Ringling Feedback: Illustration, Safety, Campus Life

College Majors Visual Arts and Film Majors
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<p>Looking for feedback on Ringling, specifically: </p>

<ol>
<li><p>What do you hear about the Illustration program? (I am aware of their consistent student wins at Society of Illustratiors.) I’m not clear on whether they value conceptual art the way other peer schools (MICA for example) seem to. </p></li>
<li><p>Campus safety? We visited for NPD in January 2010, so am familiar with the adjacent run down neighborhood. On other forums, I have heard a mixed bag and have not seen a pattern emerge on safety or lack of it.</p></li>
<li><p>What is the “feel” of the school? Is it tense, snobby? Collaborative, inspiring? </p></li>
</ol>

<p>I have seen comments on the location way down in FL, but that is OK with us. Also hear about the underwhelming merit aid, but that is something we'll deal with when we have pending acceptance choices. Anything else we should consider? It has made the short list so far.</p>

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<p>Would like to bump this thread - just got my acceptance in illustration to Ringling today!</p>

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<p>Congrats - great school!</p>

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<p>thank you redbug</p>

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<p>mom4art, in case you are still seeking replies to your questions about Ringling:

  1. The consistent achievements of Ringling students at the Society of Illustrators is pretty indicative of the strength of the Illustration program, quality of faculty, and talent of the students. The kids do amazing work and it’s nice to see them gain recognition for their efforts! Not sure what you mean by the value placed on conceptual art. The students do a CORE year as freshmen, which develops not only technical skill in drawing from life, color, 3D design, art history, liberal arts, comm design, but also emphasizes research behind one’s art. </p>

<ol>
<li><p>I haven’t read the other forums, so I can only speak from my own experience. Safety is always a huge concern of mine b/c my student is not street smart, and many of us parents share that concern. My student is a second semester freshman, so I have visited not only to check out the school and attend Accepted Students’ Day last April (2010), but also attended Family Weekend in October. Yes, the area around the school looks sketchy, and it appears that the school is buying up properties surrounding the campus (go to the website and click on campus map). In addition, they are putting up the blue lights that are common on campuses everywhere. Security is very visible, and the school keeps the kids apprised of any incidents in the surrounding area. That said, the campus is small and there are always people around. If someone is working late in a studio, the doors are always locked and security encourages students to call for an escort back to a dorm. I don’t want my student walking around off-campus, but some kids take the local bus system. Access to buildings/dorms is very controlled with students’ keys, so that is very secure. So, I don’t know if safety is better or worse than anywhere else! It is definitely a priority from what I’ve experienced. </p></li>
<li><p>Definitely not snobby or competitive! This was one of my concerns while looking at schools, so your question brought me back. :slight_smile: I am happy to say that although the kids work extremely hard (they are always working!) it is with a great sense of fun and collaboration. I would guess there are competitive types everywhere, but I haven’t heard about them and since my student doesn’t have that personality, they are probably not on the radar. The faculty is honest, but not mean in their critiques, and they really seem to get to know the kids and spend time talking to them.</p></li>
<li><p>As for location being “far down in FL”, are you concerned that it is not in the NE or west coast? Sarasota is a cultural center, very fun to visit (and warm!) with a vibrant art community. Easy to get to, affordable to visit, friendly people. </p></li>
</ol>

<p>Yes, merit aid is in short supply, as the school is huge on capital improvements to benefit the students. However, there are multiple opportunities for students to engage in volunteer work which can be rewarded with scholarship money. Hopefully as the economy recovers merit aid will become more available.</p>

<p>If you have more questions, just ask. I am very happy with my student’s decision to attend Ringling and the first year has been wonderful from all reports!</p>

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<p>colcon - thank you very much for taking the time to post that information, it is very helpful. I hope to attend the accepted students day in April to get my own feel for the environment. Could you speak more to the neighborhood around the school - are there book stores, coffee shops or other such places that students frequent or is life pretty much centered on campus and if so is that enough? What about public transportation to get to other parts of Sarasota? Could you give me an example of your student’s Friday and Sat. nights - mind you I am not a so called partier and I am ready to spend alot of time doing my work but is your student happy, socially?</p>

