Help me Decide, your opinions please!

College Majors Visual Arts and Film Majors
1

<p>I'm having a really tough time deciding where to go. I have been reading 100s of posts here and have consolidated a lot of mixed opinions but I'm still torn between a few schools. </p>

<p>I'd like to put them in front of you and hear your thoughts and comparisons. I'll also give you my viewpoint. This is in order of where I want to go (but its too close, so its approximate)</p>

<p>(Note : I have got in to these colleges. I had to mention this because every once in a while some fellow comes along and says something like "Stop wasting our time, you haven't even got in to those" , which was very rude)</p>

<p>Parsons
The Direct Entry Photography means I skip Foundation. Offers need-based aid to intl. student. Received scholarship. Parsons was the only one who came all the way to India and visited my school for a handful of students. It should seem that Parsons should be my top choice, but I'm not too sure, because NYC is still pretty expensive. I don't know how good their Photo programme is, although I have chatted with the director. No foundation means I can take courses in graphic and web design instead.</p>

<p>RISD
I would love to go here. It just seems like such a fantastic place. But no aid at all. Mom says "she'll manage" but I don't want to go to such an expensive place without any aid. Have to go through foundation but I don't think I'll mind at RISD. Worth shelling out tons of cash for a year to risk a schol. in the second year? Living costs also lower. Alumni very strong. Such an amazing place, overall.</p>

<p>Art Center
No on-campus housing distressing for intl. student but programme looks very challenging. Acceptance rate being high yet being so prestigious causes a little suspicion. Much lower living costs. </p>

<p>Uarts (University of the Arts)
Received a ton of schol. money. Foundation courses required. Have a strange liking for Philadelphia. Alumni seems weak though. No idea on how good photo courses are. Schol. money is the main drawing.</p>

<p>School of Visual Arts
Great photo programme, met the director of admissions, have a whole building for photo. Read complaints that dorm is too far from studio (sounds like a small detail but NYC is very cold) and equip. is sub par which I don't like to hear. Have a strange liking for the school, and is cheaper than Parsons. Schol. not yet announced, but expected.</p>

<p>Wow, thanks for reading this far!
Well it may seem I'm heavily biased towards Parsons, and I am, but I don't want this bias of mine to make the "wrong decision" (in essence there is no wrong decision as they're all great schools but there could be a right one). I just want to hear your thoughts on what I have said.</p>

<p>Schools considered : KCAI (Kansas City, in the middle of nowhere so). SCAD (backup backup backup - don't like SCAD anymore - long story, Ringling (in the middle of a Ghetto and student portfolio in photo is poor), NYU (over the top expensive)</p>

<p>So, thank you for reading. I hope I haven't appeared so confuse as to contradict myself (tends to happen sometimes). If so, my apologies.</p>

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<p>I'm biased towards Parsons because I have a friend who's an amazing photographer who went there, but in general I'd say that between Parsons, RISD, and SVA, you'll get a great education at any of those three. I've gotten the impression that the other two on your list aren't quite as good for photography, and anyway I wouldn't stray from NYC in that field for anything less good than RISD. </p>

<p>Anyway, on to my main point.... having been accepted to three excellent schools, I don't think it's petty to worry about the money, and 'fit' is important. So if you've got a 'strong bias' or a 'strange liking' for one of the schools, that when examined is not based on what's easiest for you (i.e. getting out of foundation year, which is valuable), then I don't see any reason not to go with that gut feeling.</p>

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<p>Thanks larationalist. I tend to like going with gut feelings. Less regret later on, if any.</p>

<p>Could you link me to your amazing photographer friend's portfolio by any chance?</p>

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<p>Oh darn, I just wrote this really long post, and it got eaten - I hate that! Anyway, in essence what I wrote is that Ringling is NOT in the middle of a ghetto - while my daughter was there for a week, I spent the time looking at real estate in the immediate area - houses are priced from 500k - 1mil+! The area has been highly gentrified probably mainly due to the proximity to the bay, but also the just past booming real estate market coupled with the presence of New College and Ringling. The area may be a little boring, but on the plus side it seemed to be on the verge of getting interesting. Oh, and I realize you're not impressed with the quality, but that should be your only reason not to consider Ringling (also NYC is where it's at).</p>

