<p>This is my junior year and I am currently studying abroad as an exchange student in Europe. Call it my 'Eat, Pray, Love' extersion to find myself (minus the praying and loving). I'm trying to look at colleges and get an idea of what I want to do and I'm really interested in Graphic design. I'm very good at drawing but havn't developed much of a portfolio and I'm only currently getting my feet wet in photoshop. So far I have really strong grades and academic backing along with taking AP courses before I left with plans to take more when I return senior year. Ideally I'm looking for a traditional Liberal Arts University rather than a full fledged art school like RISD because I want the option to take other classes. Also someplace that gives great financial backing. I'm looking at places like Bard, Pomona, Skidmore, and UW Madison but I don't really know if they have strong graphic design programs. Help! Open to advice/suggestions</p>
<p>VCU, Carnegie Mellon, Yale, University of Cincinnati DAAP are a few to consider.</p>
<ol>
<li>Develop a portfolio (although some programs don’t emphasize art talent as much as others).</li>
<li>Check out National Portfolio Day. Google it. Plan to attend one. Get a list of participating colleges.</li>
<li>Are there any graphic designers that you admire? Where did they train?</li>
<li>Is there a place you want to work? What schools do they visit to recruit designers?</li>
<li>Keep your options open. Don’t simply rule out art schools because of the price tag. Let them make you a scholarship before deciding.</li>
</ol>
<p>I’ll also add the Tyler School of Art at Temple University to the list. They have a strong art program although I’m not sure about graphic design in particular. Also, keep in mind that if you are out of state student at a state university, you may not be in a better financial situation. And if you know anything about our state and national economy in the US, you may find that state schools don’t have the money to give especially if you’re an out of towner.</p>
<p>UC DAAP does not require a portfolio for admission consideration.</p>