<p>I originally planned to go to Pomona College(with $35,330 per year), and I just received the RISD admission parcel this afternoon. I applied for RISD as part of the Brown&RISD dual degree program but was rejected by Brown, and hence receive no financial aid from RISD(I cannot even apply for loans because I am Chinese).</p>
<p>My family could at most support me with $20,000 per year(under very tensed financial budget), and the RISD tuition and fees is &55,500 per year. I know there is a scholarship available for international students (at least I haven't read the restrictions up till now) ranged from $10,000 to $27,500 and I have sent an email to the admission office consulting on it, and I am trying to apply for private scholarship(there is SO FEW for international students).</p>
<p>I can't really decide which school to choose even if I have the money. I DO want enjoy a general liberal arts education during undergraduate years and I know Pomona is a great place for that, but I know I really love art and I am going to work in something related to art(99%). I would probably regret for losing a brilliant liberal arts education if I chose RISD some time later, but right now I felt like if I give up RISD this way I would start regretting right away.</p>
<p>you have dream. you have passion for what you love and I dont even have any idea what I am crazy about. So you really cant go wrong with either school. follow your heart then.</p>
<p>Pomona does have a strong studio art program. RISD’s program would be more intense, in my mind; however, you’ll be a better artist in the long run with exposure to the liberal arts. (S - who graduated from UCLA’s Design|Media Arts program in '05 was glad that he received the BA vs. the BFA - he got a lot out of taking courses in the liberal arts.)</p>
<p>So, Pomona is giving you 35,330 per year? And RISD will cost you 55,500 unless you can get some private scholarships? The financial difference here is huge.
If you couldn’t get a wonderful studio art program at Pomona, I could see why you’re considering it.
But as it is, I’m not sure I see the appeal of RISD.</p>
<p>With the money you save by going to Pomona, you could get an M.F.A. after you graduate.</p>
<p>I’m familiar with the RISD-Brown program. Sorry you didn’t get in. I have heard from RISD students and Brown students that its difficult to get classes at each other’s school. Personally I place academics over art. Because your two choices are completely different, you should be able to decide. Its art with a little academics or academics with a little art.</p>
<p>I do a lot of art too (RISD and others are recruiting me), and the Pomona art department is pretty lame, but the education is beyond anything RISD has to offer. </p>
<p>Little Mother, Pomona’s studio art program and facilities are a joke compared to RISD’s or any other top conservatory. To op: you can major in art though and I’m sure you would happy. For whats its worth, to me Wesleyan has the best studio art program out any of the top liberal arts schools. You could also major in art at Pomona and go to grad school at Art Center or another good art school later.</p>
<p>Art students at Pomona can take their art classes at Scripps. This program includes art majors and minors from all five colleges in the consortium. </p>
<p>Hi kimcat, just wanted to let you know you are talking about two very different undergrad experiences. My older daughter is a freshman at RISD and her weekly schedule consists of 3 full days (8:30-5:30) of studio and 2 “normal” days (about 3 hours each) of liberal arts classes. One time the studio professor kept the students until 10:30 p.m. and students just worked right through it. RISD kids eat, breathe and sleep drawing, painting, 2D and 3D design. One story my D relayed to me was that the Friday before Superbowl weekend, somehow the subject of the Superbowl finally came up and although there were 20 kids there trying to remember and figure it out, they could only come up with one of the teams playing. Collectively, RISD students are goofy, fun, irreverent (e.g., their mascot is a particular male body part and its name is “Scrotie”), extremely hard-working and intensely creative. </p>
<p>RISD is great if you’re sure you’re into art and design. But if you’re wavering, you’d certainly get more of a normal college experience at Pomona. Plus a much better financial deal. Good luck with your decision.</p>