<p>My son has decided to attend Ringling this fall for Digital Film. We visited last April to tour the campus, and were thinking of visiting again sometime in February to check out Sarasota. Anyone have any idea when the actual date for Accepted Students Day will be this year? It would be great to have him meet other incoming freshmen, as well as us meeting other parents. We live in NH, so it would also be nice for him to meet other kids from the New England area beforehand.</p>
<p>April 16th for ASD - if I decide on Ringling I’ll let you know, we can fly Jet Blue directly out of Boston together! I’m booked to visit Feb 8th thru 11th then prices start to skyrocket. What made your son decide on Ringling?</p>
<p>Where did you find out the date? I couldn’t find it on their website. I have to look into flights and hotels now. We could def. fly out together on JetBlue if you decide to go there, and would be good for the two of you to meet up beforehand. My son decided on Ringling after touring the campus. He hates his high school and the types of kids there, and has a tough time academically. His talent is in film editing (as well as music production), and anything to do with creativity on the computer. We looked into SVA, but it’s big and spread out; a smaller campus is better for him. He had a tough time finding schools with Digital Film, and Ringling is up and coming in that area now. The campus was awesome, with great dorms, and just a friendly relaxed atmosphere (better than the culinary school my daughter goes to). He is not a partier either, and doesn’t want to be in that type of atmosphere (like his HS is). He is a hard worker, and just wants to learn more in film, and make friends as well. Seems like a great school to make friends, not too snobby, etc. Hopefully you will make the choice of schools that suits you the best as well. Thanks for your info on the ASD!</p>
<p>ASD info was in the acceptance package. You’re right, they still say to check back for the date on the website. Yeah, high school hasn’t thrilled me either - I am looking forward to meeting new people, my mom has said “if high school is not your time, then most likely college will be” - lets hope so. I’m still thinking about SVA - I’m illustration. Honestly, money is going to be a big factor for me and I like all my school choices so if $ is the decider then so be it. Ooooh, culinary school - how cool, you have very creative kids. Between the two of them you have a fabulous dinner and movie night set to go, m mom would be jealous, my brother is studying physics at UVa, so two in college at the same time and three more to go and so the money concern. Southern or Northern N.H.? Enjoy the snow - think Ringling - and they are complaining about 60 something degrees!</p>
<p>Yes, we Florida people are wimps when it comes to cold. And I used to live in Chicago and Maine! My D wanted to visit SVA (illustration also) when she was applying, but I talked her out of it, asking her how would she like walking blocks and blocks carrying her stuff in snow, rain, etc. She opted for the school with apts right across the lawn (literally) from the school. Ringling would have been on her radar had she not wanted to get out of Floirda.</p>
<p>redbug - too lazy to search old threads - where is your daughter and how does she like it for illustration? In the end I’ve decided not to apply to RISD because it is too close to home (and a couple other factors) so I understand her wanting to get out of her home state.</p>
<p>She’s at MCAD in Minneapolis and absolutely loves it! The attached link is what she wrote (under my user name) in response to some people who pm’d her. This is her first semester experience. 2nd semester is going well, too! </p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/visual-arts-film-majors/1005291-mcad-experience-long.html?highlight=mcad[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/visual-arts-film-majors/1005291-mcad-experience-long.html?highlight=mcad</a></p>
<p>Goodschool - I pm’d you, check your messages.</p>
