<p>So I'm trying to narrow down my list of schools to apply to/visit because right now I have a lot and I keep adding more. The major I want to pursue is Graphic design with either a minor in photography or advertising or even both. So far I have
SVA
NYU
Penn State
Carnegie Mellion
University of Delaware
Boston University
Northeastern University
MICA
North Carolina State University
Virginia Commonwealth University
SCAD (most likely Atlanta)
Full Sail
Ringling College of Art and Design</p>
<p>I just want to know if there's any that shout "no way" or "absolutely!". Also any other schools whose program has a great reputation would be helpful as well.
As you can see I would prefer to stay on the East Coast but other than that no restrictions besides credibility and reputation. I have a 3.6 unweighted GPA and it looks like my SATs are going to be between 1700-1900.
Any opinions are welcome!</p>
<p>The best thing I can say is that if/when you tour, make sure you go in to the design building and peak around at the facilities and work. Also just simply searching for student work online helps. </p>
<p>For me, walking through BU’s department hurt it’s rank on my list while going through Northeastern’s helped. However BU offers a CFA/CAS dual degree that Northeastern doesn’t (though they have co-op)</p>
<p>Check out student work. See if you feel it’s something you’d already be able to do now without their instruction, then you’ll know if the school isn’t right for you.</p>
<p>And like @future said, the tour really helps a lot. MICA is a top notch art school. Check them out then the others and compare. Alumni network in the arts is important too. A small department equals fewer alumni.</p>
<p>The best program is the school that is the best fit for you. If you are interested in photography, then you absolutely must put RIT on your list.</p>
<p>Ringling College of Art and Design. A definite yes. Just looking at the work that is produced there should convince you. 65 ADDYs in 2012. But expensive. Check out job stats. (not sure about photography if that’s your concentration but yes to anything else–especially graphic arts/CA/gaming). Portfolio is the most important criteria for admission.</p>
<p>Full Sail–uh…no. A tour here is flashy to say the least. (I’ve been) They do have nice film studios and equipment. and a very hard sell. But the tour was fun if you happen to be in the area. But don’t go out of your way.</p>
<p>SCAD–not real impressed when we visited a few years back (Savannah). Very spread out campus-wise.</p>
<p>Simply put, I wasn’t impressed with the quality of work I saw at BU.
Looking at work they had hung up on the walls throughout the CFA building, I felt as though I was already at/beyond that level. </p>
<p>At Northeastern I was much more impressed with the work and felt it was above my current skill sets, plus the co-op program is just a fantastic opportunity (also I just got my acceptance letter so that always helps!)</p>
<p>I want to grow as a designer and be challenged, and BU didn’t seem like it would provide that to me when compared to Northeastern, SMFA, or RISD. </p>
<p>I’m still applying to BU because of the CFA/CAS dual degree program, their theatre department, and because I’m very fixed on winding up in the Boston/Providence area. However touring the facilities and seeing the quality of student work really affected its ranking in my mind. </p>
<p>Forgot to mention as well that an easy way to see student work is simply to search the college on Behance, usually lots of projects from students should pop right up.</p>
<p>You have a good list, and I agree with taxguy on the schools to add. Full Sail is the school you should be running away from. If you do a thread search on them, you will see most people on this board have the same opinion. Be careful - they can be VERY pushy. My D is a junior at MCAD and they are still sending her info on upcoming tuition rates. They just don’t give up.</p>
<p>The Full Sail visit is like going to a time-share sales pitch. VERY hard sell. TODAY ONLY! SIGN UP NOW! The program appeals to some because supposedly you can get through at your own pace. and Very expensive. Their biggest sales pitch is on the equipment they have. I do know a film student who went there who seems to be doing well, but nevertheless there were still probably better alternatives. They are not an art school by any means. Future poster mentioned “Did the work show quality above my current skill set?” as a good question to ask yourself. I think that is excellent advice to judge any school. I don’t think that answer would be yes for a majority of FS students.
Ringling OTOH is an ART school. Art schools (and there are many good ones) teach you ART. Art first (core classes), then your field (or side by side). They will work on the basic skills (and advanced ones!) to make you much better than when you entered. This basic skill building is something FS lacks in its attempt to get you through as fast as possible. The industry likes to hire from top art schools simply because they turn out a better product.
It’s great that you’re going to Ringling’s pre-college. It’s a lot of work but fun. The main advantage is that it helps cement your desire to become an artist and helps define what area you may want to concentrate. And your art ability should increase even in the short amount of time (I know my D’s did!) Does it help with admission? Ringling is a portfolio based admission. My D’s portfolio was much better by the time she applied if that helps.</p>
<p>Check out the career services at the colleges too. Ringling’s I know is VERY good.
See if you can find out which companies visit for hiring purposes. That can be very telling.</p>
<p>Wow thank you all so much. I’m in NJ so Full Sail is quite a haul from here but now I know I don’t need to visit. And to taxman RIT is too far north for my taste (too cold!), and as good as Cincinnati sounds it’s too far west (looking to stay on the east coast). I was going to consider Pratt but I’m not sure my portfolio is strong enough. I’ll look into it more now.</p>
<p>Also, does anyone happen to know anything about Penn State’s program?</p>
<p>mhodge, Although I appreciate your concerns, are you going to let yourself be talked out of good schools simply because of geography? Too me, I would want the best school that offers the best training and contacts. Weather and location be damned (within reason). However, it is your life. Just consider this carefully!</p>
<p>Well location is important to me. One because of distance from home, two because of weather (yes I really do hate when its bleak and cold most of the year), and also because I’m really set on staying on the east coast so opportunities in New York, Boston, Atlanta, and even Philadelphia are close at hand. I know there’s Chicago and the other Midwest cities but these are the cities I hope to one day have a job in. But I appreciate your imput greatly (I really do it’s very helpful!) And this whole website is very helpful overall thank you guys.</p>
<p>Feel free to keep contributing to this feed the more information the easier my search!(:</p>
<p>Sorry to high jack the thread. Any good west coast schools for graphic design? D is seeking a four year degree from “not an art school” She’s looking for more of a “graphics / communications” type program. Any ideas? To those who Are “accepted attending” , what helped on your app? She has a strong high school GPA with honors classes plus 3 years studio Art, 1 year photo. 1 year Digital Design.</p>