<p>Hey! I’m a second year student at FIT so I remember quite well the college decision process. So first off I’d like to say that all of the schools you have applied to are private schools except for FIT. I know you said the finances are not important, but you do have to think long term, especially if you are taking out loans. College is expensive. Schools like Pratt, Parsons and SVA are approximately $35,000-$40,000 a year. Just for tuition. Being they are art schools you will also have to invest hundreds in supplies, because these schools have a foundation year, so even though you are leaning towards computer based design, you will take drawing classes and 2D and 3D classes. Then you also have to consider housing, since you’re not from NYC. So really, finances should matter. As for Fordham and St. John’s, they are great schools, also expensive being private, but I don’t know much about the price, but I do have friends that go to both and they would probably be the ‘social schools’ because there is a broader range of majors there as well as athletics, clubs, fraternities etc. Both also have religious affiliations. However, I will tell you, all of the schools you applied to will not be like high school. They are big schools with lots of people in New York City, you’re not going to know everyone, and everyone isn’t going to know you. It’s just how New York is; there is a certain anonymity that people tend to keep. The art schools like Pratt, Parsons, SVA and FIT are a different vibe; they are more focused schools. From my experience at FIT, while the people are friendly, there isn’t a ‘hang out’ vibe during school hours, we are here to get our careers started. There’s a lot of dedication and all nighters involved, haha. However, you will meet people, and with most of the art schools in the heart of the city, there’s always something new to see and do. But it’s great. I’d imagine the other art schools are similar, maybe slightly more laid back. I’m trying to be as neutral as to not sway you, but to inform you rather, but I’d say FIT is one of the better schools. Being a public, state university, the school gets funding so tuition is greatly lower than all of your other options. For out of state the tuition is about $10,000 a year and then costs for dorming. If you plan to get your own place, you can eventually apply for residency and tuition would be around $5,000 a year. FIT is known for turning out students who are ready for the industry they studied in, and being that you applied to the Communication Design program, I would assume you may plan on continuing to the Graphic Design BFA program. But the great thing about FIT is it is a 2+2 campus, meaning you get your associates degree in 2 years and you would be ready for the industry or you can do 2 more years and get your bachelor’s. In the program I am in, the caliber of work we are doing in 3rd semester is equivalent to what 4th YEAR students at schools like Parsons and Pratt do. Also, FIT doesn’t have a foundation year, which means from day 1 you’re studying in your major, which can be good based on what major it is. As far as internships go, FIT is connected to the industry, many of the professors still practicing professionals, and there is an internship center that will help you look for internships to apply to. There is a strong chance that FIT has a connection with Addidas. Many people in the design industry graduated from FIT, including several famous designers. I would assume that all of the schools you applied to have some sort of internship center. </p>
<p>I think you first need to decide whether you want a more social setting, a campus setting? Or do you want to be slightly more focused on your work rather than what’s going on on campus? Do you want more diverse majors or a very artsy school?</p>
<p>You should take price into consideration, too. It really does make a difference. I would look into that stuff on each school’s websites.</p>
<p>I would also consider making a trip out to visit these schools before making a decision, to see just how different they are. Both in terms of campus size and location and resources around you as well as academics etc. I have been in the area of 4 out of the 6 campuses and they do vary. Fordham and St. John’s have huge campuses complete with athletic fields and both have secondary campuses in the city. Parsons has several buildings around lower manhattan and you would have to walk a few blocks to get to another building. I believe SVA does as well. Pratt is in Brooklyn, I don’t know much about it besides that. FIT is in Midtown Manhattan and the campus is contained on one block and has 5 buildings, all connected, as well as 3 dorms on campus and one a few streets away.</p>
<p>Good Luck picking a school! I hope this was helpful, if you have any other questions I’d be happy to help!</p>