<p>Just came back from NPD in Miami. Very interesting and DD got some excellent feedback. It was 4 hours long, and she got to see 9 schools during that time. The smaller schools (her first choices) spent the most time and several told her that she was what the school was looking for and would be recommended for a merit scholarship. Since she was already convinced (her opinion only) that her art wasn't good enough, it was the validation she needed. The smaller schools had less lines and there was one reviewer that had the unfortunate luck of being placed next to SVA (they were alphabetical) and the SVA kids lined up right in front of him and no one could tell he was open. I sent DD and her friend over there and they got good critiques from him. Questions they asked her: Where/what do you get your inspiration from? What type of artists do you like the most? The rep from MIAD asked her what were her favorite movies.</p>
<p>Some kids spread their stuff along the floor in open spaces, and expected the reps to come and look at their stuff on the floor. I saw some that did and some that wanted the pieces brought to them. That made walking spaces even more difficult, and in some places it was impossible to get by, especially with those hauling around paintings on plywood, and glass. I would've been afraid something would get stepped on.</p>
<p>Kudos go out to the rep from Minneapolis College of Art and Design, who was late, having been in an accident with a bloody nose to boot. He hung in there almost the whole time, altho you could tell he was definitely not feeling well. Since that school is DD's top 4, she was impressed - thought that showed he really cares about the students, and I agree.</p>
<p>All in all it was an excellent experience. For those students wanting lots of feedback, I would recommend starting with the smaller schools first - shorter lines, and the reps tended to spend more time per student since they didn't have long lines. DD was with one rep at one school while I waited in the RMCAD line where they did 3 students in the same amount of time. All the reps told her what she basically already knew, and now she has received good advice and pointers on improving her portfolio.</p>
<p>We brought snacks which was a good idea since we were there 5 hours, and I would also suggest bringing a bag to carry catalogs. I had to send DH out to the car because I couldn't carry anymore!!</p>