<p>...or maybe it's just me getting a bit of cold feet. I keep on posting on these forums, rofl.</p>
<p>First off, I'm interested in going to an art major (illustration). The problem? MONEY. I really, really like RISD, my first choice art school since middle school. It's safer, closer to home, has a more New England feel, has a better illustration program, and, when we visited, I had a gut feeling that I really wanted to go there. It also has greater prestige... which is important to my parents. Unfortunately, their aid is abysmal. Close to $100k in loans by the end of four years. I ended up sending my deposit to MICA, my second choice art school. But now I feel like it's just wrong. Baltimore is a very dangerous place, it's REALLY far from home (8 hours by car; I don't know I'm going to get my stuff to my dorm), is not in New England... and I don't like their illustration program as much. I chose MICA, though, because it offered me a package that'd leave with me about $30k-$40k in loans... still substantial but more manageable than RISD.</p>
<p>The thing is... I still REALLY REALLY want to go to RISD. My parents have already told me they're willing to pay all my expenses for freshman year, so for me, attending RISD or MICA for one year should be the same financially. But my parents would have to dig really deep to get the money for RISD and I didn't want them to get into that kind of financial trouble. It's still May, so I might have the option of telling RISD I still want to go there. But I don't know if the money is worth me wanting to go. But I can't help feeling really troubled deciding to go to MICA. My parents have already made it clear that they feel paying more money is worth more than having me attacked in Baltimore, but I'd be the one responsible for paying the loans after freshman year.</p>
<p>So. First choice expensive prestigious school vs. second choice manageable good-name school?</p>
<p>(My parent's 2-cents... they're paying more than half my COA. They want me to go to college in the following order from most-want to least-want: UNC Chapel Hill, Boston University, NCSU School of Design, RISD, then MICA. MICA is on the bottom of their list...)</p>
<p>Take a look at the post & links related to undergrad debt – An art degree is tough for job prospects – An art degree & 100k in debt is too much stress for a young person to take on IMO.</p>
<p>As a parent – your parent’s list looks like it is with job prospect in mind.</p>
<p>You made your choice, by happy with it and give MICA a chance :)</p>
<p>I know a number of Johns Hopkins students who are very happy in Baltimore. There may be pockets of “bad” neighborhoods" but those don’t represent the whole city. MICA is supposed to be great. There are very inexpensive buses from New York City, so once you drive down there with your stuff at first it may not be that hard to get home. However, I do have the impression that RISD is the Harvard of art schools----before you spend time re-thinking check to see if it’s even possible to change your mind. There’s definitely something to be said (as you will see on many Harvard or Yale vs. XXXX threads) for saving the money.</p>
<p>Art + Debt can make your life completely miserable. </p>
<p>Baltimore is alternately spectacular, fascinating, inspiring, and horrifying.<br>
You’ll learn your way around. PM me if you want a map of Hoods to Avoid ;)</p>
<p>Haha Baltimore isn’t ALL that bad sure some parts are terrible but I looooove baltimore and my best friend and I feel comfortable walking around parts alone together also (18yo-girls) you just gotta get a feel for it</p>
<p>HEY you two be careful! :)</p>
<p>Actually I miss Baltimore. Esp Fed Hill, Camden Yards, and the neighborhood of Homeland, where I hope to die and be buried one day. And Mount Vernon Square, how stunning is that? Used to hang out in Baltimore a lot more than I am able at present. Oh well.</p>
<p>No school is worth a lot of debt for a student or parent.</p>
<p>Go to MICA the first year. You may really like it and really enjoy Baltimore. If you hate it then transfer to RISD. Did you apply to Savannah School as well? Another option. </p>
<p>Relax. Cold feet is normal for freshmen. The key is to look forward and embrace your school.</p>
<p>And taking a good aid package is common sense.</p>
<p>Marsden* haha we are I always always carry a handknife haha and mace curtosey of my internship as a graduation gift 
but maybe it’s becuse I’m way comfortable in Baltimore because I grew up in DC haha spent my whole life wandering the city</p>
<p>That kind of debt would probably be impossible to pay off as an illustrator. Personally I’d choose UNC and double major with somethinng that will be a backup for a career.</p>
<p>Hi Ghostbuster,
I like your suggestion, but wondering if it is feasible. My daughter is accepted by both Brown Dural program with RISD and MICA. We really like the Dural program, but finance is a major issue for us. MICA offers her decent schoolaship.<br>
I am wondering if she turn down RISD now, will they be resentful enough not to accept her at junior year?</p>
<p>this thread is a year old…</p>