<p>Hello,
My HS Senior has looked @ several BFA and and a couple of BA programs in Ceramics. We have visited New Paltz, Syracuse, RIT, and Skidmore, and attended U of Hartford's National Portfolio Review Day but unfortunately did not get to tour the campus as we were stuck in a blizzard! The Portfolio reviews went very well overall, and she was told by several reviewers that her pottery was very sophisticated and what they would expect from a college sophomore or junior. U of Hart and Syracuse accepted her portfolio on the spot and U of Hart told her they wanted her and would give her "big $" to get her there. Alfred also hinted @ a scholarship. Her GPA is 3.5, SAT 1750, ACT 27.</p>
<p>She is applying to all of the schools listed above plus Alfred and Eckerd College, but is point is unclear on a favorite. My husband and I know nothing about art, but want her to attend a school with a strong reputation. She is sure that she wants a traditional university rather than an art only school.</p>
<p>Any information on these programs would be greatly appreciated!!</p>
<p>Just a personal opinion…when we visited Syracuse I was very impressed with the work on display from the ceramics department. We never visited New Paltz or RIT but Ihave heard good things about both ceramics programs.
University of Hartford’s art program has a rising reputation.
It sounds like your D has some good options.</p>
<p>Thanks for the feedback. She really likes the size and layout of the New Paltz Campus and the town. She felt like the Syracuse campus was pretty, but maybe too big; but she was really was impressed with the Ceramics Dept. facilities as well as the department staff that she met @ SU. </p>
<p>I guess as with any other senior and thier lists there are positives and negatives for each school. But not knowing much about Art or colleges searches I want to be sure we are helping her gather all the info. she can to make the best decision possible.</p>
<p>I wonder if a larger School like SU or RIT is worth the tuition difference because of the larger alumni base and name recognition, or is she just as well off @ a smaller program such as U Hart or a small state school like New Paltz?</p>
<p>Her Ceramics teacher grad from Alfred and recommends it too. D’s hesitation is that it is in a rural setting and she doesn’t think she would be happy in that situation, but we do plan to visit there as well.</p>
<p>I would look at the quality of the facilities, course offerings and the number of faculty and their personal work. See if your daughter is especially inspired by the work of the faculty and the students. With the right facilites and faculty I see no problem with a smaller school. For my son, environment was a deciding factor. He could “see” himself working in the studios at his school. If there is an opportunity for her to sit in on classes it could make all the difference in her decision.</p>
<p>You might be surprised in the end about the actual price tag at these schools. My son was offered a very generous package from Syracuse and I have heard similarly about RIT. They know they are competing with state schools and make an attempt to make it work for the average family.</p>
<p>That would be great if there were merit scholarships available for her @ one of those 2 schools! I’ve heard that SU doesn’t offer much in terms of merit based scholarships though - is that true. I think we are sunk for need based $ as she is an only child and we both work own a second home. Is there a website other than each schools that gives info on Art specific scholarships? </p>
<p>Thanks so much…I wish I had found this site sooner!</p>
<p>As far as I remember, the package from Syracuse was a combo of merit and financial aid. Keep us posted when the offers come in. It is always interesting to hear that info. </p>
<p>Also keep in mind that it is possible to ask for a a review of any offers of scholarship/aid. Some families have done that and gotten a bit more. Carnegie Mellon actually has a formal process for that! It helps if you are able to express that your daughter has her heart set on a place and if there was just a bit more help, it would make the difference in her being able to attend.</p>