Hi, I’m interested in pursuing a career in apparel design, but want a strong liberal arts education. I know Cornell and Wash U have fashion programs, but don’t know anything about them. Are those programs well respected in the industry? I know Brown/RISD could potentially lead me to a major in fashion, but let’s be honest: they accept like 3% of applicants. Can anyone tell me anything about the Wash U and Cornell programs? I won’t be able to visit those schools before application season, and I don’t know much about them at all. I really prefer a small liberal arts school, and am also applying to schools like Vassar, Williams, and Kenyon that have good art departments. Any guidance as to whether I should pursue fashion in undergrad or not? I don’t know if that’s what I ultimately want to end up studying, but I would like to have it be a part of my education. I like some of the smaller liberal arts colleges better, but am wondering if it’s worth it to set my sights on a school with a fashion program. Thanks!
Hey, I had the same dilemma as a high school senior just a year ago! I am now attending Cornell in the fiber science and apparel design program, and it’s quite amazing! I came here because I wanted a strong foundation in business and management but more concentrated on the fashion industry. From here, you can choose a fashion design, communication, management or product development track where each of them have a basis in a liberal arts education. Since we have such little number of people in our major, everyone seems to be really engaged and passionate about what they are studying. Also, the professors are very tight-knit with the students and always offering us with advice and linkage with FSAD alumnis who are working in the industry. I would definitely recommend the FSAD program, but if you are not sure whether you would like to pursue fashion or not, the Brown/RISD program would be more wide open in terms of job possibilities.
Thanks so much!
Brownholic - would you mind sharing your stats? How difficult was it to get in? Which portfolio did you use - the design or the more merchandising one? Any advantage of one over the other if you aren’t sure which track you want to pursue? Thanks for any insights.