<p>Hi! I'm a senior in high school, and, despite (very wise) advice, have just started the college search. I'm extremely interested in graphic design, and I want to do something with it in the communications (or even business/marketing) field - ie, visual journalism, advertising, etc. While I'm considering having a minor in addition to a major, I'd also like to explore schools that have programs or majors that are specifically tailored to students who want to use graphic design in a practical way. I'd love suggestions or recommendations, since tbh, I'm pretty lost right now and could really use a starting point, haha.</p>
<p>I'm currently looking into U Cincinnati DAAP's Graphic Communications major, MCAD's Branding, Marketing, & Public Relations major, and Ringling's Graphic & Interactive Communications major and Business of Arts & Design minor. I also have a preference for schools that have co-op programs and/or internship/externship opportunities and are in the northeast.</p>
<p>Thank you so much!</p>
<p>I think you have nice list.</p>
<p>maybe add
Drexel?</p>
<p>@ bears and dogs, I was considering Drexel - I’m on the fence about applying there, because I like the student work and the co-op program is a huge plus, but tbh, I’m not sure I could afford it, and can’t justify paying the tuition if I’m just going to do straight-up graphic design with no communications/marketing curriculum. </p>
<p>Also, hi! Haha, I saw you all over the place in some of the older threads and just wanted to say that your comments were super helpful :)</p>
<p>Also, bears and dogs reminded me with her Drexel suggestion - money is a pretty big factor for me, and the reason why I’m looking for more schools to add to my list. Ringling would actually be perfect for me if it weren’t for the cost!</p>
<p>To give a little background - my GPA’s pretty low (~3.0, maybe less; I got really bad grades in freshman year, improved to 80s sophmore year, and went through junior year with a steady 95 average) but my SAT scores are above average (2070, but I’m taking it again this October and hope to get a 2100+). As for my portfolio, in my (biased, lol) opinion, my digital design pieces are pretty good - I’m the graphic and layout designer/editor for my school newspaper and part of my school yearbook staff, so I’ve got pieces I’ve made for those in there, as well as a few of my own things. However, I’m worried about variety - I’m not very good at drawing or at traditional art, and I don’t want my whole portfolio to just be digital media, so I’m not sure how well I’ll do with merit-based need.</p>
<p>hey thanx
nah
I just made some dude angry in some other thread. It doesn’t always work, I got big snout.</p>
<p>how is your need-based? no good either?
maybe your state school has some all-around-service U that offer everything.
I am still finding out about it because my kid was never interested in giant unis.
DE, MD, some SUNYs UMass… I don’t know “practical” part of training if you choose these schools, but over all there are more chance to use your skill for school events or political things, and most of its vast students body don’t even know how to make paper snowflakes. You get to do hands-on training for what works with general public. and you will be needed, appreciated, shine, while if you go to art-art school, you might have to fight to resister popular class or get that coveted spot on the bulletin board.
since you are a good student (mine wasn’t), might work as a financial safety.</p>
<p>PS
someone else raved about Northeastern U. co-op, gives good merit.
it is not totally confirmed it’s value but seems up and coming -sh.</p>
<p>My family might qualify for need-based aid (we generally make less than $40k a year, but my mom filed her 401k last year and will be hired full-time this year; we’re a family of two parents and two children) but I’m not sure that we can count on it because I know art schools (and some out-of-state unis) are pretty stingy with financial aid, and I’m sure there are families who are worse off than mine. Of course, if you know of any art schools or general colleges/universities that are known for giving heftier financial aid packages, I’d love to hear them.</p>
<p>Right now, my concern is money vs job opportunities. Schools with guaranteed or mandatory internships/externships or co-ops are great, but finding one that offers a major in practical graphic design (or even a major/minor) and good financial aid seems easier said than done! </p>
<p>… AND THEREIN LIES THE STRUGGLE OF ALL ART STUDENTS hahahaha</p>
<p>You might look into RIT’s New Media degree, when I was talking to one of the profs he said that 90 percent of their students (that degree) have job offers during their senior year. It seems to be a really good program if you can handle the campus.</p>