SAIC or MICA for BFA?

College Majors Visual Arts and Film Majors
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<p>I've read a few threads comparing SAIC and MICA but I'm seeking a few more opinions on how they compare/contrast. It would be great to hear some answers from students that go to each school! </p>

<p>So far I understand that both have interdisciplinary curriculum and are strong in the programs I'm interested in, Photography (or at least SAIC) and Painting/Drawing. This makes me attracted to both schools.</p>

<p>I like SAIC because of it's location and how it's integrated into a city (a campus isn't that important to me). It's perfect in that sense. I have yet to visit, but the facilities sound really great. What bothers me though, is that it's almost too conceptual and that quality of work seems to get bypassed for concept of work. I'm pretty strong in technique already, but I know I can get better and I want to get better. Also, SAIC's freedom of curriculum I find overbearing as well. Do they have good counseling/advising for taking courses? I also understand that there's a high acceptance rate which means a lot of mediocre students attend, but they get weeded out as the year progresses. Can someone who goes to SAIC explain this in depth more? What makes the courses so challenging/difficult that so many students decide to transfer? Also, do you feel that the environment is competitive and do you get inspired to do better work based on the community at SAIC? Do you recommend SAIC for undergrad? I know they have strong programs but their curriculum is so unique and I'm not so sold on that being a good thing. </p>

<p>MICA seems like a perfect combo between RISD and SAIC in the fact that it's interdisciplinary and also provides a good technical basis. However, the location is a big turn off. In the big picture, for me, locations only a minor facet but a HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE bonus. Actually, that's the only downside I can think of for MICA.</p>

<p>(I am extremely self-motivated and my senior year of High School my art class was pretty much just me working on my own in whichever medium I chose and having my teacher guide me a little. I produced my best work in that environment. Although a competitive environment would be nice, it might not be necessary.)</p>

<p>-----Edit-----</p>

<p>Also I'm applying to SVA. I haven't researched it as in depth as SAIC and MICA but I know it's not as interdisciplinary and SVA seems to be more focused on newer art forms such as comics, animation, and film? At least that's the impression I get. I'm not ruling SVA out but SAIC and MICA are my top choices right now. Does anyone have any information on SVA? How is its photography or painting program?</p>

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<p>I live in Chicago, applying to SAIC as well and know a lot about it. SAIC has really great facilities and resources, that’s true. The education is really what you make out of it I guess. I spoke to someone about the sort of assignments they have there and they are very very open-ended and open to your style and interpretation (for better or worse I guess, depending on your perspective). For example, the final for someone’s core studio class (or research, I don’t remember, either way, a freshman year assignment) was “home improvement”. Freshman year is about expanding your idea of art/what it can be, but you also can learn technical skills. Each teacher is probably very different so I don’t want to generalize the way the assignments work, but I do think they share a common trait of being very open. The high acceptance rate is somewhat bothersome to me as well, as are the lack of grades. As someone who makes more conceptual work, I do understand the philosophy behind the lack of grades, however, I do think there are trite/shallow and more intelligent meditations on a concept- I don’t think it’s an entirely subjective process. I’ve seen a lot of good work come out of the Painting and Drawing dept. at SAIC, but I know MICA is good(and known for it) too. I think you should check out the student groups though (like on facebook) to get an image of the student body and where you might fin in best. To me that’s actually a really important aspect of it. You want to be stimulated by your peers and be able to relate to them on a deeper level, especially if you are paying a large sum of money to attend the college. Based on what I have seen, I see myself more at CU than SAIC, but I can’t really rely on that right now because it’s so hard to get into. It’s totally subjective though- I’m sure SAIC is the perfect fit for many- and maybe even you! If you have more specific questions about the resources at SAIC/Chicago, feel free to ask. I think a lot of people transfer because they are not into the whole conceptual aspect, however. I hope this helped, I would be more than happy to go into depth for you.</p>

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<p>Thanks - your reply really helped! I guess I can do well at either one, but the more I think about MICA the more I like it. </p>

<p>Good luck on Cooper Union!</p>

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<p>Just curious as to what you don’t like about MICA’s location. Baltimore is a little rough, but it is affordable, and has a pretty dynamic art scene.</p>