD is a far swing away from someone who would have loved to go to Cal Arts or Ringling or SVA or LCAD.
That’s nice that he has a lot of experience, so was able to really begin to see what he prefers. I guess you will ultimately do the same thing when all admissions are in-lay it out before him and see what fits best art-wise and financially. That’s really exciting!
I have to wonder what will happen when my son finally takes formal art. He’s a late bloomer so is on a steep learning curve.
@sbjdorlo,
Can you PM me when your DS finds out more about ICAM? Then I’ll pass the info to my DS.
I sure will! I hope they don’t take too long to respond.