SCAD in general

<p>dhillman, this is lovely! Thank you, and I hope you find time to continue to give us updates on your SCAD experiences. What dorm are you going to be in? And what is your intended major?</p>

<p>I just received an e-mail regarding where I'm going to live for my first year at SCAD. Apparently I'm going to be living in Dyson (which is my top choice of the three dorms), so I'm happy about that.</p>

<p>I also received the name of the person who'll be my roommate, so I tried to find out who this guy is, but I couldn't find him on facebook. SCAD has this thing called "corporate address book" or something like that on every student's e-mails, which, from what I heard, is supposed to have all the names of SCAD students (it's like a biodata page with name, e-mail address, phone number, etc) and you can search whoever you want. Somehow, I didn't find my roommate even on that thing. I don't know why so this is something that I'm hoping to find out soon enough.</p>

<p>hope this helps moominmama, and everyone else who's thinking about SCAD.</p>

<p>It's great that you got your first choice of dorm! Did they give you an email address for your roommate? If so, send him an email with a little info about yourself, and also ask about coordinating bringing things you wouldn't want to duplicate, like TVs. That may open the doors to communication.</p>

<p>I too will be attending SCAD and living in the Dyson housing this fall. Frankly, I look forward to attending SCAD. I mean, it seems cheaper than most other private schools and has a successful Animation program which I'll be participating in.</p>

<p>School is what you make of it and either it could be great or leave you bitter.</p>

<p>I don't expect SCAD to hold my hand especially after graduation. I realize I'm attending an art school and with the entertainment business so over-saturated that it all comes down to my portfolio. I think its foolish to think just because you went to school that you will land a job.</p>

<p>That's a very sensible attitude, Hoagie. I hope you keep us updated with some details of your SCAD experience!</p>

<p>Just curious...I have a son starting his sophmore year at a Midwest state university...He is thinking about transferring to SCAD in fall of 2008...</p>

<p>The first 10 posts between pro & anti scad were good but seemed to turn into a public fight instead of quality content so I stopped reading it... Guess I have lost some of my excitement for SCAD after reading the posts...I have been to Savannah and the SCAD buildings looked pretty cool to me...the downtown was nice but yeas there were ghetto feels in close proximity...</p>

<p>Has anybody compared tuition of Pratt/MICA/RISD/RIT/Parsons to SCAD? Wondering if $16,500 a yearfor tuition is reliastic at SCAD?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

<p>Griffhawk,
Here is her report...
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=368929%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=368929&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>believersmom, thanks for putting in the link to my report. Griffhawk, the tuition currently listed for SCAD is $24,390 per year, which is 3 quarters fulltime. They do offer nice scholarships (basically tuition discounts) for good ACT/SAT scores, though.</p>

<p>Hello everyone!</p>

<p>I have been reading this thread because a young woman I know well will be attending as a freshman. I teach at an accredited college, and what concerns me here is that this institution has not seem to benefit from the same level of oversight as other institutions of its size. Most institutions have an active Board of Trustees that hires presidents. It seems that as SCAD there is a complete top down approach that creates a closed academic atmosphere. </p>

<p>About crime rate: I don't know the crime in Savannah, but NYC is one of the safest cities in the US, so please stop using it as a justification for Savannah's crime. My daughter attends college in NYC, and I have few concerns about her safety.</p>

<p>Hmmmm i've read alot about this for scad and i wanted to ask some questions. I plan to attend scad when i graduate seinior year 2009. I havent found any requirments for it if any. Is there a requierd G.P.A? or somthing i nthat manner? and the cost, is it more than 24,350 most of the time? sorry im just concerned because its my junior year and i need to think about this stuff. I want to take the itneractive media/game development program but get various minors as well. im just confused.</p>

<p>There is no required GPA -- their philosophy seems to be that pretty much anyone is welcome to come and study there (and pay for it!). There is also no portfolio requirement, although most applicants submit them. With a basically open admission policy, students are welcome to try to succeed or fail based on their talent and willingness to work hard.</p>

<p>This does not mean that you are free to get lousy grades because "they'll take anyone". The skills you learn in high school of studying, understanding what the teacher wants, getting work done and turned in on time, etc. are valuable no matter what you do in life. SCAD also really likes to admit students with proven academic track records, and is quite generous with scholarships based on SAT scores. The exact amount is also determined by the rigor of your classes, your GPA, and whatever intangibles you show in your application and rec. letters (ECs, etc). So, while my daughter has qualified to be considered for a scholarship of <em>up to</em> $15, 000 per year based on her SATs, the exact amount won't be settled on until they've looked at her complete application.</p>

