<p>I am fond of SAIC because I live near it and have attended the Early College Program, but do not know anything about its general standing in the world of undergrad art schools. I know a lot about its overall character-- not as structured, interdisciplinary, pass/fail-- but can anyone tell me more about its reputation?</p>
<p>GENERAL reputation is very very good.
no one would laugh at you when you say that’s where you might be going.
some people might respect you if accepted
in-know-these-things (CC art forum) reputation is mixed
- it’s only hi ranked for grad school, not UG
- let anybody in if you can pay
- kids quit too soon
- if not get noticed by profs you are nobody
- crazy expensive but dorm is gorgeous
- but no meal plan
- don’t worry you are in the Loop
- but still in the midwest</p>
<p>The facilities are wonderful, the area is wonderful and the museum, well you probably know how great the museum is. My only caution would be SAIC only if you’re very very interested in conceptual art and theory. If you are looking for more traditional instruction in technique and process you might want to look elsewhere. While there are some very strong instructors in certain areas the foundation year is apparently very focused on conceptual art and theory. And I heard that they are extending the length of some of the foundation year courses. (Not verified) If a year or two of this isn’t what you’re looking for you might want to look elsewhere. This is true probably of many art schools currently unless you’re going into a design area. My feeling is that once you move beyond the first two years SAIC gets more flexible.</p>
<p>I think Bears’s caution about the size is excellent. It is a very large student population. If you come in under the radar you could just simply get lost. If you come in “noticed” and are a personality comfortable dealing with adults and administration types they can be very approachable. And I think, as with any large school, you’re going to have the best experience if you simply don’t allow yourself to get lost in the shuffle.</p>
<p>I suspect, as Bears points out, their high drop-out rate hinges on the large numbers they bring in, some probably can’t handle the workload, some probably find it not what they were looking for. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen any breakdown that really reflects selectivity compared to drop-out rate. But it is logical that a RISD which is very selective would have a lower drop rate than SAIC which has a pretty open admissions. I think where SAIC gets selective is in their merit awards, that is also where you get a nod that you are noticed when you come in and might garner a little more attention from the get-go.</p>