<p>So Im about to be a sophomore in high school. I took advanced art freshman year, but not taking any art classes sophomore year (i dont know what i was thinking when i picked my sophomore courses). I will take art junior and senior year though. I was worrying about this... Since I wont be taking art sophomore year, will it affect my chances of getting in to parsons? I don't want them to think im not dedicated to art, because I honestly really am... It's too late to change my classes so im stressing out. So what do you guys think? will one year of not taking art in high school make a difference for them to decide whether or not I get in to the school? sorry if this sounded silly, it's just been bugging me!</p>
<p>You should be fine. Don’t worry, just make sure your portfolio is great and keep your grades. It really helps with admissions. Also, have extracurriculars that show your passion for art.</p>
<p>Ok thanks! Also, I’m doing a parsons pre-college summer course for fashion design after my sophomore year so that should help right? It counts as two college credits so it will be on a transcript when i apply</p>
<p>Yes, I think that will help because you’re showing your interest in the school. What’s your major exactly?</p>
<p>I want to major in fashion design, but when applying everyone’s freshman year is a general fine arts year and then you decide what major. so basically my portfolio has to be fine arts, not fashion</p>
<p>If you want to major in fashion design, then why would you want to go to Parsons? They’re taking sewing out of their curriculum which is vital in order to be successful.</p>
<p>really? where did you hear that?</p>
<p>My fashion design teacher. She’s an alumna. She recommends FIT though and a number of successful designers have graduated from there. You should look into it.</p>
<p>Hm that’s strange. Parsons has been one of the best, if not the best for fashion design and most people go there with the intention of studying fashion design. I highly doubt they would taking sewing out of their curriculum? That doesn’t sound right at all. They would lose a lot of students, causing them to lose lots of money. No one would go there anymore if it wasn’t for their “prestigious” fashion design program.</p>
<p>FIT is also an option for me but I’ve heard of more successful designers coming from parsons so thats what I was aiming for</p>
<p>Some teachers teach at both colleges. You learn the same material, but one just costs more. Yes, I would go to Parsons too for the “prestige”, but do you really want to be in debt for thousands when your success isn’t even guaranteed? Both schools are good, but Parsons is just more well known. It’s like Harvard and Williams, both are great schools, but many don’t know about Williams.</p>
<p>You’re right, they’re both good schools, but anyway I still have a couple years to decide! Thanks for your help though :)</p>
<p>We know a young woman who went to Parsons and recently graduated. So–this is just anecdotal. Her observation was that few students knew how to sew–but those that did, seemed to have the most opportunities. The students who did sew had done so for years; one had worked in the garment district. The young woman we know, like most in her class, has gone into education, since she found few opportunities to work in the field.</p>
<p>Another anecdote: My 22-year old daughter sews dresses she designs, “fashion design” on commission for professional artists. Her degree is in anthropology. She has been sewing since she was 10. She may get a masters in Victorian-era fashion design.</p>
<p>Just wonderin’ woodwinds, since you’re always mentioning them, how many daughters do you have?</p>
<p>I will be attending CSM for Fashion Design this upcoming year. I didn’t have ANY art classes in my high school curriculum. So I wouldn’t worry about 1 year affecting you.</p>
<p>Yes, it does look like parsons has taken out fundamental classes such as sewing.</p>
<p>[Peril</a> at Parsons: The dangers and defects of the fashion school?s new curriculum](<a href=“http://www.newschoolfreepress.com/2012/03/29/peril-at-parsons-the-dangers-and-defects-of-the-fashion-schools-new-curriculum/]Peril”>Peril at Parsons: The dangers and defects of the fashion school’s new curriculum - The New School Free Press)</p>
<p>If Parsons is still your dream, I would really look into learning how to sew, draft patterns, etc. outside of school. Maybe join the theatre department for costume design?</p>
<p>FIT & FIDM are both more on the technical side
RISD also offers a fashion design program
I would not suggest Drexel’s Fashion program at all.
I have a few friends who went to CCA and loved it. The creator of Stone<em>Cold</em>Fox went there.</p>
<p>If you want to talk you are welcome to PM me :)</p>
<p>I’m applying for fall 2014 to parsons, Drexel, and pratt. My g.p.a is a 2.98 and my weighted is 3.36. My unweighted gpa for junior year was 3.89 and my grades have been going up every year. I’m involved in several leadership roles and I’m developing my portfolio. My Act is a 22, with English:24 and math:23. What do you think my chances are? Also, why do you not suggest Drexel? </p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>I’ve gone to both schools (went to FIT for my BFA, Parsons for my Masters). I felt like FIT armed me with all the skills needed to survive the Design and Tech MFA at Parsons. I came in knowing animation and web design, and I have an illustration background. However, the school sells on the fact that they will teach you what you don’t already know, which I don’t necessarily think is true. That said, it does help you formulate your ideas and get into the habit of presenting it in front of a group. But don’t go in expecting to learn new skills. Our dean told us that and it was the truth. Your experience of how much you’ll learn depends largely on the teachers you have, their curriculum and whether they have a hands off approach or not. I agree that it’s ridiculous they’re not even teaching designers to sew now. All the kids at FIT are sewing their own dresses and selling them through the school. Parsons needs to evaluate whether their sink or swim approach is helping designers or depriving them of the skills they need to survive. Yes, sometimes you might have to teach yourself what you don’t already know in the work world. But if you’re going to a traditional art school, they have an obligation to teach their students too, sheesh. </p>