Choosing Classes for Senior Year HS: Interested in ID

College Majors Visual Arts and Film Majors
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<p>I'm currently a high school junior in California and need to pick classes for my senior year. I'm interested in industrial/product design and was thinking of picking classes that would help me. </p>

<p>Here's my edited college list now: CCA, Art Center College (Pasadena), Brown University dual with RISD, UC Davis, University of Cincinnati DAAP, College of Creative Studies, University of Michigan, San Jose State, Washington University in St. Louis, Pratt, and SCAD. </p>

<p>Right now I'm deciding if I should take AP Physics or Multimedia. Physics is a two-period class; If I take Multimedia, then I would go home earlier and have more time for classes/portfolio work etc. </p>

<p>What classes are helpful/recommended? I meet all the recommendeds for the schools listed above. </p>

<p>Next years class list: AP Stats, English 4, Art 2, AP Gov/Econ, AP Physics OR Multimedia OR other elective. </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

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<p>OK Chicken Wang…these are the issues to consider. What are your top choices? Are you dreaming of Brown and Wash U? If so the AP Physics class will show that you go for the most challenging curriculum. But you bring up a good point about having more time for other classes and most especially for working on your portfolio. And think of your GPA. Will that Physics class bring it down? </p>

<p>Where are you at with your portfolio at this point? Will you be taking a summer program in ID or art? If so you should have some work for you portfolio out of that. But will you need the time and energy to do more next fall?</p>

<p>Really what I want to tell you is, listen to your heart…to your gut feeling. Where is your curiosity, your passion? You have a broad range of schools there. Art Center might not even consider you if you do not have a strong ID portfolio already. Many of the other schools will want a portfolio showing a broad range of work. Some don’t even look at portfolios.</p>

<p>Have you started visiting schools? Have you considered going to a National Portfolio Day to get feedback from some of the schools you are interested in? </p>

<p>I know I’m rambling and bringing up more than you even asked but it has been a long day. I’ll check in with you tomorrow</p>

<p>PS My son is doing ID at RISD. If you want to know more about that and his college search experience PM me.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the reply drae. </p>

<p>Right now my top schools seem to be U of Cincinnati, San Jose State, WUSTL. But really I need to figure this out and narrow it down somehow (or at least find my tops) anyway to go about this?</p>

<p>If I took the class I believe I would get an A. </p>

<p>Right now I don’t have anything for my portfolio. I have one sculpture and working on making a lamp, but that’s it for now. Just got a sketchbook to start on. I’m planning on attending some sort of summer program but don’t know where as I have a leadership camp during the summer which will take up some time. </p>

<p>But a boot camp, 1-2 week camp would work well. I’m in the Bay Area in California.</p>

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<p>I suggest checking out Carnegie Mellon’s ID program. They offer a supplemental “design assignment” to complete for those who haven’t had a chance to develop a large portfolio of work.</p>

<p>Now that I think about it - WUSTL does not have ID as a major.</p>

<p>UofC/DAAP does not require a portfolio. Sounds like your grades and stats are strong enough to get you in there no matter what courses you take.
Don’t know much about San Jose State…don’t think you need a portfolio but I would check.</p>

<p>Since you are in the Bay area you could look into CCA for their sumer ID program. I am pretty sure they structure it so you have a drawing class part of the day and an ID studio class the rest of the day, so you would get some good experience. If you do want to apply to schools that need a portfolio you will need more work. And not just ID. For most you will have to show observational drawing. RISD gives a drawing assignment to submit in addition to the portfolio.</p>

<p>If CCA’s summer program is too long for you I do believe some of the midwest schools have shorter ones. Can’t remember specifics off the top of my head</p>

<p>What kinds of assignments will you have if you took that multimedia class. Maybe that’s a way to get some portfolio pieces finished during school hours.</p>

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<p>I’d go with the lighter load, so you can work on your portfolio more. </p>

