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The Brooklyn area campus isn't too bad. Yes, it's NEAR Bed-Styveston but otherwise, it's okay there. If anything, the area is much more artsy than most of Brooklyn, excluding areas like Williamsburg. And I've heard the dorms are pretty nice. Also, there's a campus in Manhattan so if the area is bothering you, you might be able to take classes there. Either way, you'll be on the subway a lot.

I think the thing about Pratt, compared to Parsons, is that it's much more art school esque. I get the feeling that for Parsons fashion photography might be better for the simple reason that Parsons=Project Runway=fashion. You have plenty of designers, right there.

You're going to have to decide. Possibly, just wait and visit. Sometimes, a school sounds great. Then you visit and your whole perception changes. Visit both before you decide. Possibly, get in contact with professors from both. Ask about opportunities/successes in fashion photography. That would definitely help you.

azharc

Hey jr18,

For Parsons, when you apply for photography, you can choose to either go along with foundations and then choose your major, or you can go for Direct Entry, which means you start photography from day 1. I got in for direct entry.

I'm still choosing actually. You can judge by the two threads I started about it that I'm undecided. Currently choosing between 4, but the most possible - Parsons or SVA.

Thanks =) glad you liked my work. Yes, all India, I live in Mumbai.

KindlyCuddly

School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Seriously.

AndreCarlos

I've applied to schools with a photography portfolio, as well.

here's where I've applied:
SAIC
MICA
Parsons (& Eugene Lang)
Pratt
SMFA

I've been accepted to SAIC and MICA, so far. both of my parents went to museum school (SMFA) and they and their friends have been telling me that SAIC, MICA, and Pratt are some of the best schools for photography (especially SAIC). my mom's friend's boyfriend teaches photo at SAIC. that's all I really know. hah I need to start visiting these schools.

I also really love Parsons b/c of its direct-entry photo program, and b/c of its connection with Eugene Lang. I applied to the BA/BFA dual degree program between Parsons and Lang. I really want an art school with academics, so Parsons and MICA are my tops rights now.

I would have applied to SVA, but they don't have many academics. I did a summer program at SVA and I loved it there! I've been told that they have some of the best photography facilities out of all of the schools that I've mentioned. SVA is pretty. Pratt is also pretty, but SVA has newer facilities. I've heard that Parsons has ****ty darkrooms, but nice digital facilities. is this true??

azharc

Thanks for the info Andre, makes me want to go to SVA more.

jr18

Yep.. AndreCarlos, I recently discovered this 5 year dual degree with Parsons & Eugene Lang and I think I will most likely do this! It's great to have something that I know I'm interested in (besides NYU which is out the window.)

Now, does anyone know how strongly these art schools stress academics? I have about a 3.67 GPA (although my school's GPA is weighted), my grades are like A&B range.

AndreCarlos

my favs out of the schools I got into:

Parsons & Eugene Lang
SAIC
MICA
SMFA

I visited Lang and loved it, but visited Parsons and HATED it. it isn't an art school, it's a design school. the school is more of a fashion runway and an undeserved ego-builder.

MICA is a great school, but it is NOT well know for photography. it's photo department is developing, but it isn't comparable to SAIC and SMFA (and Parsons, for that matter).

SMFA has a great photo department (NAN GOLDIN went there!!!), but it's very small. a plus is that it's affiliated with Tufts University. but I decided against it, because my mom teaches there.

I decided on SAIC!!!!!!!!! best facilities ever, especially for photography. they just renovated their photo facilities. plus, it's considerd to be one of the best art schools in the nation (with RISD and Yale... but those two are too conservative).