<p>The colleges on your list that are the safest are Parsons, SVA and NYU (all about equally) -always take cabs at night, but since there are tons of people, the city streets are safe to walk at night (just be smart about staying awy from any esp quiet ones). In other words as long as you're "street smart", and seeing that you're from Mumbai, I'm sure you'd feel right at home.</p>

<p>Pratt (not on your list, but I wanted to mention for others) not so safe, because of the temptation to take the subway at odd hours (if you're compulsive about splurging on expensive cab rides, it's probably fine). Ringling is probably the equivalent of Pratt - important to be smart at night, but completely safe in the daytime. I'd also put RISD in this 2nd 'be vigilant at night' safety category. </p>

<p>SCAD is very sketchy because it is spread out in a city notorious for crime. Shuttles run at all hours, but I don't think I'd want to be waiting out in the dark for one after completing a late night project.</p>

<p>MICA (also not on your list) is the school with the true safety considerations, because while I don't know whether it's in a ghetto, there certainly are ghettos in Baltimore to be concerned about, and college kids are an easy target.</p>

<p>Just one more time I have to emphasize Sarasota (Ringling's town) is for the most part a small wealthy, retirement town on the Gulf of Mexico with no true bad areas. Take it from a nycity girl...I'm sure coming from Mumbai, you'd truly laugh at your ghetto characterization once you saw it in person... :)</p>

<p>Oh, and I wish I could help you decide where to go, but I'm learning like you. Off the cuff, I'd vote Parsons, then SVA. if it wasnt for money considerations, I'd say NYU first...</p>

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<p>MattsMomFL, thanks soooooo much, fantastic post.</p>

<p>Someone told me Ringling is in the middle of a Ghetto. I talked to a current student and she said that most of the 'bad areas' have been bought up by the school so its not as bad. But I still hear horrible stories about crime there. Also the school tends to put too much emphasis on comp animation, leading me to believe (also due to a weak portfolio in photo) that photo is pushed a bit to the sidelines there. Also has a high acceptance rate for the reputation it has, raised a flag. Sarasota from my reading and Google Mapping appears to be a really nice town, Ringling is just located on a bad side of it.</p>

<p>I'm really glad you talked about safety. Its something I am really concerned about (the stories from SCAD..... gosh). I had heard about the Brooklyn-not-so-safe thing with Pratt. Its also good to know you consider Parsons one of the safer ones. I did apply to Pratt but I'm not too intent on going there.... not only because of the Foundation Year.... the school just doesn't appeal to me.... I prefer a more modern out-of-the-box school, something that (to me) Pratt doesn't appear to be (as much as others).</p>

<p>I really was happy to see Mumbai mentioned a few times in your post, have you visited? I've never visited the states, so I have no idea what to expect, but judging from what you're saying, I can draw some parallels between NYC and here, which is comforting. Even here we got quite a bunch of people walking around at all odd hours. I've walked really late sometimes, don't feel scared really. Anyways, I'm raving off topic.</p>

<p>Thanks so much for your reply!</p>

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<p>First of all, definitely don't just write-off Parsons as "safe"-- it's New York City, after all. The school is located in a relatively safe part of the city, it's true, but you still have to be very vigilant when going about alone or at night. I took a Parsons program for a month this summer and while my friends and I were fine, people did get mugged near the dorm.</p>

<p>Also, definitely consider the cost of living in NYC. My impression (and some experience) is that even with a scholarship, other expenses add up extremely quickly and you might end up shelling out a lot more for Parsons/SVA than for schools in other areas.</p>

<p>Those non-academic things aside, I have heard great stuff about SVA photography, and I agree with the whole gut instinct thing. Dunno about photo in the other two, though I did hear not-so-great things about the Parsons professors during the summer (not sure if they're the same full-time ones). Also I'm personally biased toward RISD :P but again I don't know about the photo program. Out of curiosity, did you get in EA this year? If so (correct me if I'm wrong for int'l students) financial aid decisions won't be coming out till April!</p>

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<p>Hey Kalonity,
I didn't really write it off as safe, but the fact its saferrrr was nice to hear (I said "consider Parsons one of the safer ones.") haha...</p>

<p>Living cost in NYC is adding to my dilemma as I had mentioned.... </p>

<p>For SVA, I complained about the equipment (from quite a no. I've heard it is not up to par), they do agree with you that the courses are supposed to be fantastic.</p>

<p>I want to know the not-so-great things about Parsons photo professors if you can dig it up?</p>