<p>With UC/DAAP as a strong interest, assuming you have the grades (ID admits at DAAP typically have these stats, or better: GPA: 3.617 – 4.000, ACT: 27 - 31, SAT: 1230 – 1370, Average Class Rank: Top 18.8%–these are middle 50% accepted stats)–then you have one pretty solid ‘likely’ (and it is a fantastic program).</p>

<p>Having time to develop your portfolio would help you get some other options to compare DAAP to. With top grades and a solid portfolio, you are positioned to get nice merit scholarship from SCAD and maybe CCS (I don’t know how much $$ they give out, but I know several students who got nice money from SCAD for their grades. </p>

<p>Is money a consideration? I always encourage students to also look at what their family can pay and to investigate that angle too–it may help you focus some of your energies to certain schools, if money is an issue.</p>

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<p>My GPA is looking to be around 3.8-4.0 by the end of senior year. My SAT has been around ~2250, will wait for results next week. I’m 90th percentile in class as of right now. </p>

<p>I hope that I will have more choices than just UC/DAAP, though I really like their program as of now. And it’s ranked #1 in industrial design by DI, probably have no chance of going to Art Center. </p>

<p>As of now, no, money is not an issue; as long as it’s the school that has what I love/want to pursue.</p>

<p>I’ve been talking to UC/DAAP professors/staff for a few weeks now. Just recently I started talking to the industrial design academic counselor. She told me that going the academic/rigorous course route would be better than taking a skills course (multimedia, art class, etc). After giving this some thought, I came up with another path. I’ve listed all of them: </p>

<p>Path 1.
1-6 period day schedule
AP Stats, Art 2, English 4, AP Gov/Econ
[AP Physics (2 period class)]
Total AP’s: 3</p>

<p>Path 2.
1-5 period day schedule
AP Stats, Art 2, English 4, AP Gov/Econ
[Elective (Multimedia/Psychology/Other]
Total AP’s: 2</p>

<p>Best Path?
1-5 period day schedule
AP Stats, Art 2, AP Gov/Econ
[AP Lang, Elective]
Total AP’s: 3 </p>

<p>Path 1 will give me 1-6 with AP Physics, no extra elective. 3 AP Classes
Path 2 will give give 1-5 without AP Physics, with elective. 2 AP Classes
Path 3 will give me 1-5 without AP Physics, with elective, REPLACED with AP Lang. 3 AP Classes</p>

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<p>Many college and universities want to see 4 years of math and science plus a challenging curriculum.</p>

<p>Before I’d drop science all together, I would call the admissions department to see what they say.</p>

<p>It will not matter to schools (even art schools like Pratt) whether or not you take multimedia.</p>

<p>As for having more time for your portfolio, you will be competing against students who stick with a rigorous program and still have time for EC’s and a portfolio. </p>

<p>Good luck!!</p>

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<p>^^Looks like you have also dropped foregn language, which many schools want to see as well. To get into upper tier schools, many students are taking 8 periods of classes–math, science, english, social sciences, foreign language, gym/health, plus 2 electives.</p>

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<p>It sounds like you need to keep your options open. It sounds like you will be applying to a variety of schools with a variety of expectations.
As the other posters have said, most schools are going to prefer that you take 4 years of science and 3-4 years of language. But for what you are saying you want to study, they do not have to be AP classes. Why can’t you take a one period non AP science class and a fourth year of language. Then you will have a complete schedule that is not too demanding covering all the bases. But then you will need to find a way to work on your design/art outside of schools through an afternoon or weekend class or being ultra committed to creating things on your own. If you are serious about applying to art schools your portfolio must be strong. </p>

<p>I will say it again…this coming summer could be really important and productive for you. If you attend an intensive pre-college program in ID you will find out if your are committed to that path and you will get portfolio pieces as well. If you end up not wanting to go the art school route then you will have a decent academic schedule for the fall to satisfy more traditional liberal arts schools.</p>

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<p>@uskool the problem is my school does not even allow 8 periods. And honestly, I think a schedule like that would be a bit too much for me. It may seem beneficial and be beneficial to some, but it may just end up being a hindrance/affect me negatively. </p>

