Parsons, Pratt, FIT & schools outside of NYC

College Majors Visual Arts and Film Majors
1

<p>I just recently decided that I would like to go to fashion school (although it's been my dream since I was very young). It's kind of impulsive, especially considering that I have no idea how to sew or construct garments, but I've been sketching outfits for a long time and I would really love to work in the fashion industry. </p>

<p>I went to UW-Madison beginning this past fall and took totally unrelated classes and dropped out this spring because it really wasn't what I wanted to do. </p>

<p>This fall, I plan to take sewing and drawing and some other general art courses at a community college (U-Dub doesn't offer sewing and most art classes are only open to art majors, so that's not really going to happen) and make garments and put together my portfolio and all of that. </p>

<p>However, I am totally clueless when it comes to fashion school. Will those classes be enough, if I have the talent (which I'm really hoping it turns up that I do)? Would community college classes even be accepted as transfer credits? I know some fashion schools (like Parsons) have a foundation year and I'm wondering if drawing and other art classes would count toward that, or if I would have to start as a freshman. </p>

<p>Also, I'm leaning toward going to NYC, since that is one of the fashion capitals of the world and that's probably where I'll end up working after graduation. How do Parsons and Pratt and FIT compare? Like I said, I am pretty clueless. </p>

<p>Also, would you actually advise going to an NYC school? Other schools in consideration would be SAIC (more of an arts school than a fashion school, which could be nice), Otis, or maybe California College of the Arts (also way more art than fashion), because I love San Francisco. </p>

<p>Which of these are the best? What are the main differences between the schools? Which of them would give me the best advantage in the fashion world, or does it not matter much? Which of them is the hardest to get accepted to? Pretending that I get into all of them, which one would you advise that I go to? </p>

<p>Sorry there are a million questions and this is so long, I just feel really uninformed about this subject and I know if I ask the school, they'll just talk themselves up, instead of being totally frank. I really appreciate any advice. :)</p>

2

<p>Check out Univeristy of Cincinnati. Yes, University of Cincinnati,which I know seems a bit odd. The reason is that they have a phenominal coop program in design and many connections in both the US and the world. It always was known for design,but it also has a very strong fashion design program.</p>

<p>You might also want to check out RISD, Pratt institute and of course the more well known ones: Parsons and FIT. Also, check out Otis ,which has a strong program in Costume Design and FIDM.</p>

3

<p>I’d avoid FIDM. It doesn’t have a great rep in the industry. The other schools mentioned so far are far stronger. </p>

<p>You may also want to look at Kent State University, and at Drexel. Both have respected programs. As others (and you) mentioned, you certainly want to look at FIT and Parsons; and maybe also RISD, Otis, and Pratt. </p>

<p>Parsons and FIT are the two best fashion schools in the US. I’d argue they are up there with the best in the world. You should apply! In fact, FIT isn’t horribly expensive, even if you’re from out of state, as it’s a SUNY. </p>

<p>Definitely apply to any college you’d like, but in addition to those, seriously consider including FIT, Pratt, and maybe Kent State on your list. This is because FIT and Kent are relatively inexpensive, even for out of state students, because they are public; and although Pratt is private, it seems (unlike RISD) to be willing to give decent financial aid. </p>

<p>I think your plan to take classes at your community college is a very good one. It’ll allow you to prepare a portfolio, so you’ll have a better chance of getting in someplace good. </p>

<p>It’s possible that some of the schools will let you transfer in some of the cc credits and use them toward your major, but it’s just as likely that you’ll have to retake some of those courses at fashion school. But that’s fine - don’t worry about that. What you take at the cc is mainly to prep you, to bring your skills up, and to help you get into fashion school - if the classes also end up transferring in and counting toward your major, that’s a bonus; not a requirement.</p>

4

<p>Thank you so much, you guys are so helpful. :)</p>

<p>Would Kent State or University of Cincinnati still help me get into the couture fashion world in NYC or might they be a hindrance? The lower price definitely is appealing, though, especially because I fall in that middle-class range where I don’t get too many need-based financial aid, but I still actually need it.</p>

5

<p>Kent has a very good rep in the industry. I would not see you going there as any sort of hindrance! </p>

<p>Also look at the cost of the Fashion Institute of Technology. They are a state school - a SUNY - and yet they’re also one of the best fashion schools in the US. The SUNYs tend to be somewhat reasonable in cost, even for out of state students. Relatively speaking, of course. </p>

<p>Since finances are a concern, when you apply, apply both to schools with a lower sticker price, and to private schools with a higher sticker price. See where you get in, see what aid they offer, and then decide. </p>

<p>One other thing you should check out - see if your home state has any sort of regional tuition agreement with Ohio. That can lower your tuition, even though you’re out of state. </p>

<p>When you study fashion, make sure that you do at least one internship. Ideally, do two - and make one of those in NYC. It’ll be expensive to live in NYC for the summer, but if NYC is your goal, it’ll be worth the price, so you can network and etc. while you’re there. There are things you can do to lower your cost - stay in university dorms for the summer, or get a sublet/flat share, etc.</p>

6

<p>University of Cincinnati has a lot of contacts for internships,which can get a talented, go - getter into any world. Seriously, check them out. They may not have the panace of FIT or Parsons,but they are quite good.</p>

7

<p>If you are planning on living in NYC after college, it makes more sense to shoot for FIT or Parsons. You will meet many professionals in the field (your teachers) and your fellow students will be your future colleagues. FIT is much much cheaper than Parsons.</p>

8

<p>How come I have not heard any mention of the Academy of Art University in San Francisco? Having researched most of the fashion design schools mentioned, along with AAU, I have been impressed with their program. From what I understand, they are the only school that presents at Fashion Week. They are considerably less expensive than Parsons or Pratt and they accept everyone, understanding that the rigor of the program will weed out those that shouldn’t be there. This gives everyone the opportunity and if they want it bad enough, they will put in the amount of work it takes to succeed. Anyone know about this school firsthand?</p>