<p>I have received acceptance letters from the following colleges in their Fashion Design programs:
1- Parsons for AAS and
2- Drexel for Masters/Graduate (in Philly)
3- SCAD for Masters (Savannah)
4- Philadelphia University for Masters in FD.</p>
<p>I am an international student(Indian) with prior fashion industry experience(6+ years). I have already completed my undergrads and graduate level diploma studies from India. I want to start my career in US.</p>
<p>I am wary of Parsons only because of the AAS degree as compared to Graduate degree offer in Drexel. I've been advised that i cannot work legally on the visa that comes with the AAS program. Additionally, the time given to search for a job opportunity after completion of education is considerably less in case of AAS program.</p>
<p>I am inclined towards choosing Drexel because of it's proximity to NYC and high overall ranking.</p>
<p>I would like some more help before coming to a decision.</p>
<p>I think you have already weighed your pros and cons.
Although I can’t speak for the job hunt in NYC, finding an entry level PAID job in fashion design is hard to come by. Realize that you will probably have to intern and compete with all the undergrads looking for paid employment after graduation.
Also some employers may only look at students whose education is at least at the Bachelor’s level. With that said, maybe the Masters will show a perceived higher level of education, even if you may in fact not have received a bachelors in fashion design?
Why didn’t you apply to Parsons masters program?</p>
<p>I’d also look at the curriculum. A good curriculum will be rigorous and will train you to be competitive in the fashion industry. If at any school you’d have “free time” to intern during the semesters/quarters, then most likely than not the program is failing you in some way. I personally would not rule out SCAD. SCAD is very well respected, and if Drexel’s program is as rigorous as I imagine SCAD’s program to be, it will not matter that Phil. is close to NYC as most likely than not you won’t have time to intern during the school year. Obviously the co-op program to Drexel is beneficial to its students in gaining experience, so that may be something else to consider.</p>
<p>I do understand that job,etc depends on individual work and dedication. This factor has already been taken into consideration.</p>
<p>I did apply to Masters program at Parsons but they have offered me AAS course. If i had been accepted in Masters in Parsons, i wouldn’t have thought twice about any other option.</p>
<p>Drexel and SCAD’s FD programs are both very intensive and reputable. The choice has narrowed down to Drexel and Parsons. </p>
<p>I also think that Masters program gives a perceived higher level of education. That was one of my main reasons to apply to the Masters programs(limiting my options).
But Parsons is one of the best schools out there for Fashion, and that is one of the main reason i am confused. </p>
<p>How much difference would it make having Parsons on the resume as compared to Masters from Drexel. The courses in both are very rigorous and competitive and will basically teach things on a similar lines.</p>
<p>As far as co-op is concerned, Drexel’s fashion graduate program does not participate in it. </p>
<p>My second concern is having an option to take up part time work opportunity and the amount of time i get to find a job after completion fo courses on their respective visas (F1 for Masters & still searching for AAS program).
I am not sure if i would get time for part-time opportunities, but i would like to be aware. </p>
<p>Thanks for your time. I really appreciate the help.</p>
<p>If you want to get paid work experience in the US while you are studying, or afterwards, you have to choose the program that will give you an F-1 visa and the possibility of OPT. It looks like the AAS program won’t work.</p>
<p>It looks like you’ve already written off SCAD, but that would be my pick (or Parsons). Here’s the link to the CC on visual arts majors. I realize you are FD, but there are many really well informed people on this thread that are familiar with all the art specialized schools, so post this question there and see what they say for addional feed back.</p>
<p>I am facing similar problem. I am an international applicant from India with 4 yrs bachelors degree in fashion design and masters from milan in fashion styling.</p>
<p>Now I have applied for graduate fashion Design programmes in usa…Starting Fall 2012.</p>
<p>I have recieved confirmation for admission from the below</p>
<ol>
<li>Drexel university ,Phil - 3yrs programme, in graduate fashion design</li>
<li>Savannah school of fashion and design, with scholarship in fashion n Design - 2yrs progm</li>
<li>Academy of Art University, SF - 3yrs program in Fashion Design.</li>
</ol>
<p>Now Im extremely confused which one to go for.</p>
<p>Im looking at job prospects, placements and internships after my graduation and also overall ratings of the university…</p>
<p>I want to make the correct choice for myself… </p>
<p>I really want to work and use the skills learned after investing huge amount of money in USA…</p>
<p>But not getting clarity on which one would suit it the best. Need expert advise and guidance…</p>