<p><<due to=“” a=“” school=“” trip=“” nyc=“” and=“” airfare=“” prices,=“” looks=“” like=“” i=“” will=“” visit=“” ringling=“” the=“” week=“” of=“” feb=“” 8th.=“” are=“” you=“” familiar=“” with=“” la=“” quinta=“” (hotel)=“” it=“” be=“” less=“” than=“” half=“” mile=“” from=“” school?=“” how=“” about=“” shuttle=“” airport,=“” any=“” info=“” there=“” -=“” or=“” what=“” is=“” cab=“” fare=“” sights=“” should=“” sure=“” see=“” walking=“” distance=“” public=“” transportation.=“” thought=“” renting=“” car=“” but=“” not=“” do=“” so,=“” this=“” way=“” more=“” similar=“” my=“” life=“” as=“” student=“” without=“” save=“” cash.=“” always,=“” thanks.=“”>></due></p>
<p>Hi, sorry I dropped out of sight for awhile! Lucky you to be getting out of the NE in early Feb! I am so done with all the snow we’ve been getting, with 2 more storms predicted this coming week! </p>
<p>I haven’t stayed at the La Quinta in Sarasota but I know my daughter’s roommate’s parents have more than once, so I would guess it is fine. Haven’t heard of the Southland Inn, but like someone else said, tripadvisor.com is my go-to site for reviews! I usually stay at the Hyatt Place or the Springhill Suites by the airport since I rent a car. I think I would choose the La Quinta over the Southland, just thinking of the general area. Cab fare from the airport to the campus is about $10; there is a Diplomat taxi stand right inside the airport by the door to ground transportation, on the same level as baggage claim. Sometimes they charge $12, so verify before you commit. There are other taxi drivers right outside that door, so you can shop the price! It is usually pretty inexpensive to rent a car at the airport, so you might still want to consider that.</p>
<p>How long will you be in Sarasota? Are you travelling alone? If you are staying a few days maybe Admissions can set you up with a student admissions ambassador for longer than just a tour. If there is some way that I can put you in touch with my daughter without posting private e-mail and phone #s here on the board, let me know. She, like most of the kids, is always working, but maybe you can meet for a meal or snack and she can show you around. It would be great if you could sit in on some classes, too! </p>
<p>Definitely visit all the galleries on campus, visit the awesome facilities and talk, tallk, talk to people! I think you will meet a lot of friendly people there, I know that was our experience every time. As far as what to see, we always visited not just the tourist spots but also just everyday places. If you have a car drive south on 41 and take the Ringling Causeway over the bridge to St. Armand’s Circle…so pretty with upscale shops and everything from pizza and ice cream to pricey restaurants. The views are gorgeous! You will see the performing arts center on the way; Ringling often offers students free tickets to events there (most recently, a ballet, George Will (political analyst), and various performances either free or drastically reduced prices). Downtown Sarasota, around Main St., is also a very hip area, very fun. We are still exploring; the Ringling Museum is just breathtaking and is somewhere you will need to visit for your Art History classes (free for ringling students). You will see the Museum as you leave the airport and head south on 41. There are several very active artist colonies in the area, as well as art associations that always have something going on or asking for work to exhibit, lots of community service projects available, and a “made by Ringling” students, faculty, alumni store in downtown. You will wish you had time for all of this when you’re a student!</p>
<p>I am behind in posting so will move on to comment above!</p>
<p><<my son=“” has=“” decided=“” to=“” attend=“” ringling=“” this=“” fall=“” for=“” digital=“” film.=“” we=“” visited=“” last=“” april=“” tour=“” the=“” campus,=“” and=“” were=“” thinking=“” of=“” visiting=“” again=“” sometime=“” in=“” february=“” check=“” out=“” sarasota.=“” anyone=“” have=“” any=“” idea=“” when=“” actual=“” date=“” accepted=“” students=“” day=“” will=“” be=“” year?=“” it=“” would=“” great=“” him=“” meet=“” other=“” incoming=“” freshmen,=“” as=“” well=“” us=“” meeting=“” parents.=“” live=“” nh,=“” so=“” also=“” nice=“” kids=“” from=“” new=“” england=“” area=“” beforehand.=“”>></my></p>
