Even though my daughter is not going to RIT, we really liked them

College Majors Visual Arts and Film Majors
1

<p>We sadly turned RIT down for design in lieu of another school. However, we really had misgivings about not going to RIT. </p>

<p>They have a great admininstration and have wonderful, creative marketing. They have some of the best programs that we have seen in design compared to other schools.They also showed a lot of class. After we notified them of our decision, they told us we could reapply anytime and they would reactive our application without any fee. We would be kept in this status for up to two years.</p>

<p>I must admit, there are a lot of warm furry things that this school does.</p>

2

<p>Sounds like a good school. </p>

<p>Why did you guys go for Cincinnati over it?</p>

3

<p>We ascertained that RIT's various photography programs are as good as anywhere, if not the very best. Incredible facilities plus a co-op program makes for very employable graduates. The school is priced better than most private schools as well.</p>

<p>My southern daughter would not have faired well in the Rochester suburbs for four, full, lake-effect winters, however.</p>

4

<p>College-ish, we had a number of reasons to prefer Cincinnati over RIT</p>

<p>Let me first note that my daughter is interested in a combination of graphic design and digital design. RIT had one of the best programs with this combination around. In addition, we really got a lot of warm, furry feelings from all the administative people that we met. Finally, RIT is a bit safer both on campus and outside of campus. HOWEVER:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>They are a bit stingy and stingier than that of RIT in giving college credit for my daughter's 5 college courses. RIT gives 4 credits for every 3 semester credits even if it were for a whole year's subject. Thus, two semesters of history courses ( two three- credit courses), would get only 8 credits at RIT but 9 credits at Cincinnati.</p></li>
<li><p>RIT is MUCH colder than Cincinnati</p></li>
<li><p>Although RIT has a coop program, they really don't have a good one in art and design, which is why the coop is optional for these majors. Cincinnati has a very strong coop program, especially in Design. In fact, it is mandary and guaranteed for 1.5 years.</p></li>
<li><p>Although RIT does have a new music minor, Cincinnati has a VERY strong music program with their Cincinnati Conservatory. Kids can play in varous bands, such as marching bands, and are led by actual professors at CCM. In fact, there are more musical opportunities at Cincinnati. In addition, my daughter really likes marching band. RIT doesn't have this.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>5.Cincinnati has a LOT to do both on campus and just outside of campus. Cincinnati has 10 different calenders of events,and I am not kidding. True, some of these are not relevant such as their admission calender. Still, there are a host of things to do and see on campus each week. These kids aren't bored. RIT doesn't seem to even come close to what is going on at Cincinnati.</p>

<ol>
<li>Cincinnat has more school spirit with their Bearcat team, which is now part of the Big Eest. </li>
</ol>

<p>7, Cincinnati has a very strong study abroad program that is much better than that found at RIT.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>My daughter wants to take some liberal arts electives in Hebrew,which is available at Cincinnati but not at RIT, without taking a bus to University of Rochester.</p></li>
<li><p>Cincinnati guarantees housing on campus for all years. This is NOT true for RIT. In fact, RIT has a funny system where rising sophomores get to participate first in the lottery for appartments and on campus housing. If you don't win the lottery, you are basicall stuck forever in less desireable housing at RIT or even being off campus.</p></li>
<li><p>Cincinnati is much higher ranked in Design over RIT for undergraduate design in most design areas such as Industrial Design, Architecture and Interior Design. Although there is no undergraduate ranking for digital and/or graphic design, I believe that Cincinnati's program is very strong.</p></li>
<li><p>Being Jewish, I wanted a number of Jewish kids at the school. Admittedly, this is personal to us. However, for some reason, RIT has the smallest Jewish population among that of almost any big private school (less than 3%). It isn't the area either. Nearby Syracuse has a very large Jewish population but not RIT.</p></li>
<li><p>There is a slim possibility that we could get in state tuition down the road at Cincinnat, which would make Cincinnati very reasonable. However, there is no guarantee to this. They do make the kids jump through hoops to achieve this.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>13.Cincinnati has gone through a recent building boom. It has fabulous new facilities that certainly rival that of any school. For example, they not only have three swimming pools, one of the pools has a current that students can choose to swim against for more exercise or swim in the same direction for fun. They also have a number of fabulous, big buildings, chuck full of new equipment.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>My daughter got into the honors program at Cincinnati, which provides first choice on courses, access to honors dorms,with special computers and printers etc. RIT doesn't allow art kids to participate in any honors until their junior year. Yes, you read this correctly. Other kids can start in the honors program in their freshmen year,but not art or design kids. Strange.</p></li>
<li><p>We were a bit scared off by all the negative comments about RIT in other forums such as Students review. True, one can't take these literally all the time. There may be those with an "ax to grind; however , RIT is one of the most reviewed schools in these other forums, and there are a LOT of negative comments. In fact, it has more negative comments than that of almost any other school.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>As you can see, we really thought this through. It is too bad though. Both my daughter and I loved the program at RIT and loved the administrative people that we met. You don't generally get the same warm, fuzzies at state schools that you get in many private schools,at least that was my observation.</p>

