I’ve read countless posts on this website, trying to make my decision but it’s almost impossible!
I just visited both schools and they are so similar in equiptment for my department that this probably wont be the deciding factor. I’ve seen the work that comes out of SVA and thought it was really strong but I’m not sure how to make the decision! I like both campuses, the city areas are nice and I’m just really looking for the best in Graphic Design of the two. I’ve already checked out RISD (didn’t like the feeling of the school), Pratt (same as RISD) and a couple others so it’s really between these two.
If anyone has some advice or thoughts that could help, maybe even some last minute unknown facts that you have seen if you went there or heard from close friends that went there, I’d appreciate it a ton!
Have you already applied? If not, is there a reason you can’t apply to both? The financial aid packages might be different enough to impact your choice.
Otherwise, have you compared the job placement rates of both programs? Where alumni are? And is there any difference is terms of internships and hands-on experience available in the cities around, or in terms of the summer internships that students have had in the past? I don’t know if you’ve already looked into things like that, but if not, it might be a good idea to. Graphic design can be a hard field to break into, and the connections offered at each school may prove important in launching your career.
SpringAwake15,
Thanks for all the questions, they actually are very thought provoking. To answer a few, I have applied but still have to turn in my portfolio which I have all set up to do this weekend.
The job placement is an interesting one because both are located in cities, even though I think Manhattan is tough to beat with that. I’m not completely sure how to see where alumni are but I’ll check LinkedIn. I haven’t gotten a chance to check on internships but will right now for past students at each school. Yeah I figured its hard to break into since this will be my 3rd college, I need to make sure it’s the right one! The last two were AWFUL for graphic design unfortunately.
But thanks again for your reply! I am trying to also see the feel of the school so anyone who has gone to either or even better BOTH, let me know what you think, the thread will stay open also for those with the same questions!
And GMTplus7, very good point and at this point it looks like both since they offered me scholarships! One even approved my portfolio already at a review session and nominated me for a scholarship. So we’ll see how that plays a part in the decision once I actually figure that part out!
Both are excellent schools. I believe that SVA has the edge ranking-wise, when it comes to GD specifically. GDUSA has placed SVA consistently in the top 5 and SAIC right outside the top 10. However, it’s important to note that at the BFA level the quality of the overall program is extremely important (because you are doing more than just majoring in graphic design). And for that reason I don’t think you could go wrong with either program.
Also, art schools are famous (or notorious? LOL) for accepting transfers so if one school doesn’t work out you might try the other one!