<p>/\ topic. so far, i am certain on applying to CCA/SVA/MICA/pratt</p>
<p>I would say they are all a tier or two down from the programs you list that you are certain of applying to. If you really feel that you have a shot at those top four choices, then one of the other three would be a fine safety. Much has been said about one of those schools on other threads, so I won’t go into it here. I recommend you become well acquainted with the search function.</p>
<p>CCA and MICA are supposedly pretty good, but I think SCAD is much better than Pratt, SVA, and Otis. And MCAD is kind of… bleh.</p>