<p>Congrats to your son! I’m not sure what the date is for ASD, but surely Admissions will know if you haven’t heard. Last year it was 4/8 and I will guess it’s early April again b/c finals are at the end of the month. I just looked on the calendare (see home page of website) and although there are a lot of awesome recruiterers shown, I don’t see that date there yet. I’m glad you are going to ASD…you will meet so many nice people and I remember my daughter exchanged lots of e-mail/fb info there! Some of the names I hear when she calls are those we met at ASD. You can look forward to a special day; be sure to visit all the tables and get lots of info. I was too chatty meeting other parents/kids (and I’m shy!) and didn’t make all the rounds! Let me know if you’d like advice on where to stay. I usually choose a hotel by the airport, but have also stayed at the Holiday Inn on the beach when I’ve had my other kids with me. I am usually not a fan of HI but this one was recommended to me by the mom of a graduate from Ringling, and it did not disappoint. It is not as new and fancy as other places, but the staff was wonderful to us and it is one tiny side street across from the beach!</p>
<p><<where did=“” you=“” find=“” out=“” the=“” date?=“” i=“” couldn’t=“” it=“” on=“” their=“” website.=“” have=“” to=“” look=“” into=“” flights=“” and=“” hotels=“” now.=“” we=“” could=“” def.=“” fly=“” together=“” jetblue=“” if=“” decide=“” go=“” there,=“” would=“” be=“” good=“” for=“” two=“” of=“” meet=“” up=“” beforehand.=“” my=“” son=“” decided=“” ringling=“” after=“” touring=“” campus.=“” he=“” hates=“” his=“” high=“” school=“” types=“” kids=“” has=“” a=“” tough=“” time=“” academically.=“” talent=“” is=“” in=“” film=“” editing=“” (as=“” well=“” as=“” music=“” production),=“” anything=“” do=“” with=“” creativity=“” computer.=“” looked=“” sva,=“” but=“” it’s=“” big=“” spread=“” out;=“” smaller=“” campus=“” better=“” him.=“” had=“” finding=“” schools=“” digital=“” film,=“” coming=“” that=“” area=“” was=“” awesome,=“” great=“” dorms,=“” just=“” friendly=“” relaxed=“” atmosphere=“” (better=“” than=“” culinary=“” daughter=“” goes=“” to).=“” not=“” partier=“” either,=“” doesn’t=“” want=“” type=“” (like=“” hs=“” is).=“” hard=“” worker,=“” wants=“” learn=“” more=“” make=“” friends=“” well.=“” seems=“” like=“” friends,=“” too=“” snobby,=“” etc.=“” hopefully=“” will=“” choice=“” suits=“” best=“” thanks=“” your=“” info=“” asd!=“”>></where></p>
<p>Hi NH Mom,
Glad you got the info on ASD…I should have read ahead! I hope you enjoy the day; it is definitely a very relaxed vibe at Ringling and even the President of the college is very approachable, and seems to remember the kids, even the new ones! You will have access to so much info that day; be sure to visit all the tables and attend the presentation for your son’s major. Your son will begin to make friends and will know people when he goes back! Is he going to live in the freshman dorm? It is so nice! The kids tend to hang out either in the big lounge downstairs (the fishbowl off the lobby) or on their floor lounges; lots of kids will work as they hang out. Since you describe your son as a hard worker, friendly, and not a partier I bet he will be very happy at Ringling. My daughter knows of only a couple partiers, although I am thinking there must be more than a couple, just off her radar. Really, almost everyone she knows is always working and that and partying just don’t mesh. There are plenty of events on campus to offer a break, either club meetings, sports, rec center classes, or even things like movies or coffee house type nights, or trips off campus. He’ll meet kids from every major in his CORE classes, which is also nice. My daughter tells me (in answer to a question that GoodSchoolHopefully aked) is that the kids don’t think of one major as better than another; she says that the kids admire and respect each other’s work (her words).</p>
<p>Is your daughter at Johnson & Wales? My nephew graduated there about 8 years ago and has been very successful as a chef. I hope your daughter is, too!</p>
<p>ugh…typing too fast! Sorry for all the typos in my last couple posts!</p>
<p>Six hours until my flight! Thank you for all the wonderful information colcon. I’ll be with my mom so I won’t bother you for connecting with your daughter plus she is most likely very busy during the week. Funny to be chatting with you without knowing you and then to think I may very well be walking right by your daughter in the next couple of days and not know it. I’m afraid to fall in love with Ringling and then end up with significantly better financial options elsewhere. I guess I’ll need to wait and see.
