<p>Yes, I know there has been plenty of topics about this, but I guess I still wanted to discuss them again... see if I could get more opinions.</p>
<p>I'm currently a sophomore, hoping to attend one of the pre-college programs available out there. So far I have been looking at:</p>
<p>SAIC (Schoool of the Art Institute of Chicago)
RISD (Rhode Island School of Design)
MICA (Maryland Instute College of Art) Baltimore I think... is Tuscany better? I got the impression that Baltimore was the more popular one
and... Pratt.</p>
<p>I'm most attracted to MICA right now, and maybe even RISD (but it is for such a long period of time, so I might go for SAIC). </p>
<p>I'm shooting for painting, and if it is not possible, drawing even. I was hoping for feedbacks and detailed accounts of the experience for people who have been to these programs (or even more). It doesn't even have to be about these particular schools -- any other art programs out there that's really good? I want to be really really challenged; I've never had to rival any of my peers in the visual arts area. So maybe even a feedback on the level of artworks over there would be very nice!!</p>
<p>Oh, and does anyone know which schools give out the most financial aid? If I don't get (almost full) scholarship, I will NOT be able to go :(((((( so basically, regardless of which I like, I'm going to the one that gives me the most... </p>
<p>Thank you all!</p>
<p>I just sent off my application for the ECP at SAIC! My potential “major” is Fashion Design(Session I) and Drawing the Urban Landscape (Session II). So far I have heard nothing but good things about the program.</p>
<p>It was quite easy to apply, and it is one of the few programs that allows you send in an application without a deposit or fee. You should think about sending your stuff in to see if you qualify for a scholarship, because it really is risk-free, from my understanding. </p>
<p>Its great that you are starting your sophomore year, I wish i would have done so myself :)</p>
<p>Anyway, good luck to you in applying, wherever you choose to go!</p>
<p>Don’t forget VCU–they have a summer program–and if you live in the DC metro area, the Corcoran pre-college portfolio program. the first is really reasonably priced and I have only heard very positive things. S attended the Corcoran for just two weeks because he could live at home, commute in and work/theatre in the evenings. I wouldn’t say the Corcoran was at all rigorous but time and materials to work on some portfolio pieces. There were kids who chose the residential, but it is a bit pricey. S did sculpture and drawing and really got a lot out of it considering how short it was.</p>
<p>It seems likely, from an earlier thread, that you could get considerable financial aid from SAIC. Not sure about the others but that info should be available online.</p>
<p>I remember from MICA a few years ago that there were special scholarships for kids from Baltimore and for URM’s. My D2 got a “portfolio award” of $500 but there may have been other need-based aid available.</p>
<p>You should check all these programs online to see if they offer aid and then apply ASAP with a portfolio. Good luck!!!</p>
<p>I went to Mica’s program a few years ago and LOVED it. They did have special scholarships for people of need because my roommate was on one … and when I finished the program I received a scholarship offer to go to MICA. I ended up going elsewhere - but I think the point is … pick a program to where you most want to attend college----</p>
<p>My daughter is interested. Do they give you enough studio time there? She would probably be commuting, not living in a dorm.</p>
<p>Does attending a summer program at a particular summer program really give you an advantage?</p>
<p>I went to MICA Tuscany last summer, and it was great–if you’re looking for an intensive painting experience where you’ll learn a lot of techniques and get a lot of pieces for a portfolio, it may not be for you. It’s a really awesome program though if you want to really sink into the Tuscan countryside, visit the Academia and Uffizi, and be inspired–while painting a few pieces that will probably work really well for a portfolio. If you have any questions, I’d be happy to answer them :)</p>