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<p>Goodschoolhopefully wrote: <<<colcon -=“” thank=“” you=“” very=“” much=“” for=“” taking=“” the=“” time=“” to=“” post=“” that=“” information,=“” it=“” is=“” helpful.=“” i=“” hope=“” attend=“” accepted=“” students=“” day=“” in=“” april=“” get=“” my=“” own=“” feel=“” environment.=“” could=“” speak=“” more=“” neighborhood=“” around=“” school=“” are=“” there=“” book=“” stores,=“” coffee=“” shops=“” or=“” other=“” such=“” places=“” frequent=“” life=“” pretty=“” centered=“” on=“” campus=“” and=“” if=“” so=“” enough?=“” what=“” about=“” public=“” transportation=“” parts=“” of=“” sarasota?=“” give=“” me=“” an=“” example=“” your=“” student’s=“” friday=“” sat.=“” nights=“” mind=“” am=“” not=“” a=“” called=“” partier=“” ready=“” spend=“” alot=“” doing=“” work=“” but=“” student=“” happy,=“” socially?=“”>>></colcon></p>

<p>Hi Goodschoolhopefully,
First, congratulations on your acceptance to The Ringling College of Art + Design. No matter where you choose to go, you can be proud to have been accepted there.</p>

<p>If you can get to Accepted Students’ Day (ASD), that would be great! Attending that cemented and affirmed my daughter’s decision to attend, as she felt a real sense of belonging at Ringling both on the first visit and again at ASD. You will not only get tons of information, but also get to meet your fellow incoming freshmen, and your parents can connect with other parents. Plus, at every event Ringling treats you very well! :slight_smile: We spent the weekend so also got to become familiar with Sarasota, too. If you’re flying in, start looking for airfare deals now. Usually it is very inexpensive to fly to Sarasota (under $100 each way), but March and April are pricier months. Hotels in the area are very affordable and most have pools, hot tubs, and free breakfast. The Sarasota airport is just a few miles from the college.</p>

<p>My kiddo does not have a car, and honestly spends most of the time working on projects, so by choice most time is spent on campus with breaks at one of the cafes. That said, she is very social and many projects can be done while spending time in the lounges or studios, with other kids who are also working. They have unofficial movie nights and parties. She is not a partier in the alcohol/drug sense and doesn’t know many kids who are (too much work)! The school also sends out a list of weekly events, which might include lectures from visiting artists, movies, dances, gallery openings, trips (recent trips have included things like ice skating, Universal Studios, rock climbing, art show in Miami) and there are plenty of clubs with their own events. Today the school is running their own bus shuttle to a local shopping complex. Classwork takes up most of her time, and then she tries to fit in some of the fun stuff offered by the college. She does enjoy getting off campus, just doesn’t have much time to do so. Sometimes she’ll go with one of her friends who has a car. Downtown Sarasota in the Main St. area is a ton of fun, so we go there and to St. Armand’s Circle (upscale (window!) shopping & restaurants) when I visit. She is very happy and has made lots of friends. She is working really hard, but also having the time of her life. For her, the college has been a great fit! Just choose carefully since college is a huge investment, and like I told my kids, you’ll know when you’re at the right place!</p>

<p>There’s not a whole lot right next to the school; I know there’s a popular Mexican place that the students like, and there’s a Burger King nearby, also some chain drugstores like CVS & Walgreens. I think there’s a Publix within walking distance. If you have a car, there are tons of places just a mile or two away, and there are public busses that many kids use. The main road/bus route is adjacent to the college. I have seen the neighborhood improving since we first visited in 2009. I think the college is buying up surrounding properties; I know for sure they purchased and then demolished a gas station near campus and turned it into a sculpture garden! The area near the campus is not as nice as downtown Sarasota, but the campus itself is pretty self-contained and there are always kids walking around. Like anywhere else, you have to be aware and it always helps to buddy up if it’s late at night, or ask for a security escort if you’re alone. I tell my other kids at other colleges the same thing!</p>