Full Ringling visit report to come when I return.
Good bye snow!</p>
<p>Goodschool
It is not my place to say anything but allow me
if someone offer to meet you or connect with their kids, take it!
it is funny because you’d have to eventually give/take their e-mail or phone numbers, and what if what ifs.
so far I love people and their kids more and more I actually got to meet after known thru their posts.
this^Ringling mom is a gem, and so you are.
if you have any local connection at certain school esp, your dream school, you see things differently, good or bad, which helps you in the end to make decision.
Your mom is good sounding board, good or bad. drag her everywhere just tell her to pretend she does not know you.</p>
<p><<six hours=“” until=“” my=“” flight!=“” thank=“” you=“” for=“” all=“” the=“” wonderful=“” information=“” colcon.=“” i’ll=“” be=“” with=“” mom=“” so=“” i=“” won’t=“” bother=“” connecting=“” your=“” daughter=“” plus=“” she=“” is=“” most=“” likely=“” very=“” busy=“” during=“” week.=“” funny=“” to=“” chatting=“” without=“” knowing=“” and=“” then=“” think=“” may=“” well=“” walking=“” right=“” by=“” in=“” next=“” couple=“” of=“” days=“” not=“” know=“” it.=“” i’m=“” afraid=“” fall=“” love=“” ringling=“” end=“” up=“” significantly=“” better=“” financial=“” options=“” elsewhere.=“” guess=“” need=“” wait=“” see.=“” full=“” visit=“” report=“” come=“” when=“” return.=“” good=“” bye=“” snow!=“”>>
LUCKY!! LOL! You are getting out just in time…enjoy the warm weather! Yes, it would be funny if you ended up talking to her without knowing who she is. Don’t be shy about talking to kids; you can even spend a few minutes in the Fishbowl of Goldstein (formerly North) Hall, the freshman dorm, where they tend to gather at night. I’m glad to hear your mom will be with you, since you’ll be able to see more of Sarasota with a car. There are some cool shops and restaurants south of the college @ Main St. and St. Armand’s, and if you drive a little further south you can see what kinds of stores are in the shopping malls. If you go east on University from the airport and head toward 75 there is all kinds of everyday shopping (Target, Bed Bath Beyond, Ulta, Panera, Circuit City, etc.). I hope you get to the beach, even if it’s just to stick your toes in the sand! I’m jealous! When I looked at colleges with my kids, I always thought it was important for them to choose a place where they’d be happy living for 4 years.</six></p>
<p>I hope you get lots of information. Don’t be afraid to fall in love; if it isn’t financially in the cards right now you can keep it in mind if things change. Also, take into account not just tuition, but also compare housing and board costs which tend to be much higher in the NE. We all hope that someday Ringling will be able to offer competitive aid, but right now it seems the priority is capital development (new buildings, technology, etc.). I know the school does offer some big scholarships, and lots of opportunity for aid if you do community service. Financial Aid can tell you about those programs, so ask!</p>
<p>Have a wonderful trip!</p>
<p>Hi bears and dogs,
Thank you for your nice comment! 
I am happy to share whatever info I can. No matter where the aspiring students on the board end up, I just want them to be happy! There’s definitely a place for everyone out there, and I think that gut feeling one gets when visiting a campus is usually right! Here’s hoping everyone lands in the place that will help them achieve their best, allow for personal growth, and bring them happiness.</p>
<p>Goodschool:
Hope you have a great time! I’m jealous you get to get out of New England and the snow. My son fell in love with the school when he visited in April, and you might too. It’s a great campus (small, not too spread out), and the kids there seemed happy to be there. Can’t wait to hear about your trip. BTW, we live in Southern NH, right over the MA border.