<p>If RISD offered me aid, I would go there hands down. But I have to take in to consideration that Parsons is offering me a scholarship and will offer need based aid hopefully. RISD doesn't give out anything to intl. students.</p>

<p>I completed and sent all my apps somewhere around August-September. Most art schools are rolling, so I got my decisions very early =) and along with that I got my merit-based scholarship info for a few of them, a few will declare it later. Parsons told me that I received a top schol. but won't tell me the amount till I get my admissiont packet. Uarts is giving me the Presidential Schol. and told me how much it is etc. SVA and ACCD will tell me later. RISD won't be telling me anything =(</p>

<p>Thanks for your thoughts kalonity, appreciate it =)</p>

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<p>I went to Ringling for precollege and though I did not study photography there (I did painting/drawing), the TA from the photography department told us that Ringling's photo department is in decline. That's coming from an actual student, mind you. And yes 3D animation seemed to be the school's pet.</p>

<p>I say go to SVA! Like you, for some inexplicable reason I just fell in love with that school. Of course James Jean probably had something to do with it... But yes I am waiting eagerly to hear back from SVA myself. And it's cheaper!</p>

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<p>Hey caressemh,
Thanks for that information about Ringling, I wasn't considering it much anyways.
Even I have a strange liking for SVA, and yes it is cheaper, but as I mentioned, it is hearing that the equipment is sub-standard that worries me.... do you know anything regarding this?</p>

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<p>Actually, I got my impressions of Mumbai from what I've read and your brilliant photos! I was born in Manhattan and lived there till I was 30. I spent many a night in G Village, the area of NYU and Parsons during the more dangerous pre-Giuliani years. I knew a large network of kids in the city and I never heard of anyone being mugged. I still know a bunch of people who are there, and I visit occasionally myself - still no bad news. It feels a TON safer now than it did then. I was always amazed that NYC had this reputation as being dangerous (and it had this reputation in spades in the 1970s-1980s). Maybe it was a tourist thing - I do think it's a 'street-smart' issue.</p>

<p>As for expense, if you can get past the housing issue, it's no more expensive than you decide to make it. I certainly lived there and had tons of fun on no money as a broke high school student, a broke college student and a far broker beginning wage earner with high housing costs. I do think raising a family there would be IMPOSSIBLY expensive, and is part of the reason I left. There came a time when a 400 sq foot studio was just not going to cut it, no matter how cool the neighborhood!</p>

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<p>Oh, you visit my photoblog, w00t! Thank you =) lately I haven't been shooting as much so excuse the drop in quality. I will return =D</p>

<p>It has become safer, I was reading crime statistics from the NYPD site, crime has dropped like crazy there. </p>

<p>Housing is expensive alright.... but worse is the little costs that will build up from meals and just simple daily living. I'm sure I won't mind living on a minimum, but I wouldn't like my Mom to have to struggle to provide that minimum (hence I await need based aid) At the same time, I don't want to know that I compromised on an education in a great place.</p>

<p>Would you happen to know anything about this (off topic again) what are the work regulations like on a student visa? For example, am I allowed to do freelance design work (not employed by anyone else)? Because that could potentially cover a lot of cost. If you have any idea, would like to know.</p>

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<p>I lived in that area of Manhattan for the whole of the 90s (not sure what its like now). But then, even with a baby in a stroller, I always felt very safe going out at night. It was a bit strange for me as I recall, coming from a too quiet, extremely safe suburb where I would never have walked at night, to living in the Village, and feeling I could go anywhere, at any hour with the lights and aliveness and streets full of people! Oh I miss it so...</p>

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<p>Hey starbright...
Thats good to know, dispels the reputation NYC sometimes seems to have. I'm going to be missing Mumbai like anything once I leave though.</p>

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<p>Starbright - exactly - we live in rural portion of a medium sized city and I would never dream of walking anywhere at night. We also have a big old gate, because the seclusion and quiet actually makes me feel a whole lot less safer than I did in the city.</p>

