Pratt, SVA, CalArts, SAIC, MassArt, Parsons? Graphic Design

College Majors Visual Arts and Film Majors
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Hi everyone! (posted this in another thread as a reply but wanted to post my own thread as well)

I’m an international student and I applied for BFA graphic design, and I’ve been reading so many threads and they’ve all been really helpful! So thank you :slight_smile: I’m actually in the middle of making a decision as well as waiting for some decisions.

So to run through it quickly, I’ve been fortunate to have been accepted to SVA, MassArt (with scholarship yay) CalArts, SAIC, and Parsons (w/ scholarship), and I’m waiting on Pratt and Emily Carr.

I was able to visit Pratt and Parsons a couple of weeks ago, and I found that I really liked Pratt, so i reckon that that’s probably my first choice. (been waiting for the decision and its been torture haha) I didn’t really enjoy the vibe of Parsons so I don’t think I’ll be going there

That being said, my family and I have been preparing for the possibility of a rejection from Pratt, so a quick trip will be made to my second and third choice schools so we’ll be able to see if it’s a right fit for me.

That being said, I have absolutely NO idea what my second and third choices are, and obviously i can’t visit ALL the schools, so i have to pick 2 (maybe 3 depending on location) so i was hoping to gain some insight and advice on which uni you think should definitely be visited.

I definitely would like to be in a city, which is why I’m a little hesitant about CalArts because i’ve heard that it’s practically in a desert (could be wrong about this). Also, just for a little more information, I am fortunate enough wherein money is not that big of an issue, so there is that.

So I’d really really appreciate any information or advice anyone would be able to give me about the course, the school, the people, the party scene, literally anything haha. Being from outside the States, I haven’t really got a lot of resources to look into :confused: But thank you so much in advance for any responses! :slight_smile: Hopefully this thread will help other students as well!

PS. Before anyone asks, I did a Precollege program in RISD and although it was a great experience, I didn’t like the area and it wasn’t really my culture, hence why I didn’t apply. :slight_smile:

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consider seriously, VCUARTS in Richmond Va. #2 fine arts program in the nation .

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@AmbieLiu15 my D loved Pratt and waited until the last moment to decide. Ultimately she chose another school because she wanted a larger campus with a more diverse (in terms of majors) population.

She also thought CalArts was too remote a location. She definitely wanted a city campus. It’s a little late so many schools won’t be accepting applications much longer. University of the Arts in Philly may still be though, if you want another alternate. It’s in Center City so it’s around all the great areas of Philadelphia.

Good luck with Pratt though! It’s a great school in an amazing city!

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We looked at many of the same schools and really liked both Pratt and MassArts if you’re looking for a more city vibe. If you haven’t visited already, check out the location of MassArts on google maps, there’s world class museums all within walking distance and a lot of other colleges nearby so it definitely has a fun younger vibe to the area too.

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I’m not sure I’d recommend SAIC for graphic design. They have a good fashion program. But their core curriculum for a major in studio arts is very installation art, performance art based and emphasizes the intellectual above the visual.

That said, I don’t have specific knowledge of their graphic arts program after the first year. I’ll just suggest you take care - we found they gave us a great story about the school…except what was said wasn’t what we found once my son chose them and showed up to take classes.

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D was just accepted to VCUARTS graphic Design major after completing her foundation year! VCUARTS is a top rated design school , especially the graphic design program.