Hello,
I’ve been accepted to the University of Michigan(stamps school of art and design) and USC(roski art).
I am having a huge trouble deciding on whether I should go to UofM or USC.
I am planning to major in design(probably graphic/visual communication).
I know that both UofM and USC are great schools in general, but I am not sure about their art programs.
I did some research about the alumnus and professors in each schools and saw some of their works to kind of get a sense of each art program’s style(?). I also went over the basic curriculum and course list.
To me it seemed like USC roski was more focused on fine arts instead of design, while UofM Stamps is more diverse i guess?? But I am not sure if I am right…
I want to get a job/internships later on in New York, maybe in one of the design firms, magazine companies, or etc.
Would it be harder to get a job/internships in NewYork if I go to USC?? I mean, would the chances of getting job in new york matter whether you go to college in the south coast(usc) or midwest(uofm)??
If anyone knows about UofM Stamps and USC Roski, please help me!
By the way, one of my concerns about UofM is Ann Arbor’s weather and location. I’m afraid I might get depressed if it is too gloomy or too isolated. Is it really that bad??
I am an international student, so the in-state tuition thing won't work for me which means money part doesn't really matter that much.
Neither school is known for their art and design programs. I went to USC (not for art) and Roski does seem to be focused more on fine arts.
Michigan is better known in New York than USC is, but the internship possibilities you have will probably depend more on your portfolio than the name of your school.
As for weather, I grew up in the Midwest and now live in California. The Midwest winters didn’t bother me when I was a kid, but now if I go back and visit in the winter, the flat, barren terrain and gray, cold weather feels dreary. All my retired relatives in Michigan and Ohio bought second houses in Florida, and spend their winters down there. I do miss the Midwest autumn and spring seasons, though. Out here in California, you can hardly tell the difference between winter, spring, summer and fall.
The UM alumni network in NY is off the charts. In no way, shape or form would you call Ann Arbor isolated; its a great college city where the campus is integrated into the city. Also, with the great student spirit, it is tough to be gloomy. The weather is eh, but the coldest days are the sunny and the students certainly don’t let the weather deter them from getting around.
Like Michigan, the Roski School of Art and Design also got its name from a huge donation a few years ago. I don’t know that either school has an advantage over the other because of it.
I have to agree with simba. There is virtually no difference in terms of program quality, and neither university is particularly known for their art schools, although both universities have good Art programs and strong overall reputations. That being said, the two universities are so different, I would recommend choosing based on personal preference/fit. The winters at Michigan are very cold, but you will not feel isolated. Ann Arbor is a very nice college town and there is much to d and is very close to a major international airport.
Im currently a student at Stamps, about to start my Sophomore year there, and it is tough but I love it so much. I have have really learned a lot since being here and although the winters are pretty rough, its nothing a parka and some winter boots can’t handle. Stamps is located on North Campus so a lot of your classes will be located on North, so if you live on Central campus in the dorms it may be a bit of a cold hike to get to the busses in the winter but it isn’t too bad. The teachers are difficult but thats because they really want you to succeed and do well and you have classes of about 20 students so you’re all there to bounce ideas off of each other and help if needed. I really enjoyed my first year at Stamps, especially second semester (my professors were a little better) but I learned a lot both semesters. You are also required to take some academics through LS&A, plus the football scene was such a blast in the fall I had a lot of questions going into my Freshman year, so let me know if you have any for me.
I had a lot of questions going into my Freshman year, so let me know if you have any for me. 