<p>I’ll ask my daughter what she’s doing this weekend and get back to you. Today she’s happy to be going shopping with her friends! Let me know if you or your parents have any questions. Congrats again on your acceptance!</p>

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<p>Thanks, that is the sort of information I was looking for. I’m not into drinking, I hope it didn’t sound that way! But art can be lonely at times and I don’t want to feel isolated, especially since I would be far away from home (Boston area). Yes, flights aren’t priced too well for April, may fly into Tampa and rent a car with my mom, $ wise that comes out better than flying into Sarasota and taking a taxi from airport and hotel. I remember seeing that there was alot of in state kids - do most kids stick around on weekends - I suppose the workload would see to that. Would one feel like an outside not being from FL? What is your kids major? Sorry to send so many questions your way. I’m not complaining but I have a hard decision to make, I have been accepted to SVA, Pratt, MICA, SAIC and CCA (off my list) as well - all so different still, I don’t want to say no to any of them, something enticing about each one in their own way! I am hoping that I step on to a campus and say “this is where I wan to be”.</p>

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<p><<<thanks, that=“” is=“” the=“” sort=“” of=“” information=“” i=“” was=“” looking=“” for.=“” i’m=“” not=“” into=“” drinking,=“” hope=“” it=“” didn’t=“” sound=“” way!=“” but=“” art=“” can=“” be=“” lonely=“” at=“” times=“” and=“” don’t=“” want=“” to=“” feel=“” isolated,=“” especially=“” since=“” would=“” far=“” away=“” from=“” home=“” (boston=“” area).=“” yes,=“” flights=“” aren’t=“” priced=“” too=“” well=“” for=“” april,=“” may=“” fly=“” tampa=“” rent=“” a=“” car=“” with=“” my=“” mom,=“” $=“” wise=“” comes=“” out=“” better=“” than=“” flying=“” sarasota=“” taking=“” taxi=“” airport=“” hotel.=“” remember=“” seeing=“” there=“” alot=“” in=“” state=“” kids=“” -=“” do=“” most=“” stick=“” around=“” on=“” weekends=“” suppose=“” workload=“” see=“” that.=“” one=“” like=“” an=“” outside=“” being=“” fl?=“” what=“” your=“” major?=“” sorry=“” send=“” so=“” many=“” questions=“” way.=“” complaining=“” have=“” hard=“” decision=“” make,=“” been=“” accepted=“” sva,=“” pratt,=“” mica,=“” saic=“” cca=“” (off=“” list)=“” as=“” all=“” different=“” still,=“” say=“” no=“” any=“” them,=“” something=“” enticing=“” about=“” each=“” their=“” own=“” am=“” hoping=“” step=“” campus=“” “this=”" where=“” wan=“” be".=“”>>></thanks,></p>

<p>No, it didn’t sound like you are a partier! Even if you were, the workload would put an end to that or you’d never get quality work done! :slight_smile: Plus, your parents would have a heart attack if they paid all that tuition and you didn’t take full advantage of what is offered! You will most definitely not be isolated or lonely unless that is what you choose for yourself. Most of the time my daughter works alongside her friends, usually a whole group gets together and everyone does their homework. If she has intense reading or something like that she does it in her room, but even for tests they form study groups. Whatever works for you is fine, but she likes to be among people! She is also far from home, as are many of her friends. For Christmas break, 4 of them ended up on the same flight, with one going on to Singapore. It’s a nice mix of kids and you’re right, they stay on campus over the weekend. You would not feel like an outsider; there are kids from all 50 states and many different countries. My daughter is an Illustration major and has taken electives in Fine Arts. What is your interest?</p>

