<p>Hi all --</p>
<p>From the number of X vs. Y? posts out there -- and the number of you I think we'll be seeing at MICA's open house tomorrow, I am guessing there are a lot of people in the same boat as my daughter (who is not speaking for herself because she is desperately working on some huge pieces for an upcoming IB art show): trying to decide between 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 good options. So what's most important to you and how are you going through the process? If you chose, what helped make the decisions.</p>
<p>I'll start:</p>
<p>Area of study: Design -- interior, furniture, industrial, maybe graphic, maybe digital media</p>
<p>Acceptances: RISD, Pratt, Ringling, MICA, VCUarts. Pratt and Ringling now off this list -- Pratt because D doesn't want to live in NY (gotta respect that) and ringling (former first choice, but small school isolated in a not student-friendly city knocked it off the list).</p>
<p>What we are weighing now: All three are strong programs with a good foundation year -- important. D. realized she wants somewhat of a traditional college feel, if not experience (which is there at RISD with Brown right there and probably at VCUarts (visiting next Tuesday), not sure about MICA. Another factor, which she would love to hear your thoughts on, is best chance to work in design out of school -- she most definitely wants to get a job (and as her mom, I couldn't support that more!).</p>
<p>We have enough saved that she can go to any of her choices without having to take out loans -- though money still weighs in at some level: VCUarts gave her a full ride and she got $20K from MICA and is a finalist for more (15th right?); RISD gave her nothing, of course. Though she could go to RISD without loans, if she chose one of the other two, their would be some or a lot of money left in her college fund after college for grad school or to get started.</p>
<p>I'm interested in everyone else's decision process.</p>