5

<p>
[quote]
originally posted by TH21</p>

<p>My southern daughter would not have faired well in the Rochester suburbs for four, full, lake-effect winters, however.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Ditto...</p>

<p>born and raised in the South... never really experienced the tremendous cold of other places and so I doubt I would have lasted in NY either. Still, I look forward to doing my masters there at this little ol' place called Columbia film... God-willing. ;)</p>

<p>Actually, I wish there were more people interested in film on this board, since film is art IMHO and cannot be separated into two different things (not without hiccups). Would also really illucidate the process of applying to such a program. Anyhoo, enough of my tangent! </p>

<p>
[quote]
originally posted by taxguy</p>

<ol>
<li>They are a bit stingy and stingier than that of RIT in giving college credit for my daughter's 5 college courses. RIT gives 4 credits for every 3 semester credits even if it were for a whole year's subject. Thus, two semesters of history courses ( two three- credit courses), would get only 8 credits at RIT but 9 credits at Cincinnati.

[/quote]
</li>
</ol>

<p>Oh, sounds tricky. Glad you all found out before accepting.</p>

<p>
[quote]
4. Although RIT does have a new music minor, Cincinnati has a VERY strong music program with their Cincinnati Conservatory. Kids can play in varous bands, such as marching bands, and are led by actual professors at CCM. In fact, there are more musical opportunities at Cincinnati. In addition, my daughter really likes marching band. RIT doesn't have this.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Although your daughter is majoring in design, I totally empathize with her wanting strong programs in related fields a la music. Makes sense and can really help when you're feeling empty of inspiration or just want to chill.</p>

<p>I don't think I could attend a school that did not have strong programs outside of art. I would have nothing to channel back into my work.</p>

<p>
[quote]
9. Cincinnati guarantees housing on campus for all years. This is NOT true for RIT. In fact, RIT has a funny system where rising sophomores get to participate first in the lottery for appartments and on campus housing. If you don't win the lottery, you are basicall stuck forever in less desireable housing at RIT or even being off campus.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Hate things like this.. :( </p>

<p>
[quote]
14. My daughter got into the honors program at Cincinnati, which provides first choice on courses, access to honors dorms,with special computers and printers etc. RIT doesn't allow art kids to participate in any honors until their junior year. Yes, you read this correctly. Other kids can start in the honors program in their freshmen year,but not art or design kids. Strange.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Is this because the art/design people will be too busy or has the school simply decided that art kids can't take the extra work of an honors program?</p>

<p>
[quote]
As you can see, we really thought this through. It is too bad though. Both my daughter and I loved the program at RIT and loved the administrative people that we met. You don't generally get the same warm, fuzzies at state schools that you get in many private schools,at least that was my observation.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Yeah, it does feel sad having to part with people/programs that seem to give warm feelings. On the other hand, having transferred after my first semester of college, I can say that sometimes parting is for the best no matter how many fuzzies felt or people you felt you could have spent more time with..</p>