<p>Flying into Tampa and renting is a good idea if you can save $$. I often fly into Orlando, visit my older daughter at UCF, and then drive to Sarasota. You might be able to talk your mom into a trip to the new Harry Potter theme park at Universal in Orlando if you’re coming down for Accepted Students’ Day (just sayin’!).</p>

<p>No problem about the questions! Yes, art schools can be very different. It all depends on the feeling you get when you visit and what you are looking for, which might change as you spend time at each campus. My daughter wanted a top notch school, but also a campus experience. Some schools, such as RISD, offered that, but Ringling is where she could see herself and she felt a very strong connection right away. My older daughter visited schools all over the NE and eastern coast, and ended up in a school that initially wasn’t even on her radar. It has turned out fabulously for her, and again, she followed her instincts. I believe kids land where they’re supposed to be, so just listen to yourself and try to be clear on what’s important to YOU. Talk to the faculty, students, staff, and try to spend time in the area. You will most likely be living in that place for 4 years, so try to picture yourself there. You have some fine choices, and if you can visit each place once or twice you will probably know which one is right for you. Let me know if you have any more questions!</p>

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<p>Fabulous, my major would be illustration as well! Does your daughter feel like her major is second fiddle to the animation major at Ringling? Is there any simple answer as to why your daughter chose Ringling, particularly as an illustration major? I want to be a “working” artist, not just an artist and I like the way Ringling speaks to career and placement after school - I feel SVA does this as well but no campus for them however, they are in NYC, which would be both good and at times bad. Does your daughter feel like she is learning alot? I actually like to be challenged and pushed, which is why I have taken CCA off my list, you rarely hear how hard their students have to work. Another 7 inches of snow the other day, can’t wait to visit FL - I would love to go to the Harry Potter Park (how did you know?) but time will be tight, already will take a couple days off from school and then I would like to be back home for Passover.
I will probably keep bothering you because you are really give me some good insight!</p>

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<p>You are not bothering me! I am going to send your questions to my daughter since they are specific to her feelings and major. The animation question comes up every once in awhile, and no, I don’t feel that any one major gets more resources than any other. Animation is competitive and very visible (movie posters, video clips, Disney’s animators’ desks), but the faculty and resources for all the majors is outstanding. These are artists who teach, and you can google just about any name and see what they are doing here and now. There are some big names in the illustration dept! Also, any of the guest speakers, events, etc. are open to all, and illustrators can learn a lot by attending previews of animated films where the guest was involved in its production, just as animators or anyone else can learn from the illustration department. You probably know that Ringling has had an overwhelming number of student work admitted to the Society of Illustrators (you can see the book on the museum website or bn.com). Your first year is fun b/c you will be in classes with a wide mix of majors; your friends won’t be limited to your major, nor will your roommate unless you choose to (or choose a single room). Illustrators and animators have different talents/interests; one is not necessarily “better” than the other, just as those two majors aren’t better than fine arts, interior design, photography, game design, etc. etc. One of the digital programs was just ranked #1 in the world! My daughter likes to get her hands dirty, but she will be required to learn all the computer programs for Illustration b/c that’s what you need in order to land a job! You will start this first semester, and a private donor will give you a Mac loaded with all the software (this is truly a donation, does not come out of your tuition). Ringling does not believe in the “starving artist.”</p>

<p>SVA is a good school! My friend’s daughter goes there and loves it. NYC is perfectly safe, just like at Ringling you have to have your wits about you, but I’d have no trouble sending my kid there. My daughter wanted more of a college experience, and she just got a great feeling when she set foot on the Ringling campus. We loved the people at FIT, too (so friendly and talented), but again, she didn’t like the noise and lack of a “real” campus. If she goes to grad school, NYC would be a great place to do that! She totally hated RISD, although we had a good time in Providence! Choice of school was her decision alone. Out of curiosity, what is the name of the art school near Salem? There is an artist who exhibits her work in a cafe there, and her work is terrific; I think she went to an art college nearby.</p>

