<p>My daughter is trying to decide between Pratt and Massart for fashion design. Costs are close enough they are not a consideration. She loves the feel at Massart but thinks the curriculum may be stronger at Pratt and really likes the studio space there too; however, she is not as enamored with Pratts location. Can anyone weigh in on these two programs? Is one much better than the other in terms of opening doors/contacts for internships as well as post graduation success? She really thinks she could be happy at Massart but wonders if Pratts reputation is worth being in an environment that is less pleasing.</p>
<p>Hey Rockandrun, I am a freshman advertising/ art direction student at Pratt and i love it here. I was a little worried about Pratt’s location before coming, but it is actually really great. It is not as busy as Manhattan, with brownstones outside the campus, yet there are always things going on within blocks. It is also a minutes walk to the subway in which it takes 15 minutes to get to Manhattan. Pratt also just has a beautiful campus. Many people describe it as an oasis in the city.
I have friends in the fashion design program and they really like it. Pratt is known for their program and i hear it is very strong. You also have all the city for inspiration and connections. That is a huge thing that Pratt has: connections. I grew up in Boston and i can tell you for a fact the amount of opportunities your daughter will have in nyc is far greater than boston. People know people. My friend who is a majoring in FD who is a FRESHMAN already has an internship with an up and coming fashion designer who has worked with Lady Gaga and the black eyed peas.
The likelihood of your D having a job right out of school is exponentially greater than if she goes to massart. I visted massart (and liked it) and i have friends going there, and they like it to, however boston is so small and doesnt have nearly as many things going on. I personally love boston and will eventually move back there, but going to Pratt opens up more doors than you know.</p>
<p>Hey Bunnus,
Thanks so much for the reply. I really appreciate your input, and it makes a lot of sense. It’s always great to get insight from someone who is actually there and living it. My D has come to the conclusion that a Pratt education would be better but the transition would be more difficult (she really loves the “feel” in Boston) though in the long run worth it. We’re going to look at both schools again. Btw, so awesome and exciting for your friend. Best of luck to both of you. :)</p>
<p>Hey Rockandrun, how do you see the costs being close enough??? My D accepted at both for FD and we can’t swing the $$ for Pratt. She wants Pratt but we have to push MassArt because of $$$. And Bunnus, any chance Pratt reevaluates awards for financial aid before we need to accept or deny? call and cry???</p>
<p>Hey Dobsieguide,
We are out of state for Massart. The difference in tuition $ is made up by more merit aid from Pratt. We plan to look at both schools again. Good luck. I hope your D is able to attend the school of her choice.</p>
<p>As someone who has walked all around Pratts neighborhoods as a parent, I can say its pretty dull. Yes it is a city but NYC and Brooklyn are really safe. I’ve been sending my kids there by themselves not to Pratt but Parsons summer programs and a friends in Park slope for years. There are a couple of nice easily managed neigborhoods nearby. I would disagree on the train service though. If its running well it is 15 minutes, but i walked around at night and waited almost an hour at that time. Yes i’m the kind of dad who wanted to see whether the neighborhood changed late at night, no it didn’t.</p>
<p>Hi ethomasnj,
We walked way off campus in a number of directions and on a nice sunny day in the middle of the afternoon, I had no qualms about the area. Good to hear it doesn’t change much at night but I still don’t think it would be wise to wander around alone…</p>