Transferring to art schools...

College Majors Visual Arts and Film Majors
1

<p>Hi,
I am compiling my schools to transfer to for fall 2013.
I'm looking for larger universities with strong art programs, and that have a loose curriculum so I can take courses in graphic design, painting&drawing, and printmaking. I am more interested in a BA program than a BFA program that wayI can possibly double major or at least minor in another subject area. However, I'm also applying to a couple of art schools just to have the option in case I do want that. </p>

<p>I have a very strong portfolio and I'm mostly relying on that because my stats aren't stellar. In high school I had a 3.74 W gpa and a 3.4 UW gpa and a 1940-1980 (in one sitting or superscored) SAT. So far in college I think I can pass this semester with a 3.5 gpa or higher. </p>

<p>Here's my list:
SAIC
RISD
UT Austin
UCLA
University of Michigan
USC
U of A</p>

<p>USC, University of Michigan and UCLA are my top choices right now.<br>
I'm just wondering if anyone has any other suggestions that fit the profile for what I'm looking for.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>You might look into the BA program (or the BFA program) at Tyler. My daughter transferred to the BFA program there last year, loves it. Her boyfriend, also a transfer, is in the BA studio art program and takes a lot of studio electives. Tyler is in a big university (Temple) and has more gen ed requirements than my daughter’s previous art school. They will give you an automatic merit scholarship for your GPA.</p>

3

<p>I agree with glassharmonica. Tyler is not personally a fit for what I want to do when I transfer, but I know that Tyler is very friendly to transfers and offer exactly what you say you are looking for. Their facilities are great, the tuition is very reasonable (especially compared to other art schools), and they are pretty good with scholarships. Another thing to take into account is the direct connection to Temple, which is definately a plus. </p>

<p>SAIC from what I have learned would also be a great fit for you because they also provide a very smooth transfer. They have no specific foundation, so it’s easy to fit right in in what you want to do. They also do not have required specified majors, so you can arrange a curriculum specific to what you want to do.</p>

<p>RISD I would imagine might be a bit more difficult for what you want to do, but I’m not an expert on the BA info as opposed to the BFA stuff… But from what I understand, many people have to retake a foundation summer there, and they have a much more specific curriculum for you to follow, so I don’t know how much freedom you would have.</p>

<p>MICA sounds like it would be really good for you too. They offer a variety of combinations with majors, minors, and studio concentrations. They also encourage taking electives in multiple areas from what I understand, as well as encourage academic classes. I believe they also have connections with John Hopkins and other Baltimore universities for academic classes.</p>

<p>I’m guessing u of a is Uarts? Personally, I really hated Uarts when I checked it out, but that’s totally my opinion. What I don’t like about them is that they are very specific in a set curriculum for their majors, and often don’t have much wiggle room for transfers. I spoke to the head of the illustration department after his presentation, and right after I mentioned that I was a prospective transfer student, he responds “Oh… we have transfers?”. And with every question I asked, he replied in a kind of snobby way to be honest. He would constantly remind me that I would probably have to transfer as a freshman. Never saw my work, new my name, my school, or academic standing before making this discussion… RISD, MICA, and Pafa admissions reps were all more than friendly and happy to work with me for transfer… long story, sorry! But idk, maybe that will help you out in some way?</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

4

<p>It’s very hard to comment on this question because you have not specified what you are looking at for a career or what major you are interested in. What major do you plan to apply for?</p>

5

<p>What major are you applying for? Have you looked into Art Center(ACCD) in Pasadena? My gf goes there, she’s a graphic design major.</p>

6

<p>I wouldn’t recommend going to an university for painting. You should do more research.</p>

7

<p>I’ll echo what wrecher said, and add that getting a degree for graphic design/printmaking is absolutely useless. No one in the professional field cares about your degree; all they want to see is your portfolio. If you’re going to end up devoting years and large sums of money on a college degree, pursue one that’s actually marketable. Find an academic field that interests you (think STEM), and do your art thing on the side. Hate to be a total buzzkill, but that’s just reality.</p>

8

<p>What kind of art do you want to do for a living? Figure that out, then research and apply to schools if necessary.</p>

<p>For example, if you wanted to become a painter who paints in a classical realistic style, you wouldn’t want to go to a university for that. You’d be better off studying at an atelier.</p>

9

<p>Because chemistry, Physics, and biology are in high demand? It’s not any easier to get a job in any of these fields than it is to get a job in an art field plus academic jobs (what most sciencey types who want to actually do science turn as a career) are actually more plentiful in the art/design field.</p>

<p>Furthermore, aside from the science thing, your advice is also very niave. You dont honestly think someone who devotes their entire time for four years at an art intensive program will be on equal footing in terms of art related job prospects do you. Degree aside, there would be a very noticable difference in ability. Your plan just sounds like a longwinded way to fail. If you dont even bother to make a serious attempt, why even bother at all?</p>