I know this is a very busy forum and it is likely that my thread will disappear faster than a meaningful reply can come my way. But I am compelled by my situation to ask anyway.
I applied to a total of six colleges. Wash. U. and U. of Chicago rejected me. I was accepted by Memphis College of Art, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Rhodes College, and Christian Brothers University.
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Scholarships
MCA offered about half-tuition (includes state scholarship of $3000).
SAIC offered $4000, but I applied more than a month after scholarships were given out.
Rhodes offered very little. W/ the state scholarship and a grant they offered I have about $4000+.
<h2>CBU has given me nearly a full ride. $15000 (includes state scholarship of $3000).</h2>
So. Money is not the only factor and my parents will pay, if they must. I am not sure how much of a burden I want to be on them, but oh well.
The real problem is and I have struggled with this. I am not sure if college is for me and the reason why I say this is because art school has always been on my mind. It’s not that I am not bright enough for college. I have always done well academically, but in high school I just picked up this art thing.
If I do art school, I am not sure how successful I will be. But I seem to want to do it anyway. My parents don’t mind if I do art as my career, but they also do not know how difficult/challenging it probably will be on me. I wonder if I go off to art school and do my best and still end up a poor bum somewhere. Am I screwing myself over if I ditch colleges as good as Rhodes and what not? The fact that these colleges have appreciated me and that CBU offered nearly full tuition is also troubling me. I wonder if these opportunities will come again, if I don’t make the right decision now.
I am sure many of you have gone through somewhat similar feelings and so, I want to ask you for your advice. Please let me know what you think I should do. Thank you.
<p>Just wanted to post something as a warning.</p>
<p>If I was you, the only person that could tell me what to do, was simply myself. There is no way anyone on this board can know exactly who you are, your backgrounds, your feelings, and especially your deepest passions. </p>
<p>I'm afraid that someone might randomely suggest something that they only have little information on, and lead you into the wrong direction. Don't worry, problems similar to yours are very common among students. All you have to do right now is ask yourself which decision you can make and not regret it.</p>
<p>But you are right about one thing, full-rides don't come so often. But art could have been a passion that you have discovered. Just follow your heart.</p>
<p>College-ish, if you feel that for right now, academics is just not for you, but that you are eager and ready to attack art, going to a school where core requirements will make you take a slate of academic courses may not be the best route. Look at the classes you will be required to take next year. If they give a sick feeling, and you really don't want to do this, then the school is not for you. Congratulations on some great acceptances and choices.</p>
<p>Thank you everyone for the helpful replies. I feel better after hearing so many thoughtful opinions. I guess the world isn't that bad a place ;).</p>
<p>If anyone else would like to suggest something, feel free.</p>
<p>Rhodes is an excellent liberal arts college but NOT the "best on the list" IF you want to do art. The last time I checked their online catalog and delved into their art program, their offerings in studio art were somewhat limited and many of the studio art classes were waitlisted. I know they are trying to build their studio art program, but it doesn't seem quite there yet,at least to me. (I could be wrong on this). Actually, Rhodes fills in the gaps of their art program by allowing students to take some classes at the Memphis College of Art, although it is not clear if there are limits on the number of classes or which classes you can take at MCA - you might check this out if you haven't already. </p>
<p>Both the Chicago Art Institute and the Memphis College of Art are excellent schools. You will get a good education at either, but bear in mind you will still be taking about a third of your classes in non-art subjects so it won't be "all art all the time" Between the two, I would lean towards the Chicago Art institute but the Memphis College of Art seems like a strong BFA program as well. You must have talent or you would not have been accepted into either program.</p>
<p>Trust your instincts: four years of art school is not the easy way out, it is just a different path. If you pick the art school path, Try to fit in at least some classes in such as graphic design that can help you land a job after graduation but remember that you are NOT locked into just doing art after graduation either. Go with what seems right for YOU. Good luck!!!</p>
<p>Thank you so much for the very detailed and thoughtful reply. You covered basically everything and I have pretty much decided that art is for me. Chicago sounds about right; I really like their overall approach with the arts. While it might not feel too good giving up options as respected as Rhodes, I know where my art will flourish is probably where I belong.</p>