<p>As for the total cost, the tuition is just the beginning. You also have to consider dorm and food plan, books, art supplies, and transportation to and from your home town.</p>

<p>With all that said, the media/game program looks quite good. Keep your eyes on the prize, work hard, and good luck!</p>

<p>alright, i just moved in yesterday and everything's been good so far. i really like my roommate too.</p>

<p>i went out last night with 4 other guys and walked around savannah. it wasn't scary at all, but of course you have to stay away from the ghetto area. even in the city streets themselves you can see some of those people, but i felt pretty safe among my friends.</p>

<p>there hasn't been anything bad at all. orientation was good, but pretty much the same old stuff.</p>

<p>hope this helps</p>

<p>Cool, dhillman! I've been thinking about you and Hoagie. How's the weather? And the dorm food?</p>

<p>weather is... well, temperature is high. so it's hot. the sun is bright and the sky is clear. for me, i don't like it (i personally prefer the cold).</p>

<p>the food is actually pretty good. they have a couple different places for you to eat. the food... well, they have cheeseburgers, fries, pizzas, salad, sandwich bar, err... even oriental food i think... but i'm not too sure about that one. but definitely it's not too bad. you can go for the healthy food with salad and stuff, or go with the junk/fast food. breakfast is pretty good too. normal continental breakfast... eggs, bacons, biscuits, etc.</p>

<p>hope this helps.</p>

<p>//I have been reading this thread because a young woman I know well will be attending as a freshman. I teach at an accredited college, and what concerns me here is that this institution has not seem to benefit from the same level of oversight as other institutions of its size. Most institutions have an active Board of Trustees that hires presidents. It seems that as SCAD there is a complete top down approach that creates a closed academic atmosphere.//</p>

<p>Absolutely correct. Paula and her ex-husband started the school and now she owns it, while her new husband of 4 to 5 years and a long-time SCAD employee, does make some decisions as well as V.P. of something. I do think this is an issue - not a catastrophic one. My experience leads me to believe that she is primarily a well-meaning person, and that she deeply cares for the institution, but it was a money-making venture and so it remains. </p>

<p>Still, the college is very generous and is willing to give students the opportunity to bloom on the vine - perhaps for the sake of money, but also for the sake of many kids who discover their talents and do well after graduation. </p>

<p>And, you must maintain a 3.0 GPA in your major and I believe a 2.0 overall; otherwise you cannot either graduate or get kicked out of the college - something like that.</p>

<p>//weather is... well, temperature is high. so it's hot. the sun is bright and the sky is clear. for me, i don't like it (i personally prefer the cold).//</p>

<p>Come December through February it can dip below 40 degrees on ocassion. September is typically a very hot month, especially if you are from the north. My first call home was, "OMG it is HOT here."</p>

<p>//the food is actually pretty good. they have a couple different places for you to eat. the food... well, they have cheeseburgers, fries, pizzas, salad, sandwich bar, err... even oriental food i think... but i'm not too sure about that one. but definitely it's not too bad. you can go for the healthy food with salad and stuff, or go with the junk/fast food. breakfast is pretty good too. normal continental breakfast... eggs, bacons, biscuits, etc.//</p>

<p>I predict you may become very tired of it by Spring quarter. Are you in Dyson, and do they have small kitchens? I think Turner House does. </p>

<p>Best of luck to you; I am curious what profs you have. I don't think naming names is cool, but initials might be okay. I'll tell you my opinion privately - if I know of them. You can send me a P.M. if you wish.</p>

<p>I am somewhat aware of who the better profs are - or at least the ones I know personally - which is fewer and fewer as the years go by; it is a big department. You are probably taking Color Theory and Drawing I or 3-D studio, an elective, plus First Year Experience - which isn't horrible, yes? It's only for an hour a week. </p>

<p>I recall the excitement of the first quarter and year, with charcoal dust everywhere and all over yourself everyday. A lot of students didn't like color theory and found it tedious, but understanding color relationships is so very vital. Drawing I will help you with your composition if you later find yourself looking through a lens, or in illustration, graphic design, seq. art, painting, etc. It will also help you to focus on the value of negative space and creating the illusion of form on a 2-d surface via lighting, plus the value of contrast as mood. But mostly it is about "seeing" I think. Some kids will not be able to draw at all. If you are in that group, focus on composition if nothing else. Be dynamic. Use interesting perspectives and points of view. Move your easel around and find an interesting viewpoint.</p>