<p>Student's gotta' do what a student's gotta' do... ;)</p>

<p>Best wishes for your daughter.</p>

6

<p>Thanks College-ish. As to why RIT won't let art kids into the honors program during their freshmen or sophomore year, I can't say. I was told that they really don't know how well a kid will do at RIT in art. Only by taking courses will their potential be ascertained. Frankly, I am at a loss in understanding this philosophy. Art kids have to submit portfolios. Why is an SAT a better indicator of success for English or Math students but portfolio requirements are considered unreliable?</p>

7

<p>//Why is an SAT a better indicator of success for English or Math students but portfolio requirements are considered unreliable?//</p>

<p>If I understand your question properly; talent is not an automatic determinant for success. Many talented students are lazy and the rigors of academia expose their undisciplined work habits. This is why GPA, even in an arts program, can be used to anticipate success at a better rate than portfolios. </p>

<p>Regardless, I'm sure RIT used statistical data to come to this conclusion as well.</p>

8

<p>taxguy,
Congrats to your d on her decision. Isn't it a nice feeling once the final decision is made? Gives her the right to move on to getting excited about her school. Time to buy the sweatshirt!</p>

<p>Just wanted to comment on a couple things about RIT. Coops are difficult to do for design students DURING the yr because their courses are sequential so it messes things up to miss a qtr but coops are certainly doable during the summer. Lots of RIT kids do their coops during the summer months - even in different majors. Better pay than the typical summer job, too...</p>

<p>As for housing, my d entered the lottery knowing that she was guaranteed a dorm room at the very least on the same floor she's currently on. She wanted a new furnished apt. Her 2nd choice was an unfurnished townhouse. As she anticipated, she didn't "win" the lottery so she wound up back in the dorm. Some of her friends did get the prime apts but unfortunately (even though she works in housing) she wasn't lucky. But kids are constantly moving around & openings become available. So, a room opened up in her 2nd choice (on campus townhouse) so she'll be moving there in Sept. She is allowed to keep this townhouse until she graduates, unless she chooses to give it up. She plans to keep an eye out for an opening in the newer apts on the other side of campus - otherwise, she plans to stay in the townhouse for 3 yrs. RIT allows students to move whenever an opening exists, even in the middle of a qtr. THis is a nice option when there are roommate problems. Funny thing is that the townhouse & apts are considerably cheaper than the dorm rooms.</p>

<p>Not sure about the honors pgm (but I think RIT requires very high SATs. I heard of kids getting turned down with 1300). But my d was offered an honors class next qtr - maybe because she has a high GPA so far. </p>

<p>As for the weather, she found it wasn't colder than here in NJ (and she had less snow) - but the wind is stronger.</p>

<p>Good luck to your d. Keep in touch.</p>

9

<p>Thanks Jerzgrlmom. Yes, it is nice to have a final decision. However, I really liked RIT. I am a bit saddened that my daughter isn't going there. Oh well.</p>

10

<p>One more reason that my daughter chose Cincinnati over RIT is that RIT had a slightly higher liberal arts requirement. For example, RIT requires two years of art history as part of their design curriculum. Cincinnati only requires 4 quarters. There were also fewer courses required in liberal arts at Cincinnati. Thus, my daughter really liked the flexibility of being to major in digital design and being almost able to double major in graphic design too.</p>

11

<p>taxguy, I hear ya about the LA requirements. I'm just starting the college search with my s (a junior) and he really likes the idea of "no core curriculum." Not that he won't take LA classes, but his interests aren't necessarily the standard LA courses. He also prefers a city or college town environment. I'm sure your d will be happy wherever she goes. MOst kids are happy just to be away from home, doing their own thing. My d just got back a weekend in Toronto.</p>

12

<p>Taxguy, I'm glad you started this thread, since RIT is where my son will be going. "Warm and fuzzy" isn't the term I'd have thought of for RIT--it's not exactly a cozy-looking campus. (I'm still harboring warm and fuzzy feelings for MICA.) But all the people I've dealt with there have been extremely pleasant and professional. And I hear many good things about it, including from people I know who studied art or design there. </p>

