SVA vs. RISD Animation??

College Search & Selection
1

Hello,

I have to make this decision in less than a week and figured I should ask as a last minute resort to settling my indecisiveness. I was accepted into RISD for Film/Animation/Video and SVA for Computer Art. I am mostly interested in 3D animation rather than 2D.

Here are my dilemmas:

  1. College campus/setting: “NyC iS yOuR CaMpUS” is a phrase I understand and the significance it has in getting internships/connections for the future is undeniable. I would also have the option to commute. That said, I want to also thrive in a college campus, since that’s not something you get to do later in your life.
  1. Liberal Arts Courses (ONE OF MY BIGGEST DILEMMAS): Both of them have the courses, the only difference is how you can take courses at Brown if you attend RISD. I feel like I wouldn't be able to explore as much with SVA's liberal arts courses because it's an art school, as compared to an Ivy League school that most definitely has stronger academics, including courses in topics outside of art.
  2. The Program: SVA seems to be the stronger one in computer animation, but I don't know how lacking RISD's department is either. It definitely seems to be more 2D focused, but there also seems to be ample opportunities to explore 3D animation as well. RISD also has a foundation year which would let me decide if I really want to do 3D animation or visual arts in general. My problems seem to all come from the fact that I'm not full on passionate about, well, anything, but I also couldn't imagine myself doing anything other than art, and if I do pursue art, it would be in 3D animation.

In terms of financial aid, RISD technically gave me more, but it’ll basically end up being the same amount, since I’d commute during the later years at SVA.

TL;DR: SVA is stronger in 3D animation, which is something I want to pursue, and would be convenient in many different ways, but RISD would provide the true college experience.

I’m aware that neither of these schools will have the perfect package best fit for me (you win some, you lose some), but I’m trying to find the most logical one to go to, as my heart isn’t really telling me much. Once I think I’ve chosen RISD, I end up missing SVA, and vice versa. Please help me out in thinking rationally and finally putting in my deposit so I can relax!

Thanks in advance!