<p>Azharc - food costs and incidentals will add up wherever you are. You can still go out for pizza and gyros and eat franks on the street. Is there a food program at Parsons and SVA? Entertainment is frankly cheaper in the city - there are tons of free events and you can get into any museum for a small donation (dont give them the "suggested" donation). Clothes can be bought on the cheap once you discover the right thrift shops. All of the other students will mostly be in the same boat - follow their lead. If anyone is lucky enough to have access to a car (I did while living there, so it's not as unusual as you'd think), buy groceries in New Jersey at a bulk supermarket like Costco/Sam's Club and then split them up. It becomes more affordable than the suburbs because you don't need a car, there are plenty of competitive shops once you do some investigating, and you'll even find transportation costs pretty minimal because it's so easy to walk.</p>

<p>As for working, I have no clue what the rules are on this. It's plentiful (limitless temporary jobs), if you find that it's legal. I would guess most positions in any art field you find will be non-paying internships, that hopefully lead to a paying position once real life experience is attained.</p>

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<p>I'd have no qualms re: safety about my D going back there for school if she wanted to one day. We still have many friends in the neighbourhood (whose kids are tweens and young teens) and they walk many blocks home from school, visit friends, take the buses. </p>

<p>It's definitely a big city like any other (so it includes odd people, the occasional syringe, addicts, petty crime, shopping cart people), so those not used to big cities might feel it's unsafe. But it's really not. Many years ago it was, but that was a long time go. </p>

<p>I also found people in NYC to be extremely hospitable. That also doesn't fit the stereotype but I loved the sense of comraderie I found (they might be 'rude' but they sure as heck are friendly). Pull out a map and people will offer to help. I was in a friends' car and a cab pulled up beside just to warn me not to leave anything on my dashboard with the window open. Share a conversation with a friend as you walk down the street, and the person behind you might interject with some helpful advice if they overhear. Some strange spectacle goes down the street and if it's enough to make people stop and look (it takes QUITE a spectacle for that to happen there!), people will turn to each other and say "only in New York..." as they smile and shake their heads. I always felt it was a city full of strangers but shared a sense of being there together, they looked out for each other. </p>

<p>Sorry I digress, I'm just reminiscing....</p>

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<p>you're welcome! </p>

<p>:O I knew RISD is pretty bad with fin aid, but NOTHING at all for int'l students? that's terrible :( esp considering what, like 20% of their students are from outside the US?</p>

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<p>New York is like, one of the safest cities ever. You'll be fine there.</p>

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<p>Thanks MattsMomFL, I'll keep those in mind. (reminded me of some news story I read about traveling to Canada for meds lol...)</p>

<p>And the free shows, coincidentally, on SVAs poster which is an illustration of the city its marked free shows and rooftop movies.</p>

<p>Hey and more walking, more shooting! (Most of my shots here are from the street, wonder what it will be like shooting on the street there)</p>

<p>Freelance design work is what I was looking at specifically. I'm already doing it here so if I can continue there, it can help a lot.</p>

<p>I remember NYU had a food program, but I've lost the Parsons cost sheet (which is so hard to find on their website), but I'd assume it would have =\ Don't remember for SVA either.</p>

<p>Starbright,
I actually liked your stories. It really sounds a lot like Mumbai so its nice to read.</p>

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<p>Yeah Kalonity, zilch aid (according to website, and admissions councilor I asked twice) not even merit based scholarships, its horrible. Most of the people from here who go are uber rich so they hardly even look at the cost before deciding.</p>

<p>I made a plead to the financial aid office anyways to see if absolutely anything can be done, awaiting a reply.</p>

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<hr>

<p>Hey caressemh,
Thanks for that information about Ringling, I wasn't considering it much anyways.</p>

<h2>Even I have a strange liking for SVA, and yes it is cheaper, but as I mentioned, it is hearing that the equipment is sub-standard that worries me.... do you know anything regarding this?</h2>

<p>I was able to take a quick tour of SVA and through their photo, film, and graphic design departments before I had to run off for an interview at Parsons (where they were totally RUDE, btw, but that's a whole other story). From what I could see, they had up-to-date stuff, but then again I know nothing about cameras and photo equipment. They did have new computers and a really nice huge printer, and one of the students was explaining to us how the equipment cache works. The higher the level classes you are in, the more equipment you can rent out, etc. I think they replace everything on a regular basis but I wasn't paying close attention to that part so I can't recall exactly :( The kid giving us the tour was an animation major and he didn't have any complaints but he admitted that he didn't need to use the cache often.</p>

<p>Just keep in mind that if you are getting your information from reviews and stuff online, check the date of them because I'm pretty sure the school has grown and improved a lot in recent years.</p>