<p>I'm a senior in hs planning to major in fashion design next year. I've applied to schools and am starting to hear back, but am really torn about where i should/want to go.</p>
<p>The schools I'm considering are Parsons, Otis, RISD, SCAD, and Drexel. I want to study/go into high fashion and am interested in experimental fashion.
In one respect I'm leaning towards Parsons because I've heard how beneficial it would be to be in New York.
However, I've visited in LA and while I'm not sure that I like Otis the best (and just HOW rigorous I've heard the program is--but don't get me wrong I am a very willing and hard worker) I absolutely LOVE LA.
And thirdly, I have seen RISD and reaaally like the school. I'm just not too sure location wise for fashion as well as the prestige of their fashion program over the others.</p>
<p>I also have concerns about social life/community with some of these schools...I've heard at Otis that social life is non-existant, as well as at Parsons too. This worries me because I am a very social person but a little shy at first, so some sort of social-willing atmosphere would be the best for me.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any advice??? I would greatly appreciate it, I am very confused, unsure, and torn.</p>
<p>xcool, I don't know much about Otis so I can't compare it to the others. I would say, however, that the California garment industry, while quite different from New York is very dyanmic. If that's where you think you want to end up, then go for it.</p>
<p>Both RISD and Parsons are excellent schools and many graduates of both do well in the fashion business. For fashion, I would give Parson the edge just because of its proximity to the heart of the garment industry. They are both great choices, though, so follow your instinct.</p>
<p>No matter where you end up the secret to success in the apparel industry -- in addition to talent and hard work of course -- is making connections. You need to network, have internships and summer jobs, get to know your instructors. You can do this at any of the schools you mention, but the sheer number of opportunities is greatest in New York.</p>
<p>Parsons would be the best out of all those schools for fashion design. They have the best internship opportunities possible in NYC and has the prestige advantage of their fashion program. Its a competitive industry so you need the best advantages possible. If you want to do high fashion, NYC is a must. </p>
<p>In terms of social life, foundation year at parsons is extremely intense. Its rigorous program is what makes Parsons able to punch out the best fashion designers in the industry. You need to put your studies before your social life but that does not mean that a social life is non existent... you will meet plenty of new people and make lots of friends.</p>
<p>This is Scoopie's mom. I was a successful Fashion Designer for 20yrs, graduate of FIT in N.Y.If you want fashion, you want N.Y. FIT is like going to work. If you like the city life, the city is your campus. The access to the industry is at your fingertips. The industry is competitive but lucrative. I loved it! (And very affordable). You do need a portfolio for design, so if you don't have the opportunity to take fashion in H.S., go for a class, and let them help you get it together.
Good Luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for everyone's responses. Its been so nice to be able to get feedback and views from other people.
Yeah, all in all it seems that New York IS the best choice. I have a lot to think about to finally sort it all out, but this has all been very helpful. Much appreciated!
And in response to scoopie--yeah, i have considered FIT. I've heard some not as good things about it though, and am also not too sure about the having to apply to the bachelor's program after the first two years. But i have taken several fashion design classes in high school these past few years, so i have illustration/sewing skills.</p>
<p>Thanks again! And if there are any other comments---still welcome :)</p>
<p>I know that some of Pratt's programs are highly rated. Can anyone tell me how its fashion design program compares to those of Parsons and FIT? Thanks.</p>