<p>If you find a prof you like. Use them, let them become a mentor to you this year if possible. Ask questions, and even if you don't like the subject matter,give it your best shot. Don't be shy, speak up!</p>

<p>In retrospect, I loved foundations more than my major which was easy for me and I did not feel as challenged. Life Drawing (2nd year?)was really difficult for me, but I still have the work and am proud of my efforts. It does help to have a GF, but they probably still have open studio on Fridays.</p>

<p>Apologies if I am sounding like a know-it-all, preachy, and a butt-insky. I am excited for you and envy being young and on the cusp of discovery and a dream. I really hope you find this to be a stimulating experience - not because it is SCAD, well maybe a little, but because I remember being in your shoes.</p>

<p>Good luck, be safe, and find a good crowd of kids with good habits as well. Use the student wellness center if you find yourself in crisis. I look forward to your reports. Keep them coming week by week or month by month. They will help others and satisfy their curiosities about what it is like. I suggest starting a new thread, as this one is long and tedious.</p>

<p>Kind regards,
RA</p>

<p>I am thinking of initiating an online venture - sort of a national portfolio day - in which students may have their portfolios reviewed at any time during the year without having to stand in line, travel, etc. Professors at a number of colleges plus working professionals would offer opinions and advice. Additionally, project descriptions would be available to help you build your portfolio. The goal would be for students to better prepare their portfolios in order them to hopefully (no guarantees) get into the school of their choice as well as earn scholarship monies ($$$) given the cost of a 4-year degree. </p>

<p>I might also research each school and offer student perspectives (balanced). Cost would be broken down on a needs basis. For example, a FULL and indepth review / critique might cost $200 to $500 depending on certain factors, and projects + critique in areas of weakness would cost the same depending upon level and complexity. I would start with graphic design, but slowly incorporate a few more areas, especially photography, web, multi-media, drawing, animation, and illustration - where I have significant connections. For example, how much would you pay to have your sequential artwork reviewed by a noted graphic novel artist, or the chair of a major graphic design program rather than standing in line for two hours for a 15 minute review at National Portfolio Day.</p>

<p>I would anticipate it could cost anywhere from $200 to $2000 depending upon individual needs, but the benefits could be worth $5k, 10k 40k, etc. in scholarships, gain admittance to the college of your choice, and help students develop confidance in their abilities prior to submitting portfolios. Feel free to P.M. me with your thoughts. I will not respond on board. I plan to have this service completed by December. Though I am not a professor, I am at heart a teacher and wish to help others - to my benefit, and yours.</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>//Some kids will not be able to draw at all. If you are in that group, focus on composition if nothing else. Be dynamic. Use interesting perspectives and points of view. Move your easel around and find an interesting viewpoint.//</p>

<p>Sorry I am on a roll.</p>

<p>When drawing or composing, focus on the relationships between foreground, middle ground and background. It will make your drawings more real by adding a real world sense of an environment. Use line quality and tone to emphasize the area of your focus and what you want the viewer to see. This will be a little more difficult with still lifes, but if you are outside epecially, lookk for the above and always add a touch of perspective; one, two, or three-point. Also, move closer than you think. Selectively show detail to draw the viewers attention.</p>

<p>Seriously, best of luck to all who have posted here and are experiencing your first year. One more thing...Art History IS important; stay awake! I am really excited for all.</p>

<p>Again I don't mean to be preachy, I feel nostalgic and am envious of passion now forgotten.</p>

<p>Thanks for the advice Moominmama. So far from what i can tell my g.pa is around a 2.9-3.4 [i did horridly in 9th grade due to emotional issues] by the time i graduate i would have taken 6 art courses, i'm in the art club sociaty thingy at my school and the diffrent drummer magazine thing, So far out of Hard classes i've taken Honors psycology in 10thgrade ,and im taking Honors english 3 and AP us history right now... Personally i think i have okay artistic skills [i just need to refine them more >.>;;] I havent taken the sat, but my psat score was the equilavent to a 1300/1600 or somthing like that.
Do i seem like a likely candidite for scad? anything else i could do to raise my chances? sorry if im being very rude, i've just been concerned aba it since i botched up 9th grade.</p>