<p>I was accepted to both Syracuse and Parsons, and before receiving my award letters I would've thought that Parsons was the immediate choice. However, I received a total of $16000 in merit scholarship money from Syracuse but a measly $2000 from Parsons. Initially I thought, ok it's saving my parents money I really ought to go to Syracuse despite my parents saying it was ultimately my decision. But when I thought it over, I started to worry- Parsons to me is easily the best known art university in the world and I feel that it would give me a great basis for a good future. Ofcourse there are other things I considered:</p>
<p>Syracuse:
- Money is the over-riding factor to my decision to go here.
- It has an actual campus and I think this would probably give me more of a "College experience"
- Its a good school, from what I hear the Visual Arts school is one of its best as well as the Communications school.
- Not much of a reason - but my best friend which I havent seen in 3 years will be going to Cornell which means Ill see her more often.
- They seem to really want me, I don't think I would've got such a good deal if they didnt.
- The program won't be as intense as at Parsons which means I'm more likely to have a social life haha. Plus boy girl percentages are better than at Parsons which is 75% girls (sorry stupid reason i know)
- Its not JUST an art school, so I'd meet all sorts of people which I'd really like to do.</p>
<p>Parsons:
- It's soo well known and renowned, I feel that if I have that on my CV a job would be so much easier to come about.
- It's in NYC which has always been the place I'd most like to be.
- Its been my dream school for almost 4 years!
- I think the program, even though it's so intense would really help my artwork and mould me into the kind of designer I'd really like to be.
- The boy girl percentage isn't really that much of a big deal especially considering there will be other New School students around me - music, literature, drama students...so it wont only be people in the visual arts I get to meet.
- My sister goes to Columbia, so I think my parents would feel more secure if she were around.</p>
<p>So as you can see, I'm in quitee a bind. It's really ultimately Money vs Name and I really don't know what to do!! Does anyone know if Syracuse's art school is as well appreciated as Parsons? </p>
<p>VPA was pretty competitive this year but overall Parsons is the better deal. I can tell it's an amazingly difficult and hard decision to make but to make it easier on yourself- really think about where you want to spend your next four years. And if Parson's has been your dream school for 4 years, there's no reason you should try and pick one over the other. If I were you, I'd probably contact the financial aid office at Parsons and tell them that you got that amount of aid from Syracuse and ask if Parsons is willing to match that amount. The finaid people are usually willing to help you. Isn't more competition better though and Parsons is a lot harder. And you'll be in NYC which has everything. But if that doesn't work out, you can fall back on Syracuse which will ultimately still give you a great experience (and less tuition). And you could still do graduate studies at Parsons. Just my take.</p>
<p>thanks for the advice, i did contact parsons about a possible increase in scholaship money so i'll just need to wait for the answer. i just hate being in this situation! I thought the easiest part of applications was meant to be getting replies...and now its proving almost as stressful as the actual application process!!</p>
<p>If Syracuse will be cheaper than Parsons, GO TO SYRACUSE, you will get a much better college experience , and it will provide a very strong art instruction.</p>
<p>My daughter was planning on attending Syracuse upon being accepted until we found out that she got zero money, Zilch, NADA. We got scholarships from a number of other schools but NOT there. Thus, that will be one spot open to someone else.</p>
<p>Also know that if you are majoring in design or architecture, you won't be taking your courses on campus starting in your sophomore year. They will be busing people each way downtown. The reason is that Syracuse wants to be more integral to the city. Thus, for political correctness, you will experience a great deal of hassle that wouldn't occur otherwise. </p>
<p>If you are not into design or architecture, this won't be a problem.</p>
<p>thanks taxguy, i think it'll probably end up Syracuse unless my e-mail was so convincing Parsons decided to match their offer (unlikely).</p>
<p>I think I'll be majoring in advertising design? So does that mean i'll be bused down sophmore year? I don't know if this will make a huge diff...other than I prob wont be able to get up a few mins before class then....but by Design, which majors do you mean?</p>
<p>Artiste, I think,and this is an "I think," you will be part of those majors that get bused. I should note that this is more than geting up a few minutes early. You will need to wait for the bus, plus take the time necessary for the bus to get to the class and vice versa.</p>
<p>In addition, if the bus has traffic problems or has an accident, you may miss your next class. It is a REAL hassle.</p>
<p>Also, part of the benefits of attending a school such as Syracuse instead of say RIT is that you have real campus activities. If you aren't on the campus, why go to Syracuse?</p>