<p>So let me tell you the whole story as to why I need a comparison for graphic design programs. I've run into this incredibly huge problem where suddenly my Stafford loan limit has been reached. It's really messed up how it all happened, but here I am in this situation now in like midway point of my sophomore term where I'm short by like half for my tuition 2012-2013. I'm currently getting maximum Pell, SEOG Grant, and I'm waiting to see how much my CalGrants will be renewed for. CalGrant will either just barely cover the rest or I'll be short. Depends on what ole Jerry decides. I can't apply for ParentPLUS because my mom will never qualify. Private loans are out of the question as well. My mom's bright idea was to apply somewhere else where there's scholarships available from the school because Academy of Art University doesn't have squat and it's been a pain in my arse trying to get people to like me for Work Study jobs. Loads of "great" interviews, smiling and grinning, then nothing. I'm trying to get another job but at my mom's urging, I'm doing research on other places. On to the issue at hand...</p>
<p>My goal is to get the best education (of course) so that I can be totally prepared for the design industry as it is today, not 10 years ago, and specifically package design because I've fallen incredibly in love with package design. It encompasses like everything you could possibly hope to do with graphic design and I hear the money ain't half bad either if you have the right connections. Also, I want those connections so I can get jobs overseas in Europe. I'm looking at SCAD, Pratt, CalArts, and Art Center. But frankly... I see weak package design in their curriculum. Like there's only one class maybe at these schools. Meanwhile, AAU has like 4 and my teacher is like freaking awesome. Honestly, my mind is made up based just on this but the parental unit requires more information. So... throw it at me. I hear suchhhhh terrible things about SCAD that sound prett credible. Pratt and CalArts, I really haven't the foggiest idea of what they're like. Art Center I hear was awesome once upon a time ago.</p>