<p>Ringling will definitely challenge you. My daughter was an honors student in HS (3.7+ gpa/college and AP classes) and besides the required classes, she has already taken some courses that both challenged and stretched her intellectually and artistically. What you put in is what you’ll get out. This is a small school so the teachers know who is working, and why wouldn’t you want to work anyway?! She has taken a mix of academic courses and CORE classes, which are required. </p>

<p>You will get to HP world eventually! Getting home for Passover (and catching up on missed schoolwork) is more important!</p>

<p>I’ll report back later. Meanwhile, did you know there is a Ringling Facebook page for 2011 applicants? It’s for anyone, not just accepted students (that comes later). To find it, go to [Ringling</a> College of Art and Design: Home](<a href=“http://www.ringling.edu%5DRingling”>http://www.ringling.edu), click on “apply” and then go to “message board.” A mix of student ambassadors and admissions reps field questions, and they are very honest. I am happy to answer your questions, too!</p>

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<p>^ thank you for all your information, it is really helpful. Flight prices really stink for ASD, I may not be able to make that weekend after all but I will make it down there before I make my decision and I can’t wait, woke up to below zero temps today! Do you know when Ringling gives out their fin aid/scholarship packages? My mom already submitted an estimated FASA (?). I already have good merit at some other schools and finances will be an issue for me - am afraid to make the trip ($$), fall in love with the school and then not be able to go because other schools are giving significantly better aid/merit.</p>

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<p>Hi, You’re welcome! Yes, airfares are at their peak in the winter months and during HS spring break. You can check prices into Tampa, Orlando, and Fort Myers and see if that helps. There is another Open House on February 19th, so you would have an opportunity to speak to students, faculty, and staff then, too, if you can’t make it to ASD. Of course the flights will still be pricey, but if you are on winter break at HS the longer stay in FL may help justify the expense! Luckily almost every other time you would need to fly would be during off-peak periods, and that helps even things out! ASD was very special for my daughter, but her first visit to campus really left her with the feeling that Ringling was “the one.”</p>

<p>I can’t remember exactly when my daughter’s aid/scholarship came in, perhaps March? I’m pretty sure they would be able to help you regarding that on the facebook group I posted earlier, and of course you are always welcome to call the school. I hope things work out for you, as it would be so disappointing to have your heart set on going to one college and settling for another due to the finances. Even if that happens, make the best of it and figure things happen for a reason!</p>

<p>Let me know if you have any more questions…happy to help!</p>

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<p>Due to a school trip to NYC and airfare prices, looks like I will visit Ringling the week of Feb 8th. Are you familiar with La Quinta (hotel) it looks to be less than a half mile from the school? How about the shuttle from the airport, any info there - or what is cab fare to the school? What sights should I be sure to see - walking distance or public transportation. Thought about renting a car but will not do so, this way it will be more similar to my life as a student without a car and save the cash. As always, thanks.</p>

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<p>Before you book a hotel, check [Reviews</a> of Hotels, Flights and Vacation Rentals - TripAdvisor](<a href=“http://www.tripadvisor.com%5DReviews”>http://www.tripadvisor.com). They’ll have reviews about hotels in the area. I use it all the time when traveling, and has been a big help. They recently had a review of the top ten dirtiest hotels, and several were in Florida, altho I don’t remember where exactly.</p>

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<p>^ thanks - will do, online photos are deceiving I know.</p>

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<p>How about Southland Inn - reports to be a 5 minute walk to Ringling? Reviews are pretty good.</p>

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<p>I don’t know anything about specific hotels over there, as I am on the opposite coast of Florida. Hopefully your weather will be better than it is here now - still too cold!</p>

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<p>Too cold! Anything above freezing would be nice - another snow day yesterday though - two hours of shoveling and that was just to get the cars out.</p>

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<p>At least you won’t have snow to worry about!! The coldest it’s been here this year is in the high 20’s at night, everything froze and died - brown plants all over.</p>

<p>Have a good flight, and remember to bring something warm just in case!</p>