<p>So my college choice has been narrowed down to Tyler School of Art at Temple University or SUNY Purchase College. </p>
<p>I am planning on studying painting and possibly ceramics. However I really want an opportunity to experiment with all types of art-making. I want to work on my technical skills but I also need a school that will inspire my creativity and help me create conceptual work. I don't normally do conceptual work but when I did the Cooper Union hometest, I realized I was capable of it and I enjoyed it a lot. I just don't know how much emphasis either of these schools put on concepts.</p>
<p>Both schools are pretty cheap and with the scholarship I got, they would cost about the same for me. I like both campuses but I would much prefer living in a city like Philadelphia. I've heard many people hate Purchase since there is very little surrounding the campus. </p>
<p>One last thing I'm worried about is the type of people I will meet. I'm not sure if I'm the "big University" type of person. I'm pretty shy and have a different sense of humor than other people and tend to get along better with artists and musicians (I'm a musician as well). If I go to Tyler I feel like I won't connect with a lot of the people there except Tyler students. I am leaning towards Tyler though. </p>
<p>What are your opinions on this?</p>
<p>I don’t know if you visited the schools, but I hope so. They definitely have different vibes both generally and to us in the art schools. Tyler is a fabulous space with a great reputation. I think Purchase is a good school but not as well known and definitely the facilities are not as new. There are lots of artistic people at Temple; there are wonderful music and theater programs there. I am not familiar with the other programs at Purchase. If you have a chance, please visit and good luck.</p>
<p>Yes, I’ve visited both. I liked both campuses but Temple’s was definitely nicer.</p>
<p>OK, I can’t help but chime in here because, though I know nothing about art majors, D and I visited both these campuses last year during her search for a program in film production. (She won’t be going to either, though.) Temple’s campus proper may be fair to OK, (if you don’t require a quad), but as as soon as you step off of campus, you are in the worst blighted neighborhood I’ve EVER seen anywhere. I was shocked that such a neighborhood directly abuts campus. That said, I know two young men, one in film, one in game design (not sure of the official name Tyler gives this major), at Temple, and they love it. However, they are tall strapping, streetwise men having grown up in a slightly seedy area of Washington DC. If you stay on campus for weekends, these two guys from DC may be the only folks you see, (if they don’t take the train home), because it is a big commuter school, and really empties out on weekends.</p>
<p>Now Purchase, well that’s a parent’s dream. OK, maybe a bit boring for students, (though the students were quick to point out it’s NOT a “dry” campus), but this campus (though questionable design decisions were made with the architecture…) is in a lovely area. It is plopped right down in an affluent neighborhood with a country club in walking distance from campus. (though I don’t imagine there are too many student members…) There’s the campus, a forested ring around it – saw lots of kids jogging – then the neighborhood starts. D was impressed with the vegetarian cafe right in the center of campus. There’s also a Starbucks on campus. (And you DO know they have Zombie Prom, don’t you?) There are many quaint towns, mansions of former captains of industry, and a lot of history in that area along the Hudson River but I don’t know how much appeal this has for students.</p>
<p>You’d find students like you at both places. Temple is not a giant university and you wouldn’t feel lost. I definitely got more of an artsy student vibe at Purchase, though.</p>
<p>My main point is, Purchase College is in a safe area. Temple isn’t. But wherever you go, you are certain to have an adventure!</p>
<p>I do feel pretty concerned about the area surrounding Temple. However, there is an on-campus train station which is a huge plus for me. That way I can easily get to the center of Philadelphia without leaving campus or I can take the train to NYPenn station and directly to my home in NJ from there. I’m worried about the area but at the same time, if I go there, I would definitely avoid it at night and try to always have someone with me. </p>
<p>With Purchase, I could easily get into NYC if I wanted to be in a city but honestly I like Philly so much more. I feel like I’m pretty much set on Temple because there are more pros than cons for me. But I’m worried I’m making the wrong decision…I’ll probably be ok though. Thanks for the help.</p>
