<p>The only time this came up for us was at BU, and some students mentioned it.</p>
<p>In this connection (and regarding a totally different kind of school), you learn a lot about the culture and expectations at a school from those conversations with current students -- if you can get them to be candid (which usually you can).</p>
<p>I recall when we were visiting the University of Chicago, and I noticed that they didn't use the terms "freshman," "sophomore," etc., any more. (I guess I hadn't realized that this change had occurred at many colleges.) The students would describe someone as "first year," "second year," "fourth year," and even "fifth year." When I asked a student what word they used to describe someone who was in his sixth year, she answered "We don't have that word in our vocabulary." This told me (true or not) that it was "normal" for students to take a 5th year but not "normal" for them to take 6 or more. (We told our son that he'd better finish in 4 years because there would be no money for a 5th. He did.)</p>
<p>There are also the schools that admit you to the art dept but you have to go through another portfolio review at the end of your 2nd yr to be accepted into the graphic design dept (and there aren't spots for everyone). Towson works like that and so does James Madison U (not really known for GD but my d liked other things about the school).</p>
<p>Jerzgrlmom notes, " There are also the schools that admit you to the art dept but you have to go through another portfolio review at the end of your 2nd yr to be accepted into the graphic design dept (and there aren't spots for everyone)."</p>
<p>Response: Yes, that is quite true. However, Towson and University of Cincinnati does this because they don't require an initial portfolio for entrance into their art program, although Towson does give merit aid for those that submit good portfolios. Thus, you must submit a portfolio in the second semester of the sophomore year. </p>
<p>Also, to get into graphic design at Towson,based on the 2002-2003 catalog (page 104), you need an overall GPA of 2.67 and no grade in art below a B- to be accepted into the program. In addition, you don't need to submit a portfolio even for entrance to the graphic design curriculum if your overall GPA is at least 3.5 after completing at least 45 credits. If the GPA is less, you need a portfolio.</p>
<p>The portfolio must incude two pieces of work from each of 4 courses taken at Towson.Thus, they submit a total of 8 pieces.</p>
<p>Any anytime your overall GPA falls below 3.0 in the major or below 2.67 overall, you are put on probation.</p>