<p>We live near Binghamton, NY, which isn't as cold and snowy as Rochester, but still cold and snowy enough that the winters just aren't an issue. I agree with jerzgrlmom that kids are happy just to get away from home and be on their own. My son seems really pleased about the idea of living in a big dorm complex with hundreds of other young people. Between school work, clubs, new friends, on-campus entertainment, etc., I think he's going to find plenty to keep him busy. It should be a couple of years before the novelty wears off and he realizes he's stuck in the suburbs surrounded by huge malls and maybe starts complaining there's nothing to do. But hopefully he'll be resourceful enough to keep making his own fun rather than complain. </p>

<p>Jerzgrlmom, in your various posts it sounded as though your daughter was having a great time at RIT right through March. And then in April the work got very intense and she and all her friends were getting sick. How is she doing now?</p>

13

<p>Congrats, TG. and luck to DD. If only our DS can get some design skills, which IMO is more inate than learned. He's great digitally but handicapped art wise-but keeps trying.</p>

14

<p>Itstoomuch, true, having inate talent is somewhat important;however, for a number of design jobs, my wife, who was a successful, published interior designer, would tell you that hard work and receptivity to training are more important skills. Design can be taught. She never submitted a portfolio for her major nor is she a fabulous fine artist; however, she was one heck of a terrific designer. If your son is very strong technically and is very trainable and is creative, he should be able to do well in design.</p>

15

<p>Taxguy,
That's exactly the philosophy of UC! (Congrats to your daughte BTW). Did you find other similar schools in your search? (I'm also sending a PM)</p>

16

<p>/She never submitted a portfolio for her major nor is she a fabulous fine artist; however, she was one heck of a terrific designer.//</p>

<p>Why then did it take you so long to understand why some colleges do not require a portfolio? You seem to understand this now, but good lord it took considerable "coaching."</p>

17

<p>RainingAgain, I never said that I thought a portfolio requiement should be the "be all and end all" of admission to top design program. What I said is that most of the top ranked programs DO REQUIRE portfolios. You obviously don't agree with this. If you are so correct, why does RIT, RISD, Pratt, SVA, Parsons, FIT, Art Center, Wash U, Syracuse, Ringling,Otis, and many other top ranked programs require portfolios? Are you so right and everyone else, but you and SCAD, is wrong?</p>

18

<p>Especially for fine art... I think portfolios matter.</p>

<p>To consistently produce high quality art, one must put in a lot of effort and I don't think it's wrong for schools to preview what you can do in their program by way of checking portfolios b4 admission...</p>

19

<p>RainingAgain,
Why the sarcasm? Just a friendly discussion here.</p>

20

<p>//RainingAgain, I never said that I thought a portfolio requiement should be the "be all and end all" of admission to top design program...You obviously don't agree with this. If you are so correct, why does RIT, RISD, Pratt, SVA, Parsons, FIT, Art Center, Wash U, Syracuse, Ringling,Otis, and many other top ranked programs require portfolios? Are you so right and everyone else, but you and SCAD, is wrong?//</p>

<p>You used it at every turn to be critical of SCAD. I simply find it ironic that now you state, </p>

<p>"...having inate talent is somewhat important;however, for a number of design jobs, my wife, who was a successful, published interior designer, would tell you that hard work and receptivity to training are more important skills. Design can be taught. "</p>

<p>No. I do not think a portfolio is a requirement. As you state, design can be taught.</p>

<p>"What I said is that most of the top ranked programs DO REQUIRE portfolios."</p>

<p>So, apparntly there are some top-ranked programs that don't; adding further credibility to the notion that a student admitted with a great GPA, great recommendations, and a solid SAT will do well in college. As you stated, </p>

<p>"my wife, who was a successful, published interior designer, would tell you that hard work and receptivity to training are more important skills."</p>

<p>So...as I said, I simply find this all very ironic given that you were critical of SCAD in that it did not require portfolios. And BTW, this does not mean that the college did/does not highly recommend portfolios. I would estimate that 96-plus% of applicants DID submit a portfolio just the same. And I very much doubt the ones with below average SAT, GPA, etc were admitted.</p>