<p>I have finished two years of PE and had done varsity sports.
I will have finished four years of math.
I will have finished four years of english.
I will have finished three years, four courses of english.
I will have finished two-three years of science.
I have finished three years of Spanish.</p>

<p>Does anyone have recommendations for weekend classes/summer classes in the Bay Area? Or affordable ones across the states? I have this list: SFAI, Art Institute of California, Pratt, SCAD, CSSSA, SAIC, MICA, LCAI. Have to make sure that they are during a time which I’m not busy. (May not be able to make UC/DAAP or CCA’s precollege). </p>

<p>@drae27
So this is what you are recommending? </p>

<p>Path
1-6 period day schedule
AP Stats, Art 2, AP Gov/Econ, English 4, Forensics Lab (Already taken Chem, Bio, Physics), AP Spanish </p>

<p>The only problem I see here is with Spanish. I’ve been able to pass w. a borderline A and one B. Our language department isn’t the best and many people failed the AP test. Just not sure if I am ready to take on something like that if I’m not very good at it, won’t be supported, and don’t really enjoy as much as other things.</p>

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<p>Oh…Chicken Wang
It is clear you are a conscientious person with a good work ethic. I think any school will be lucky to have you. The last line of your last post is very important and very telling. You have every right to be enjoying what you are studying and to be developing your interests. Does the multimedia class inspire you…have you heard good things about it and the teacher? If so, go for it. And throw in that Forensics Lab to round out your sciences if you want. If not find yourself your outside class and get to work! </p>

<p>If the multimedia class has a so so rep and there is a risk you will just be biding time, go for the AP Physics class if you are sure you will do well in it.</p>

<p>Don’t know too much about weekend programs in your area but good summer ID programs can be found at Pratt, CCA, College for Creative Studies, Carnegie Mellon, RISD, Cleveland Institute of Art (that’s the shorter one I was trying to remember) and SCAD. You are lucky to be living in the Bay Area. There is so much ID/Product Design going on. All of the big firms have offices there: Smart, Ideo, Fuseproject. CCA has strong ties to the industry and some of their faculty are people currently working in the business. It’s all very exciting. Good luck!!!</p>

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<p>Something else popped into my mind…</p>

<p>When my son was looking around three years ago this program wasn’t so clearly formed:
[Stanford</a> Design Program](<a href=“http://designprogram.stanford.edu/undergraduate.html]Stanford”>http://designprogram.stanford.edu/undergraduate.html)
[Product</a> Design (PD)](<a href=“http://www.stanford.edu/dept/registrar/bulletin1112/7251.htm]Product”>Product Design (PD))</p>

<p>Stanford has a Product Design major that is closely connected to their engineering program. From what I can see in their curriculum, it is has much more of an engineering focus as compared to the programs at the art schools. Even Carnegie Mellon’s program is more design oriented.
Check it out. If it does intrigue you I do think you might need to consider doing the physics class. I think Stanford would want to see that from you. Hmmm… you are a strong student. It might be worth trying.</p>

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<p>Path 2.
1-5 period day schedule
AP Stats, Art 2, English 4, AP Gov/Econ
[Elective (Multimedia/Psychology/Other]
Total AP’s: 2</p>

<p>That seems to be the path for me. Honestly, I don’t want to be overwhelmed senior year and I do want to have some time for classes, work, and other extra curricular activities.</p>

<p>I will post a list of electives that interest me, but it’ll most likely be between: Psychology, Multimedia, or Work Experience. </p>

<p>My art teacher recommended multimedia. She said that it’s an easy class and would balance out with the extremely rigorous Art 2. With the spare time that I have, I could work on my own projects in my multimedia class and have access to any CAD programs I need. </p>

<p>My college list looks like this now, but it definitely needs to be narrowed down some more: Emily Carr University of Art, Syracuse, California College of Arts, University of Cincinnati/DAAP, College for Creative Studies, Carnegie Mellon, Stanford, RISD, Columbus College of Art, Pratt, SCAD. </p>