<p>Hi aegolden22, I think you are making the right decision, based on what you have posted here! I have heard fabulous things about Tyler, and one of my D’s summer teachers was an alumni and really wanted my D to apply there. In addition, Philly has a vibrant art and music scene, lots of museums, music, and support for the arts. You will figure out the safety issues. I know around U Penn there are police on every corner around the whole perimeter of the campus at night, also near Drexel. You can ask Temple if they have similar security, and more than likely they have escorts at night which they will encourage you to use! The on-campus train stop is great. As for meeting people, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is as long as you are open-minded. Even in big universities (or cities for that matter) little communities pop up. People with similar interests tend to find each other, and of course you will already be on common ground in the art program. I’m a big believer in the gut feeling kids get when visiting a campus, so if you are drawn to Tyler it is probably the right fit for you. Good luck!</p>
<p>Aegolden, I agree with Colcon, it is good to follow your gut. I also think that you should be fine at Temple. On campus there is very tight security, including that lighting system that keeps the campus lit up like a football stadium at night. I have also taken that train many times to go to programs at Temple and it is really easy. My dd also took it on Saturdays to go to art classes at Tyler during her high school semesters and it was fine. So, while you will have to be careful, have street smarts, and not be running around the outskirts of campus after dark, the experience should be fine. Because we live so close to Tyler, there are a lot of kids from our HS art program that end up there. They are a really nice group of kids, and that is true from year to year. If that is any small indication of the type of kids in the program, then there will be lots of kids to meet and, you will have the benefit of a larger school from which to draw your friends. Good luck with your decision.</p>
<p>Hey Aegolden! You may realize by my username that I am a student at Purchase, and I am here to tell you why Purchase rocks. Other users have posted some true things about the school (nice area, close to NYC, artsy environment, wet campus, etc). All of those things are true, and I want to elaborate on them a bit more as well as tell you some other awesome things about Purchase.</p>
<p>The surrounding area of Purchase is absolutely gorgeous. We are one FREE shuttle bus away from the town of White Plains, which has everything from a movie theater to a WalMart, Target, and grocery store. There are also three malls and of course, the Metro North Train station. This will take you into NYC for only $14 round trip. By being a Purchase student, you are eligible for a LOT of discounts in the city - including Broadway shows and museums!</p>
<p>We have an array of students here, all with different interests, backgrounds and beliefs. But we all have one thing in common - we ARE Purchase! Purchase is all about being yourself and accepting others for who they are. Our slogan is “Think Wide Open!” You would literally have to TRY to not make friends here. Everyone is open and friendly and wants to get to know you. There are hundreds of clubs you can become involved with and there are events and programs all week every week to keep you having fun! Some examples of events here at Purchase include: Zombie Prom, Life Size Game of Life, Culture Shock (HUGE two-day concert we hold every spring), as well as performances at the Performing Arts Center and by our own Purchase students.</p>
<p>If you have any questions about Purchase, feel free to email me at <a href=“mailto:sophie.bernbaum@purchase.edu”>sophie.bernbaum@purchase.edu</a>. I would be happy to answer any questions you have about the campus, student life, and even put you in touch with someone in your major.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>hey sunypurchsoph … my daughter committed yesterday, as a graphic design major. My biggest worry (ok, maybe not the biggest) is whether the campus empties out on weekends. It has that reputation. We’re in California, so daughter will not have that option (other than occasionally to see a cousin about 45 mins away). So can you tell me … how is campus life??</p>
<p>Hey nyn8vmom!</p>
<p>No need to worry! I am actually from Arizona, so I definitely understand your concern. The campus DEFINITELY does not empty out on the weekends. As I mentioned before, there are ALWAYS things going on on campus. In addition to the on-campus performances (both professional and student), there are club meetings, club events, and club parties every weekend too - and anyone can go for free! Residence Life and Student Life also work to make sure that there are plenty of fun events throughout the week and weekend. Last weekend was Zombie Prom and this weekend there is a community mural project going on as well as a life-size Game of Life through the Psychology Club. Other than that, students want to stay on campus and hang with their friends! On beautiful days like today students are all over campus, climbing trees and swinging no hammocks and the quad is just littered with students soaking up the sun! On colder days students can rent movies from the library, make use of the wellness center’s community classes (like meditation and yoga), or if there is snow, make a snowman or snow-fort! </p>
<p>Believe me when I say there is PLENTY to do! :)</p>
<p>Feel free to email me or have your daughter email me with any questions!</p>
<p><a href=“mailto:sophie.bernbaum@purchase.edu”>sophie.bernbaum@purchase.edu</a></p>
<p>Aegolden, So where are you going to go? My D just recently committed to Tyler. I really think this will be a great place for her.</p>