Colcon:
Thanks for all your info on these boards. It really helps me to find out what a parent thinks of the campus, etc. My daughter goes to CIA in NY and their campus is nothing compared to Ringling (my daughter was jealous of the dorms and campus, wished she could have gone there instead). She is only 4 hours away, so it will be difficult to send my son to Florida… I’ll have to visit a lot! The ASD sounds great. Just what he needs right now. He really wants to meet other kids that will be starting in the fall, and hopefully some in his major (Digital Film). He needs to be around other creative kids like himself, (instead of the athletes and drug-addicted academic-oriented kids here). He is so laid back and sensitive, hopefully he will fit in with the kids there. Of course, as a parent, I worry. He just wants to have a nice group of “true friends”, not the kind who are only friends when they want something. I think once he is surrounded by other creative kids like him, he’ll be fine. What types of activities do they have during ASD? Also, thanks for the info on the areas nearby… a big help to us. We will have a day and a half to explore the area more, and we want to see as much as we can. Do you know if they have transportation to Target or other stores nearby?</p>
<p>CIA is my other dream school in my fantasy life.
how and when she started there? fresh outa HS, is that even possible?
what is her daily schedule like? what have she been made/ate who she been shock hands or shared egg beater with!?
ohhh
do tell!!!
sorry off topic.</p>
<p><<colcon: thanks=“” for=“” all=“” your=“” info=“” on=“” these=“” boards.=“” it=“” really=“” helps=“” me=“” to=“” find=“” out=“” what=“” a=“” parent=“” thinks=“” of=“” the=“” campus,=“” etc.=“” my=“” daughter=“” goes=“” cia=“” in=“” ny=“” and=“” their=“” campus=“” is=“” nothing=“” compared=“” ringling=“” (my=“” was=“” jealous=“” dorms=“” wished=“” she=“” could=“” have=“” gone=“” there=“” instead).=“” only=“” 4=“” hours=“” away,=“” so=“” will=“” be=“” difficult=“” send=“” son=“” florida…=“” i’ll=“” visit=“” lot!=“” asd=“” sounds=“” great.=“” just=“” he=“” needs=“” right=“” now.=“” wants=“” meet=“” other=“” kids=“” that=“” starting=“” fall,=“” hopefully=“” some=“” his=“” major=“” (digital=“” film).=“” around=“” creative=“” like=“” himself,=“” (instead=“” athletes=“” drug-addicted=“” academic-oriented=“” here).=“” laid=“” back=“” sensitive,=“” fit=“” with=“” there.=“” course,=“” as=“” parent,=“” i=“” worry.=“” nice=“” group=“” “true=”" friends",=“” not=“” kind=“” who=“” are=“” friends=“” when=“” they=“” want=“” something.=“” think=“” once=“” surrounded=“” by=“” him,=“” he’ll=“” fine.=“” types=“” activities=“” do=“” during=“” asd?=“” also,=“” areas=“” nearby…=“” big=“” help=“” us.=“” we=“” day=“” half=“” explore=“” area=“” more,=“” see=“” much=“” can.=“” you=“” know=“” if=“” transportation=“” target=“” or=“” stores=“” nearby?=“”>></colcon:></p>
<p>Hi NHMom,
You’re welcome! Wow, your daughter is in a great place! Do you get to visit and eat in the dining room there? I’ve heard it’s fabulous! Don’t worry about sending your son to FL. It is so easy to get there, especially if you’re not too far from a major airport. I went to college about a 7 hour car drive from home, and I can be in FL in just a few hours (including wait time at the airport) if my daughter needs me. If you think about it, you’ll move him in August, Family Weekend is in October, he’ll probably come home for Thanksgiving, and then again just a couple weeks later for Christmas/Winter break! I did see my daughter in September for a few hours since we were at my older daughter’s Family Weekend near Orlando. Since most of the breaks allow off-peak flying, the fares are very affordable and the airport in Sarasota is about 5 minutes from the school. Last time dd flew home there were 4 other Ringling students on the same flight…fun for the kids!</p>
<p>Your son will meet kids in his major and many others at ASD. Last year the day began with a nice breakfast outside under tents. All of the departments/services have tables set up with lots of info and some fun give-aways. There will be break-out meetings for each major, so be sure to go to that as they are run by department heads and faculty, and they welcome all of your questions. The studios are open and it’s a great opportunity to just go in and talk to the students. Also see the art show and gallery exhibits!</p>
