<p>I am majoring in Painting and recently transfered to SAIC and MICA. I was more into SAIC than MICA cause its liberal education atmosphere.
But the tuition is extremely expensive, so I am wondering that the education they offer is worth to pay that much. Also wonder that the system of the school after getting in. Is it true that there is only Pass/Fail classes??
About MICA many people say that they are good but the BM is a bit dangerous. Is it ture near the school?
It would be really helpful if you can share of your experiences from those.</p>
<p>It is not a myth that SAIC is “into” conceptual art. If you’re looking for a more traditional approach it may not be for you. Also if you are looking for a lot of technical classic instruction it may not be for you. You can pick instructors that have more of a traditional approach towards instruction and imagery but if that’s what you are looking for keep in mind that those sorts of teachers will be fewer since the school’s bent is so conceptually oriented. If you are into conceptual approach then it’s a great, albeit yes, expensive, choice. However they are pretty generous with aid for those students who want to come there.</p>
<p>My dd looked at MICA and did spend the summer at SAIC. I don’t know anymore than artsmarts about the program at SAIC, except to say, a lot of the students told my dd that it is a school that is suited for graduate students, more than undergrads (I have no knowledge as to why this was said, except the conceptual attitude of the school.) </p>
<p>As for MICA, it is a nice city school that basically sits on two sides of a major city street. It was easy to navigate, easy to get to the train station, easy to get to the University of Maryland (Baltimore Campus) and the freshman dorm is right next to the school. As far as dangerous, there are areas near the campus that art not good. I have heard that there are a lot of cars that are broken into and bikes that get stolen if left out. I imagine that this would be true of many city campuses. During the tour the tour guide spoke of a good security system. If you are really concerned, there is a place on the website that should speak about security, or even better, call the security department and ask your questions. They should be able to tell you what happens on campus and nearby. We loved the school and my dd did apply and got accepted. She just picked a school that fit her needs better. Good luck with your decision.</p>
<p>Oh, one more thing, you spoke about the expense of SAIC. It is my understanding that MICA’s cost would be somewhat similar to that of SAIC, unless you got scholarship to one and not the other.</p>
<p>I believe the reason for the comment about SAIC being better for graduate students might be a reference to the fact that there’s a lot less directed learning there. This approach is more common in a graduate department where it’s assumed that there is already a breadth of certain technical skill and knowledge. You really need to be very self-directed I suppose would be the catch phrase to thrive there from the experiences of people I know who’ve attended…and really like conceptual art. It works great for some, not so great for others…like a lot of places. The amenities are fabulous, as is the building, as is the connection to the museum. But it is definitely for a certain type of student who is looking for a less directed learning style.</p>
<p>By no means do I mean to “bash” SAIC, but quite frankly I have not heard very many positive things about its undergrad programs. I have three friends who went there. Two of them transferred last year, and the other one is looking to. They said that there isn’t much of an actual “college feeling” to it since there isn’t a real campus, and that everyone sort of just runs around doing art but has no idea where they’re going in life. So I would be careful. I have heard positive things about MICA though, even though I don’t know any details about the college. Just my opinion though :)</p>
<p>Well actually running around doing art doesn’t sound so bad. I think rephrasing this would make it more factual. If you are looking for a campus feeling SAIC might not be the place. You will instead experience “apartment” living albeit under the overview of the school and will have the responsibility of cooking your own food or eating out at a variety of fairly reasonable restaurants and take-out places. It feels more like you’re living in an urban city definitely not a campus feeling at all.</p>
<p>I’m not necessarily pro or con any school but am a bit doubtful as to whether students at MICA or SAIC or RISD or anywhere necessarily have a better grip on where their lives are going than those at any other school. Particularly those majoring in the arts, unless they’re extraordinarily self-aware and goal-oriented and maybe a bit psychic. Quite seriously if you’re going to go for a major in the arts you’d best be very flexible and not convinced that you know what direction you’re taking.</p>