Aliny89

All of your information about FIT vs. Parson's is very interesting. I took classes in high school at FIT and Parson's and I found them both to be amazing. This has left me torn between the two schools but I think the most attractive thing about FIT over Parson's is the cost. Both schools have great programs and are both recognized in the industry so why pay more at Parson's?

I was wondering if anyone knows about the Textile development and marketing major at FIT? I think I may want to apply for that major but I'm not sure how many jobs there are in Manhattan after I graduate. Does anyone know anything about the textile industry?

Thank you!

anshika

Hi....could anyone please who has in-depth information about the 2 colleges tell me which one is better for fashion design in particular? Disregarding the tuition cost , which one will promote you to become a better designer...

Thanks,

I would really appreciate whoever responds to this message....

lishy

Hi there everyone. I'm currently a Fashion Design major at FIT so here is some insight.

Many teachers teach at BOTH FIT and Parsons. My art teacher last semester taught at both schools so we asked him which school he felt was better for our major. He told us that neither school is perfect. Parsosns, he felt, concentrated too much on art while FIT concentrated too much on garment construction. So he thought that FIT needed more art concentration and Parsons needed more construction concentration. So no matter which school you go to you will have advantages and disadvantages.
FIT does provide lots of oppertunities too. Like Parsosns, we have important people judging us at out BFA fashion show. We also have career services...pretty much EVERY FIT student will graduate with a job.
Like Parsosns we work non stop here too. Do NOT plan to have an active social life if you go here...plan to work long long hours in the sewing rooms.
You will learn so much at FIT! I really think it's a matter of personal preference. I visited Parsons and hated it, so I didn't even apply. But some people love Parsons and hate FIT. So don't choose a school based on what other people say. Research, visit the campuses and, if possible, take some classes and decide for yourself. To be honest, both schools are amazing...no one is ever going to criticize you for going to Parsons and not FIT or visa versa. They are both amazing schools and will help you get into the Fashion Industry.
Another thing to consider is if you want to have a foundation year. At Parsons you apply to the school, NOT the fashion design program. Then you have to go through a foundation year of general art classes. At FIT you apply for your major and start right away. I personally couldn't wait to start learning about design, so I was glad to not have to go through another year of waitign while in a foundation year.

sabri bal

Im interested in studying fashion merchandising in New York and my first option is FIT above Parsons but I would like to know what kind of financial aid is available and if it is easier for me to get it as an international student (since I am from Colombia) or as a US citizen, since I also am an American citizen. I would really appreciate if someone could help me out with this!

pinkyswore

If you want to do fashion merchandising, then you really should do that at FIT. It focuses so much more on foundations of Art. As for financial aid, FIT"s office is your best bet. i don't know for sure, but I think american citizenship is better. I know you're not eligible for financial aid on a student visa.

mom958

My daughter is only a hs freshman but is pretty clear and passionate about her interest in studying fashion design in college.
What kind of academic hs record and test scores are these schools looking for?

Thank you.

lishy

FIT, as with many art schools, are looking for relativly high GPAs. FIT looks for a minimum 3.0, though if your portfolio is outstanding they may accept lower (but not much lower). If you are applying to a business major than grades are the most important factor.
It never hurts to have a high GPA (FIT doesn't really look at SAT scores, though if they are high enough you don't have to take placement tests). The school is competative to get into, and grades can be that one thing that gives you an edge. I know people who are presently waitlisted because, though their portfolio was strong, their GPA could have been stronger.
If your daughter is interested in an art major, she should take some art classes to begin to build up a portfolio (and if she is interested in design I would recommed practicing sewing). Also, if you live nearby, FIT offers summer classes to high school students (SummerLive) and weekend classes durin the winter (SaturdayLive)...real FIT teachers teach these classes and they will usually help you build your portfolio (I believe they also offer business classes as well)

chiaro

to mom958: lishy gave you very good info about preparing your daughter for a fashion design major, especially for FIT. I taught there for eight years, and I can tell you that the most successful students were those that knew why they were there, were willing to work hard (i.e., go the extra mile, do all assignments on time for every class, etc.), and were well-prepared. Any high school courses your D can take related to fashion design, and also to foundation skills, such as drawing, illustration, art history, etc. would be worthwhile. Keep all of her best work in all media, and begin to build a portfolio that clearly supports her intended major and shows off her strengths. There are also many core curriculum requirements outside of art/design courses, even in AA programs, so don't neglect the sciences, humanities, and especially English composition. She will have to do a fair amount of writing!

The faculty at FIT is largely adjunct (teach part time while still working in our fields), very well-connected professionally, and from my experience, more than willing to help students who show interest (surprisingly, many don't). It's a school with an incredible array of resources for fashion (and other) design. Good luck-

The Gov

I'll concur with lishy. My D had a very good portfolio, has been sewing since she was 12, was in the Parsons and Moore summer programs and has already had dresses shown in NY fashions shows, but her GPA was just under 3.0 at a top private school. She got waitlisted at FIT but accepted at Syracuse, Drexel and Moore for Fashion Design. She got rejected at Parsons and Pratt. Good news is she just got pulled off the waiting list at FIT and we sent in our deposit yesterday! She can't wait to start.

anotherfashionmo

My daughter is attending the Pratt pre-college program in fashion design and wants to to to Pratt, FIT or Parsons. Any idea on Pratt and how it ranks vis a vis FIT or Parsons or how easy it is to get in at Pratt?