<p>mom4art- Illustration is one of the most flexible majors at RISD. Other majors are very rigid, although they do require non major studios, and there is wintersession, where students can take classes outside their major. But you’re right, if one switches majors after a year, I think it adds more time. Not sure if this happens with every major, though.</p>
<p>As for the administration, at least the health services people, they are very proactive. When my D had a mishap that sent her to the ER, the school drs and nurses followed up with her and her recovery was very smooth, which was a relief since she is 3000 miles away.</p>
<p>I’m considering MICA for next year.
I applied Early Notification and got in (but I live in the area, which is a big minus…since I wanted to get out of Baltimore). I applied to other schools, but MICA is seeming more and more appealing (program and scholarship money, etc)</p>
<p>& speaking of Baltimore, can everyone please stop saying its “sketchy” and “ghetto”. Yes, its not white picket fence suburb but I mean it is a CITY. And Bolton Hill is a wonderful area. You just have to have common sense, and not matter were to go to college if you dont have that then you’re just SOL…in life. But I digress.</p>
<p>My apologies, I’ve sometimes said posters here said the neighborhood was sketchy but yes, coming from NYC myself I suspect it might just look like home. I remember someone here being worried about the Chicago area where SAIC and to me it just seemed like home. You just need some common living in a city sense.</p>
<p>We thought the MICA area was ok. Cute row houses around. In contrast, Ringling area scared us, D hated that she would have to cross Michigan Ave to get to school at SAIC and forget about NYC schools. D does not have “common living in a city sense” (she will agree!) and don’t expect her to pick it up any time soon living the suburban life…but what are you gonna do? Art people congregate to cities.</p>
<p>There are certainly some common sense things that one must/should do when living in cities that are different from small towns. I remember a MICA girl who was really angry because she got in trouble for not locking her dorm room when she went out. Yikes, she should be locking it even when she’s home let alone when she goes out. I think some schools give crash courses in city living but I don’t know how much it sinks in at first for small town kids.</p>
<p>Another question…
Does anyone know/can compare MICA’s photo to other schools.
I would like for photo to be my major, but I know MICA isn’t known for it.
Pros or Cons anyone?</p>
<p>We visited MICA last year, D’s junior year, and were not impressed with the photo department and facilities. D is interested in photo and is deciding between Pratt and SAIC. Got into SVA as well, and has attended pre-college there and loved it, but wanted a more well-rounded art AND liberal arts education. She decided not to apply to MICA because the location was not “big city,” which is her preference. We know a freshman at MICA for drawing/painting right now who is very happy there. Hope this helps.</p>
<p>yea…I did feel like there facs. were a little small versus other schools I visited (SVA, Parsons, etc). But I would like to have the option of having more liberal arts. I also would like to have the ability to “move around” and experiment (but still have my main focus/major be photo). </p>
<p>Where did you daughter end up going? Does she like it?</p>
<p>She is still deciding among those and SAIC. Both Pratt and SAIC have strong and varied liberal arts classes (and require at least 30 credits) – Pratt has a little room for other disciplines (and incorporates film/video in the photo curriculum), SAIC allows for a lot of experimentation. It seems like you have more flexibility to explore different arts at SAIC. And although she would prefer NYC, Chicago is fabulous and the school is in a great location. It’s a tough decision. Have you seen the facilities at Pratt?</p>
<p>I didn’t apply to Pratt, so I didnt see them. Were they good? I visited SAIC on an accepted students day. I really loved the area and that you get a free loop pass & discounts at the film center. But something about the faculty felt really disingenuine. When aksed about addtional scholarship monies, they got a bit of an attitude (which I did not apperciate). I am still considering it though. The best “vibe” of a school I got was at SVA, but they barely have and lib. arts & no major flexibility/interdis. so its basically out 
so my choice now is between SAIC, MICA, SMFA (and a few other I haven’t heard from yet…) But so far MICA is winning</p>
<p>We visited Pratt last year, but will return, cause we really didn’t see the photo facilities in depth, except for the general location. My D has attended pre-college classes for photo at SVA and has thoroughly enjoyed them. And the location is perfect – she loves the city. She has applied for the honors program, which I think she will get in, but I don’t know if that will be enough academic stimulation (at least for me!). We have not yet heard from SVA about scholarship. Have you?</p>
<p>As far as SVA I got a financial aid estimate back in Jan. (I applied in Dec.) & it was VERY minimal. They didnt even give we the suggested FASFA amt & most of it was loans. But I’ll see on the definate after taxes have been filed. And I have heard nothing as far as merit. Out of all my schools I think MICA kept the most in touch as far as scholarship eligability, which was a plus (& also made me feel like they cared a little/that I wasnt just a number…) But yeah…I’m thinking maybe if I still am on the photo path when I finish undergrad that maybe I could go to SVA for grad school. But that a while from now so who knows!</p>
<p>Hi, I’m a current RISD Illustration sophomore. Hope I can help you out with a couple of your questions.</p>
<p>The freshman dorms are indeed nothing to write home about. The four freshman buildings are split just about 50-50 between suites and regular dorm hallways; suites are four or five rooms to two full bathrooms. Room size varies from close to reasonably spacious. There are some singles and some triples, but most people just have one roommate. Dorms come with a closet, a set of drawers, a raised bed, a chair, and a desk that can be angled (pretty standard). Again, nothing mind-blowing, but nothing so horrible that RISD would want to hide the dorms from you.</p>
<p>As for the intensity of freshman year: freshman year was absolutely transformative for me. It is very demanding and I did spend the vast majority of my time in studio, but I did it because I wanted to (and because my friends kept me sane through it all). I have never learned more about responsibility, time management, and critical thinking in a shorter period of time than I did in those nine months, and I was no high school slouch! If your child is open-minded and willing to work they will certainly benefit as much or more than I did.</p>
<p>I actually work part-time for RISD Admissions and was talking about freshman year to an accepted high school senior today. The RISD junior who was talking with me - who I’d never met before - concurred in that she wished she could do freshman year again. It’s that good.</p>
<p>hey RISD kid!! you kept your words and came back! great.
I just heard the same from freshman’s mom. It was the right choice and great fit for the kid.
“fit” is the word, and you’d know best if you can do it.</p>