<p>Regarding friends, your son will enjoy being around creative types, especially if HS is not a good fit for him. My daughter said from the get-go that what she loved about the school is she left ASD feeling like the kids at Ringling were just like her. My older daughter wasn’t buying it until she visited, and then agreed, LOL! My daughter was happy in HS, but also a smidge different than most of the kids. She is in her element at Ringling and loves being around kids who are serious about what they do, yet fun. I hope your son leaves ASD with a sense of belonging and excitement about starting in August!</p>
<p>Will you have a car when you move him in? (by the way, move in for freshman is great! Ringling volunteer students cart everything for you!) If you are making hotel reservations, go through the Ringling site for great discounts…better than I can get with AAA. There is tons of shopping, and you might want to pre-shop at Bed Bath Beyond in your hometown and pick up the items in Sarasota (the store is right next to I-75 on N. Cattleman Road, about 8 miles from campus). There’s a Target, Circuit City, sporting goods store, Verizon, Chipotle, Michael’s, etc. in the same shopping center. Ringling does run shuttles for the kids; they do it a couple days in August and did it again about two weeks ago with plans to run the shuttle again this semester. There are grocery stores, drugstore chains, etc. closer to campus, too. If your son needs a ride during the school year the kids are pretty nice about giving lifts here and there. The college bookstore is well-stocked and is right next to campus near the freshman dorm.</p>
<p>With your free time, do you want to just get the lay of the land, or sightsee? The Sarasota visitor’s bureau has great info on attractions, and I think one of the welcome centers in town offers free Big Olaf’s ice cream! One thing we enjoyed doing was going on the grounds of the Van Wezl Performing Arts Center and taking some family pics overlooking the water. You can’t miss it…south of the school on the west side of the road, big purple building! I’d like to see the Mote Aquarium but haven’t gotten there yet; we’re always so busy when we visit! If you need to visit a mall for anything, there are two heading south on 41, the first one you come to is smaller than the one further down. You can google and get a list of stores in each one. You can ship boxes to the school in advance of moving in and they will hold them for you in the mailroom, which is in the freshman dorm. Easy! They will loft the bed for you and then your son can store luggage underneath, and those Sterling/Rubbermaid drawers on wheels fit under for lots of storage. If you’re in BB&B, pick up a couple adjustable over the door hooks for jackets, bath towels, etc. Adjustable is the key word here!</p>
<p>Let me know if I can help with anything else!</p>
<p>Well… I didn’t fall in love with Ringling but it was nice to get away from the snow and see so many clean cars. We spent time on the campus Tuesday afternoon, Weds., Thurs. (had an official tour) and Friday. Such little activity on campus that I saw very few students. The surrounding area is very depressed, or so I thought with very, very little for a college age kid to do (one coffee shop that may or may not be open). With a 40 minute walk we were in downtown Sarasota, where there was not much going on, though it was a very clean and attractive city. Figured out the buses and went to Armands Circle - fun area to muck about but I am not an all day long shopper and more of a thrift store person than designer person. Funny to walk onto the beach without passing a colossal dune - gee, I’d think those homes would flood with every other storm. Perhaps it is just not for me to live in a place that feels so isolated from “things and happenings” even though I understand that my time will be spent working. As everybody says over and over again, the school -student match is essential. I don’t match with Ringling, though I love their program and I wanted so bad to love Florida, perhaps I am a more hard core north-easterner than I thought!<br>
colcon - never would have found Armand Circle without your suggestion. You spent so much time giving me information I feel bad in deciding against Ringling for me but I have a feeling you will understand.
Now my top choices are SVA, Pratt and MICA. Did pre-college at Pratt and still need to visit MICA and SVA.</p>