<p>I haven’t looked into every single college there yet, but from what I’ve read first priority seems to be University of Cincinnati, RISD, and College for Creative Studies. </p>

<p>If I want to go to school in California it will be CCA or Stanford. However, with Stanford’s low acceptance rate, and need for high academics I don’t really think my academic standings qualify.</p>

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<p>You sound sure and clear and self aware. That’s great! </p>

<p>Having access to CAD programs is a good thing too. Maybe you could teach yourself Rhino or Solidworks. (Check out online instruction - lynda or somewhere else)</p>

<p>You have a good list to start and yes, you will want to narrow it down. Do you have a specific area of ID that you are interested in?</p>

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<p>Sounds good!</p>

<p>I’m more interested in product design and automobile design. I’m into backpacks, watches, shoes, and consumer products which makes me want to do product design. I’m also into cars, which makes me want to do automobile design as well.</p>

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<p>Before you start worrying about balancing languages, electives and APs…look at the priority schools on your list. Are they heavy in Art ? Do you have a great portfolio? Or are your top picks for schools more focused on design labs and fabrication? UC/DAAP does not require a portfolio, nor does SCAD. Both have stellar hands on labs for product and transportation design. RISD and CMU attract dedicated artists with amazing portfolios. If Art-focused schools are on the top of your list – invest time in courses that will help build and shape your portfolio.</p>

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<p>Thanks IDMom.
Looks like I will have to have a decent portfolio but will not necessarily have to perfect it. </p>

<p>My list right now looks like:
UC/DAAP
RISD
California College of Arts
College for Creative Studies
SCAD
Carnegie Mellon</p>

<p>Looked mostly into DAAP and will hopefully be able to attend their DAAPcamp this summer.</p>

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<p>My son just got accepted to both College for Creative Studies and Univ. of Cincinnati DAAP, waiting for Pratt, RISD, Cleveland Art Institute, Carnegie Mellon, and Univ of MI…He currently has 3.7 for his GPA, SAT combined math, reading, writing @1900, and ACT Total 31. So your stats should work in your favor. As noted, U of C does not require a portfolio but the others do take it very seriously. So I hope you have a sketchbook along with the portfolio to show because they want to see that. We were told they look at grades & the portfolio 50/50. RISD is the long shot as among these schools, acceptance rate is @ approx. 34%. Attend the College portfolio days in your area even if you don’t have a portfolio finished just to get an idea of what should be in it and talk to the representatives about their colleges. My son went to ones in Chicago, Cleveland, and Ann Arbor. CCS has a 3-week art & design summer program for high schoolers with specific specialization such as graphic design, automotive design, etc. and DS attended it last summer and LOVED every minute of it. As proposed, you should seek those kind of programs in your area and attend one. My son noted that the automotive design students were very busy, up all night, it is a rigorous program. CCS is in Detroit and in a rough neighborhood and many art & design schools are in so-so neighborhoods (U of C included) so hope you visit them before deciding. Good luck. PS. your grades are excellent and you’ll be offered merit scholarships.</p>

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<p>Glad to hear. A tiny bit of relief, still going to work hard.
Trying to up my SAT to around 22 before submission. </p>

<p>I attended Portfolio day in SF to look at others, but they made it more private this year and did not see much. Many colleges did not even offer to take, but rather just had representatives give me flyers. </p>

<p>I am planning on attending UC/DAAP summer program for their week; I’ve heard good things about them and hopefully it’ll help w. admission. I have a leadership camp that I am staff for from July 12th-20th so I may not be able to make the CCS one. </p>

<p>Are there any other programs that could work around my time? Either the beginning of July to the 10th-11th. Or after the 20th?</p>

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<p>Look into all the schools you are interested in to see if they have summer programs within your time frame. My son had the same problem with timing and that’s how we found out about CCS’ summer program. Good luck!</p>