<p>So recently I have narrowed my college search to one University and SCAD. Both schools offer architecture, which is my desired field. I have, however recently read some forums stating that the architecture program at SCAD is not the greatest. I would like to either double major in architecture and interior design, or major in architecture and minor in interior design. Also I have recently discovered that the crime rate in savannah is exceptionally high. Please leave a reply describing your experience with SCAD's architecture program (visiting, attending, student, parent, etc.), as well as what you did when you got out if school, and how long it took to find a job. (P.S. I have not yet toured the school, but will be in approximately 2 weeks. Also I have been awarded $8,000 in scholarships for academics, and plan to turn in my portfolio for an artistic scholatship.)</p>
<p>Have you tried looking in the architecture forum?</p>
<p>I’ve looked into some of them, but on all the ones ive found, it seems like most of the people commenting decided not to go to SCAD based on cost. I know it is quite expensive, but I would like to hear from SCAD students abour it, not from people who just applied. Also does anyone know of any other colleges in the south mainly that offer architecture. I know Clemson, but I got into the bridge program, not the actual architecture program, and I know about Georgia tech. Amy other schools that anyone on this forum has attended that deal with architecture? Thanks :)</p>
<p>I’ve spent a lot of time in Savannah, so I can say that yes, there is a lot of crime in parts, but in the main area of the campus, you’ll be safe. Plus, there is something to be said about studying architecture in such a beautiful city. As for other architecture programs in the South, Tulane is excellent. Auburn has a great program too. There are some more programs in Florida that are pretty good as well I just don’t know the specifics, but you can easily find this on the arch forum.</p>
<p>I’m a current student at SCAD in the architecture program. I’ll answer some of the general SCAD related questions and then talk about the architecture program.</p>
<p>Crime exists in Savannah as it does in any city. I’d say in 99% of cases you’ll be fine unless you go looking for trouble. I know I feel comfortable walking around at night in the historic district area. In the several years I’ve been here and the countless nights I’ve walked across town late while leaving studio, I’ve only had one sketchy encounter with some panhandlers at night. Crime in Savannah should play little to no role in making your decision. </p>
<p>Savannah is beautiful, has wonderful weather, a good social scene, quick access to Tybee beach, great historic sites/architecture, fairly inexpensive rents, a variety of restuarants and a fairly liberal atmosphere. I really enjoy being able to walk just about everywhere and only having to bum a car ride every couple of weeks to pick up some groceries or supplies at Home Depot. I’ve loved living here and will miss it whenever I leave. It doesn’t have a campus like other universities, but that is because all of Savannah is it and it’s wonderful. </p>
<p>Remember SCAD is an art school. You will become friends with and interact with on a daily basis with photographers, graphic designers, fashion designers, film makers…etc. This allows for a lot of cross-pollination with other creative people that will make your work better. The things I learned from computer software techniques to composition tricks from my graphic design and photography friends have greatly assisted in producing visually interesting and high quality work. You might not get this at a traditional university. But you should probably also note that at SCAD has (for better or worse) no greek life, no real sports programs, and no real campus feeling. </p>
<p>SCAD seems in recent years to be cracking down on scholarship amounts, so please submit your portfolio and do not relent harassing them about additional funds until they throw money at you to leave. I made the mistake of listening to one of the advisors who told me not to submit my art portfolio because I maxed out my scholarship amount with my academics. I should not have listened and submitted it anyway. I know a few people who did this who ended up with $3-5,000 on top of their “maxed” academic scholarship. Also, know you will most likely attend grad school. If you attend SCAD it will be a two year program and you will keep your scholarship. If you wish to attend somewhere else know it will be a 2-3 year program depending on which school you choose. Grad school can cost you more than your undergraduate degree.</p>
<p>As far as the actual architecture program, I really don’t know if I would trade it for anything. I’ve throughly enjoyed my time here. The first year, is mostly relegated to foundations studies and at the most maybe you’ll take Intro to Architecture and Graphics for the Building Arts. Sophomore year is when you really start getting into the program. I made a conscious effort early on to take the absolute best, and in most cases the most difficult, professors for every architecture class possible. In every class I befriended the smartest, most creative and most dedicated students in the room. These students are the one that give the best feedback, give the best advice, are the best collaborative and study partners and make for the best drinking buddies (heh). Choosing these professors and students to surround myself with was probably the best choice I’ve made while here. I know for a fact if you do that you will leave SCAD with a portfolio comparable to some of the other top undergraduate schools. The problem with SCAD, however, is that 80% of the architecture students coast by with as little effort as possible. This is a by-product of a larger SCAD problem in which anyone with a check or who is capable of qualifying for a loan is admitted. This results in a ton of undedicated students who diminish the quality of the program for everyone else.</p>
<p>The facilities at Eichberg,(architecture building) I would say are fairly decent. I know of transfer students who are impressed with the number of computers, the laster cutters, etc. We do have a shortage of computers at Eichberg at times but this can be remedied with a laptop. We don’t have robotic arms or a massive shop but I feel like what we have is adequate. When you come tour you will get a better feel for the building.</p>
<p>As far as pedagogy is concerned, SCAD is a very conflicted school. We have some professors who feel as if the school needs to prepare us for the real world to the point of absurdity. It seems that some professors think we need to act more like a trade school and produce students who are only capable of producing construction documents and Revit models. I think they have confused the the purpose of IDP with that of school. But, we also have professors who are appreciative of more academic conceptual work and really emphasize having a very thorough and rigorous process. You might not quite understand the importance of this yet but it is quite important as choosing which side of the debate you align with will determine the professors you take, the type of work you produce and ultimately what type of architect you will be. I’m beginning to think the department as a whole is heading towards the more academic direction I described above. Our new dean’s statements and the recent hiring of more ivy league trained professors I think attest to this. I 100% believe this a good thing, and if it continues SCAD will only improve. </p>
<p>I think I could have been more organized but in summary:
- Savannah is a great city to live in while studying architecture and attending college.
- SCAD’s architecture program is exactly what you make of it. I know of a handful of students who are/have gone on to attend top architecture grad schools. I know of a handful of students who have gotten job offers and internships at prominent international architecture firms.
- The facilities are good, and are very well kept. I also think the administration is genuinely trying to figure out the studio space and computer lab issues.</p>
<p>I don’t have a negative opinion of SCAD (like some do) because I feel like I’ve used its environment to the greatest possible extent and have really enjoyed it. I love Savannah, I’ve made some really good friends, my portfolio is starting to shape up, and I think my prospects look good for the future.</p>