<p>i read all the questions about the school of design. so it is definitely very good and offers a good, solid, program.
But how hard is it to get into the art school at WashU? if the academic standard for undergrad for art school is the same as that of other majors at WashU, my chances are very dim. I came to America six years ago, had very limited formal english training. But Sadly, I am competing against people of my own race , Asians, so the chances arent looking very good for me. My SAT score isn't that good( mid 1900 ish.), critical reading has always been difficult for me. i took it again in Nov, but I don't expect a big change in score ( like 300 point jump). My GPA is around (3.75UW ) pretty solid. I have been in a magnet arts program since i was a freshman and takes many AP courses to challenge myself. During my leisure time i help out at this community center to help Chinese immigrants who cant speak English. I also work at a retail store.
As far as Art goes, I have a pretty soild Portfolio that could probably get me into Professional art schools such as RISD, MICA, SCAD, Pratt, Parsons. But like everyone else said, i just want to be in an environment where i could meet people in diverse interest. There are still other things i want to be too, so i am definitely considering double major( premed or law). Therefore, WashU just seems so perfect for me( except the cost). But i am really scared that i won't get in?</p>
<p>Wash U. says that it does not lower it's academic standards for students in the art school. I think that a fantastic portfolio might allow you to fall towards the bottom of the range of accepted students - but an average portfolio would not, and too far below academic standards would make your acceptance unlikely. Wash U. has too many kids with both great art skill and academic prowess who apply.</p>
<p>Another school you might look at, one that factors your portfolio into the admissions decision more than Wash U., is Carnegie Mellon. They have a fantastic Design program, and other strong academic students. Admittedly their student body is a bit of a duality - engineers and art students - but more heterogenous than RIDS for instance.</p>
<p>another school to consider is Boston U - a solid school with a very strong art program, but not nearly as difficult to get into (and gives merit aid more liberally)</p>
<p>I think CMU will still be difficult for you to get into, but definitely worth trying. Another more diverse university to try is the University of Cincinnati which has an excellent art program, but is less competitive than WashU, CMU or BU. The art programs there are among the more difficult programs for admissions there, so you might consider applying there to another, less selective program and double majoring. The much lower tuition cost (compared to the privates) is also a bonus, and there are not so many other Asians to compete against. It definitely would make a good "safety" school with an excellent art program.</p>
<p>Scared that you won't get in? Then don't apply. Most things in life involve risk. Here, all that is on line is an application fee and the two minutes it takes to fill out the pre-application data sheet they require. WashU is a great school (and apparently 11th in student satisfaction for Financial Aid according to Princeton Review). If you like it, and could see yourself going here, then take a chance and apply.</p>
<p>thanks for the advice guys
just got my score.. 2000 this time ( 1350 combined..?) does that boost my chance a little?</p>
<p>You will find diverse kids at RISD, MICA, Wash U, CMU.. or where ever you go. That's just part of college.</p>
<p>You should apply to all of those good art schools and see what happens.</p>
<p>I agree she should apply multiple places, I disagree that the diversity level is equal amongst all of the schools. Each school has it's own unique personality, and attracts different kids. Agreed that no school is made up of clones, but strongly believe that someone's alma mater provides information about that person that is largely true. For instance, someone who went to a top school is likely smart and applies themselves.</p>
<p>i guess just and find out. no use sitting here and wasting my time and worry
thanks everyone for all the help.</p>