| I want to say that the name recognition of RISD is a draw for many, if not most, who get into both places. Is RISD better? I don't think it necessarily is, but you say RISD and even the average Joe knows the name and reputation. You say MICA and -- outside of the art world -- they usually say, What's that? I'm just trying to be real about this. It is a fact. So I empathize with your dilemma. It's hard to have to explain to everyone what/where MICA is and to feel that you have to SAY that it's a great school for x and x and x reasons (which it is), rather than people just knowing.
That said, MICA has the best rated painting program in the country, and the printmaking going on there is far superior to that at RISD (having seen both). RISD is famous for its grueling foundation year, and while I know that MICA's foundation year is very rigorous as well, I'm not sure it is AS brutal. This is not, in my opinion, a plus for RISD. My D was there last summer, and they pull no punches in the summer program. She lost 10 pounds she couldn't afford to lose and her hair started to fall out. Granted she went in already skinny, but ate like a horse and still lost weight, and no she's not anorexic! (Stress + all those hills and stairs.) She loved it there, LOVED it, but came away saying "I want to have SOME fun in college."
Just my two cents. I think you have to take a long look at each place and see what feels right. Try to ignore the name recognition factor, though I know it is hard. And BTW, a friend's daughter got into COOPER and decided to go to MICA instead. |