<p>Hi, I'm a rising high school senior looking at whether to apply to NYU or Barnard to major in art history. I heard NYU's art history program is one of the best in the country but know nothing about Barnard's. However, if I were to apply to NYU, I think I'd apply to Gallatin because I'd also like to study communications/public relations and it's in a different school (Steinhardt vs. Institute of Fine Arts). The reason for this is I want to work in fashion later on and I feel having a background in both would be beneficial. Is it harder to get into Gallatin than it is to other schools? Of course the drawback to Barnard is that it doesn't have a communications or journalism major, so I think I'd double major in art history and english. Also, how are the internship opportunities at either college? Would it be easier to snag fashion internships from Barnard or NYU?
If you know anything about any of these areas, your help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!</p>
<p>Did some more research and figured out that the undergrad program for art history is actually in Tisch, but same situation - different schools. So I’d still apply to Gallatin.</p>
<p>I am a former art history major who ended up, totally by accident, in a 40 year career in the fashion industry. I can answer your question on two fronts: Which colleges are good for art history? Which colleges are good for fashion internships? but it’s hard to reconcile the two.</p>
<p>For art history, assuming you have the credentials for NYU and Barnard, I’d look at Williams, Wesleyan, Hamilton, Vassar, Conn College, Skidmore. If you are female Smith and Bryn Mawr. Brown is also a very good choice because of its access to RISD.</p>
<p>For fashion internships you could not do better than FIT or Parsons. If you want a full service college that is friendly to the fashion industry I’d suggest Vassar or Skidmore. Some of the SUNYs have good programs too, but I’m not so familar with them.</p>
<p>If your choice is solely between NYU and Barnard, then I would give NYU the edge, with or without Gallatin.</p>
<p>There’s really no single direct route to a job in fashion merchandising/marketing.
If you are aggressive, hard working and can demonstrate taste level and personal style, you will be able to secure a fashion industry internship no matter where you go to school or what your major is. Prior experience working in retail, even if it means folding t-shirts at the Gap, is enormously helpful as is style and design focused blogging.</p>
<p>A major concern here would be your financial situation. These colleges cost up to $250K for four years, so make sure you’ve thought that through as well.</p>
<p>Thank you! Your answer was really thorough. My reasoning for having NYU and Barnard as my two main choices is their location in the heart of New York City, not only because of the city’s vast internship & job opportunities, but also because, well, I love NYC and couldn’t think of another place where I’d want to go to college. I am considering Parsons and FIT, but something about them not being full service colleges puts me off. Finances are not an issue for me, so my decision would be based on what would be the best place to jumpstart a career in fashion as well as student life at the school. I think I’m leaning towards NYU. I’m going to take a look at the other colleges you mentioned and consider them for regular decision. Again, thank you so much!</p>
<p>jack, Don’t worry, New York and the fashion business will be there wherever you end up studying. It’s what you do with your summers that counts. </p>
<p>A foundation in art history helps a lot in a design related career. I’ve drawn on it in fashion retailing as has my son in architecture. What I’ve observed about people who are successful in fashion (not in design per se but in merchandising or marketing positions) is that they are intellectually curious across a wide range of topics. So get the best education you can. The rest will fall in place.</p>
<p>Though the environment is the antithesis of New York City (in a good way, actually) Williams is profoundly good for art history, and indirectly – in that you learn how to communicate effectively and make excellent connections – for communications.</p>
<p>I’ll keep that in mind as I continue my college search! Your answer was really helpful so thank you for that. It appears I have to add a few more colleges to the list I plan to visit :P</p>