<p>I have been doing some research on top art schools and School of the Arts Institute of Chicago keeps coming up with mixed reviews... On one hand, it seems to have a very good reputation but on the other hand, their acceptance rate is through the roof. Does anyone have an explanation for this??</p>
<p>What do you mean, “through the roof”?</p>
<p>very high- around 80% I believe</p>
<p>This is my guess, having gone thru the process with my S. </p>
<p>The portfolio review is rigorous but the academic side is less so. My S attended portfolio day-his portfolio was accepted positively at multiple art schools before he applied. Portfolio day travels the country so there is possibly a sizable number of kids applying with acceptable art portfolios already.</p>
<p>Did your S end up attending there? If so, does he like it there? I’m curious about what SAIC is like, I have always loved Chicago and the school looks great but the acceptance rate is troubling to me. I wouldn’t want to end up in a school that wasn’t challenging or didn’t provide me with a great education. </p>
<p>If it’s that high, I’d guess it’s because only serious and very qualified art students apply. What’s SAIC’s yield?</p>
<p>Maybe so, but other very reputable art schools where I would imagine only serious art students apply have much lower acceptance rates… I just don’t really understand how it’s possible that they would accept so many students considering they have a pretty good reputation. What do you mean by “yield”?</p>
<p>Of those accepted, how many actually attend?</p>
<p>Something I read online said around 20% I think</p>
<p>I’m not sure, but my D chose SAIC over several other art schools and will be a freshman there this fall. The acceptance rate also concerned me, but after visiting and dealing with the staff there, I only have good things to say. Their faculty were very responsive to my D when she was trying to decide and asking them questions via email. The staff have been very communicative and organized. The alumni are so impressive. The facilities are really nice. We did not expect to like the school, but it rose to the very top in my D’s selection process.</p>
<p>Congrats to your D! Sounds like I will probably need to schedule a visit to really get a feel for the school. </p>
<p>My S is at UArts. The acceptance there was kind of high - in the 60s - and graduation rate is not that great either but it’s also a performing arts school so a lot of kids take jobs as the get them. 2 students are on SYTYCD this season. Doubt they’ll go back to school.</p>
<p>It’s an easy mistake but the school is Art, not Arts (School of the Art Institute of Chicago). 
</p>
<p>Why does SAIC have so many students leave after their first year?
I had my portfolio accepted at Dallas NPD. Anyone know how to turn in a scholarship portfolio? I need some $ to attend.</p>
<p>I suspect some kids leave due to financial reasons. But I think another reason is the amount of work involved. My DD is a freshman there now, and she is always working on her assignments and projects. She thrives on it, but I can see where it would be really overwhelming if you’re not expecting that kind of environment. SAIC has many supports in place, don’t get me wrong. But you do have to be able to manage your time and your work.</p>
<p>I think if you complete your application and submit your portfolio before a certain date (look on their website), you are automatically considered for a scholarship.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>