<p>I'm a Junior applying to college next year, and I'm looking (primarily) at FIT and FIDM for fashion marketing/management/communications (with an end goal of doing magazine editing or public relations, or something of the sort). I'm currently a resident of NY, and I have a couple things to take into consideration when making my decision:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Location: Because I was raised in NYC and (practically) live there now, I'm much more comfortable with NYC than LA. However, I've wanted to live in either LA or SF for the past couple of years, and would love to hear any sort of feedback regarding living in both places (i.e, nightlife under 21 years old, cost of renting apts/student housing, having/not having a car, lgbt scene [I'm lesbian], etc.). In addition, I've heard that NYC is a much better area to be in in terms of fashion-related internships, although LA isn't bad (does anyone have a take on this?)</p></li>
<li><p>Acceptance: I'm a good student- I'm currently receiving primarily A's with 1-2 B's, and fell in the 98th percentile (top 2% in the country) for my PSAT (I'm taking the SAT in about a month, and don't have very many concerns about it). However, I don't know much about the acceptance rates of either school, and would like to know what each look for in a student/where emphasis is placed in terms of academics/personality, etc. </p></li>
<li><p>Quality of Program: FIT is a lot less expensive than FIDM (especially because I have in state tuition for FIT), and it would be nice if that wasn't reflective on the quality of the program. In my research, I've come across both negative and positive reviews for both schools, and would like some feedback regarding the quality of each of the programs (in the marketing/management/communications dpts, not design).</p></li>
</ul>
<p>I completely understand if you don't have the answers to all of my questons, but if you are informed in the slightest about any of these topics, I'd love to hear from you! </p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>I can totally understand wanting to save money because that became a huge factor when I picked my college. I think looking into the college graduates will help you make your decision. If the majority of them are successful then that’s the best college for you, despite cost. You can apply for financial aid, get grants and loans and even a job through the school’s career center. Two of my BFF’s graduated from FIDM and really loved the school and have fab jobs now. Maybe talking to the advisor from the school will help you out.</p>
<p>Hello I know this post is from a while ago but I thought I should give you some advice! I am entering my last quarter at fidm and there are a few things you should consider first. FIDM is extremely expensive so if you have a big wallet go for it but if your like me and need to take out loans be prepared to be in 60,000+ debt just for an associates. </p>
<p>One of my biggest regrets is not entering as a pd student. This means you have an associates from another school and then are basically getting an add on associates from fidm. Not only is this half the price but it can be done in 4 quarters. </p>
<p>Make sure you are okay with only having an associates. Fidm will tell you it’s fine but it really is not. They only offer one BA program in business management. It is hard to find a school that accepts fidms credits. I am going to one of the cal states in the winter for my BA and only 5 of my classes transfer. So that is deff something you should think about. </p>
<p>Another thing is you should come see LA before you make the commitment. I too am a New Yorker and I moved out here with out ever visiting la or the school first, and I HATE la. It is completely different from New York in every way and if you live in the city like I did, you should come see it first. You will either love it or hate it. If I was not in a serious relationship here i would be on the first plane back to the east coast after graduating fidm. </p>
<p>I loved my time at fidm but you should deff do a lot of research first. One of the biggest things you should consider is the associats/bacholer degree issue. I am a merchandise marketing major and want to be in a similar field as you and i know you will need a bacholers. The career advisors at fidm are helpful but be warned they are a bit like sales people so be sure to do a lot of research before talking to them and I would have a parent communicating with them as well at all times. </p>
<p>Good luck!!</p>
<p>And for internships, I applied for 15 and got only 3 replies. And don’t think it’s just me because I have had years of retail experience and my gpa is over a 3.0. But it is hit or miss and there are amazing internships out here and the school will tell you about them. But be warned LA in general is much more aimed towards the film and movie industry than the high fashion and no matter what anyone will tell you New York is the fashion capital of America.</p>
<p>And as for acceptance, all I will say is if you have money/parents with a good credit score I would not be concerned with not getting in.</p>