<p>I'm currently a junior and upcoming senior who is passionate about photography but has virtually no experience. I am looking at the top schools, and Parsons, NYU, and RIT are my dream schools.
Before I get feedback, let me just say I attend an arts school, and I'm completing a 4 year theatre major, I've studied dance for two years, and I'm a fixture in the media department for learning and adapting to all kinds of different technology. (Specifically audio/visual presentations, Photoshop) I wanted to know my chances (realistically speaking), of admissions to any of these programs.
My GPA is currently a 3.5 weighted (basic honors classes) when I wasn't trying, but all this semester I made straight a's, and I'm taking two AP classes next year.</p>
<p>I've also looked at SCAD, any other recommendations for me to look at would be great, and I have my basic portfolio outlined on my Flikr account:</p>
<p>Flickr:</a> DanielleRye's Photostream</p>
<p>*Granted, I hate making excuses, but I've only started shooting seriously for about 5 or 6 months, so I'm aware it's rough.</p>
<p>I don’t know how selective art schools are, but if they are very selective, your portfolio is definitely going to need a lot of work. If you are truly passionate about photography and looking to go to art school, you need to invest in a better camera. If you’re still shooting with just a point-and-shoot, you need to upgrade to an SLR ASAP. You should also start looking into going to portfolio review days, where you’ll be able to get critique from the art schools themselves. However, you should work with someone who knows how to build an actual portfolio - from what I understand, though I’ve never built a professional portfolio myself - I think there are specific elements that need to be in there. Putting together a portfolio for college takes a lot of work, and you might also want to look into doing test shoots with real models to get images for your portfolio. Try contacting local modeling agencies. You give them free images, they give you free models. I don’t know much, these are just a few suggestions coming from a fellow photographer.</p>
<p>The top advice I could give you is to visit each school. So much of art school is based around the students hard work. If you want to put in the hours you can do great things. It seems like you already have the passion for art and that is most important. On a tour of the campus you can see who has the resources you need to be successful. Next I would look into where students are being hired. The outside companies know best in my opinion. </p>
<p>I have also heard about local modeling agencies providing free models in return for photos so this is a great option. </p>
<p>Lastly, as it seems you have this summer I would sign up for a summer program if possible at one of the schools you are interested in attending. I know SCAD has a summer program that grants you college credit. I believe this credit can transfer to other schools as well so you might get a leg up. </p>
<p>Good luck with your decision.</p>