<p>Daughter is interested in fashion design. Happily, she's been accepted to two schools so far (Pratt and U Cincinnati); still waiting to hear from Drexel, Syracuse, and RISD(a reach). </p>
<p>(Incidentally, for those interested in stats and that sort of thing: her GPA is approx. 3.0 from a good private H.S...ACT score 27...decent EC's, work experience, and recs...decent portfolio based on feedback from presenting it in person at two schools).</p>
<p>On paper, the fashion design programs at each of these schools don't seem all that different; some offer a little more depth than others in terms of electives, but all cover the basics. . All schools offer opps for internships; some offer a more extensive coop program. Hard to judge quality of life from a one day visit, but the neighborhoods for Pratt/UC/Drexel seem, from what I have seen/read, not that great; one campus (Drexel) seemed a bit dreary. </p>
<p>At the end of the day, how does one choose between schools/programs? I would like to start thinking about how to coach daughter thru the process, would love some opinions. Cost/financial aid will not be a factor in the decision. </p>
<p>By the way, we visited Pratt (we live in a suburb of NYC) and she loved it...visited Syracuse, she liked that too. Summered at RISD, liked that too. Visited Drexel, not as impressed with that as the others, for some reason, but didn't mind it, either. Never visited UC, but as it is a plane flight away, least appealing of all geographically, but the school's reputation is very good.</p>
<p>Any comments/feedback on decision process/criteria would be appreciated. Thanks.</p>
<p>ronnie, I've worked in the fashion industry for decades and over the years have worked with successful designers from just about every school -- including some without any formal training. </p>
<p>All of the schools you mention have excellent track records in placing their graduates. Designers tend to take care of their own and you often see many graduates of the same school in a studio.</p>
<p>Internships and summer jobs are critical. That's the reason that I prefer the New York based schools -- Pratt, Parsons, FIT. The job opportunities are so plentiful and convenient. The excitement and buzz are palpable.</p>
<p>The New York schools also get a lot of design and retail insiders as instructors and guest lecturers.</p>
<p>RISD and Cincinnati are wonderful schools especially for graphic design but their geographic distance from Seventh Avenue makes it more difficult to access the the energy of the real life industry.</p>
<p>At the end of the day, your daughter's comfort level is the most important factor. Since you live in the New York area it may be challenging for her to try another location, but for sure, for hands-on apparel industry experience there is no substitute for New York.</p>
<p>Thank you for your insight...that was my gut, too. For the same reasons you gave, she is leaning to Pratt. </p>
<p>The hesitancy comes from: hearing another family member who has worked in the industry for many many years, who he says he has worked with many talented graduates from several of these schools, including RISD and UC; my daughter's feeling that she will "end up in NY" for her eventual employment, and since she has spent much time there to date (summer internships, etc), she is not driven to be in NY during her college years; and, desire for a broader college experience, beyond just a fashion design program (more diverse group of students, campus life, etc). This is hard to find, especially since you don't want to sacrifice quality in one's major field to achieve it.</p>
<p>At the end of the day, there probably is not one best choice...if she is willing to work hard, likely all will prepare her. But you are right, there is nothing like the energy and connections that comes from being in the fashion capitol.</p>
<p>Yes, UC has guaranted PAID coops. I would DEFINITELY call UC and ask the Fashion Design department about location of fashion coops. They might have a lot of connnections in NY, making geographic location irrelevant. Also, not counting any scholarships that you would get from these schools (although RISD gives few, if any, merit scholarships), Cincinnati usually is a lot less expensive too. </p>
<p>In addition, UC was the forerunner of the coop program among all US universities dating back to about 1909. They have a VERY extensive network of companies that participate with them.</p>
<p>Also,vist UC! They have the nicest design facilities and building that I have seen among the schools that you mentioned. Read my reviews of UC, Syracuse, Drexel, and RISD. They are found in either the "school visit"forums or somewhere in the forum for that school. I posted an "Overview of my visit" to each school,which was quite in-depth.</p>
<p>By the way, their Fashion Design program has one of the toughest admission standards among all of the majors found in the DAAP School.</p>
<p>Coming from a fashion school that is not in NY, I can definitely say that LOCATION is a must. My school is in California, and even though LA does have it's fashion industry, I would trade it all for NY. Getting work experience is key and simply being in the city that is known for fashion is a tremendous benefit.</p>
<p>Have u guys looked into FIDM I got my AA in Fashion Design there its a very professional school and it has a Reputation in the Fashion Industry. Also if ur worried about the environment of the schools as in security wise a lot of schools have like security escorts to ur car and stuff like that in the dark i know FIDM does. the teachers are very professional and they have at least 7 years of experience in the industry b4 they are teachers at FIDM. Check it out. </p>
<p>The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising</p>