kezlys

Hello, got accepted to:

USC - Roski College of Fine Arts
Art Center College of Design
MICA
Ringling

My first choice has been Art Center because of it's reputation. My parents wasn't sure if this is the right choice for me. They do not have a problem with their program, but they are concern that it is a commuter school and that the average freshman is 23 years old. They think I will miss out on the "college experience". I also hear that it is very intense.

My second choice is USC. Does anyone know much about the program at Roski? Right now I'm mostly interested in illustration, but of course that could change as I take different art classes. My parents like the fact that it is a real campus and I'll meet people outside of my major and there are so many activities there for me to choose from. Of course the tuition is a bit of a problem. What could Roski provide that Art Center cannot? Is their program the same calibre as Art Center?

My third choice is MICA. It's more of a campus atmosphere even though it is purely art. I like having one year in the foundation program to figure out what I really like, but being from California, I'm not too excited about being in the east coast.

Ringling is fine, but it is just a backup at this point.

I will especially appreciate input from people who is going through or have gone through the art program at any of my top 3 choices. The deadline for my decision is looming... thanks in advance!

Wheaty

kezlys,

I have some knowledge on USC-Roski but not too much on your other 3. My daughter was accepted to USC-Roski and also UCLA-Arts and we have looked at both in great detail.

Some random Roski thoughts:
- nice people work there. They care about their students and none are slipping through the cracks. These people are on it.
- fantastic opportunities to dual major or minor. How about illustration and animation? Or French or business or whatever you might like.
- As a school USC is very highly ranked and moving higher.
- They call it a USC Family for a reason: the alums look after their own. Plenty of jobs and internships available. Tons in fact.
- SC offers either BA or BFA. With the BFA you only have to take 3 non-art classes in 4 years so it's a pure art program. BA is about 40% G.E. and 60% art. Nice to have the option and you can switch back and forth as much as you like. Oh yeah, both BA and BFA programs do NOT require any further math classes!
- Roski is like a mini art college within a large social world-class university. Football, marching band, etc etc. Those things may seem unimportant now but it's surprising how much fun it all can be.
- Access to classes at the best Film School in the world: USC-SCA.
- Comfortable campus with new art dedicated dorms (Parkside).
- Most importantly, Roski is a really really good art school. Turned on professors, small class sizes, very talented students and lots of funding from endowment.

USC is a really great school and Roski is fantastic. Great opportunity - congrats!!!

Best,
Wheaty

Wheaty

kezlys,

I forgot to add:

- USC is in Los Angeles which is one of the hottest art markets in the world at the moment.
- Art students from programs around Los Angeles all participate in art events in SoCal. IMO, this interaction becomes an important part of their art education. It also becomes part of the students 'art network' as they advance.

Wheaty

kezlys

Wheaty, thanks for your input. I didn't apply to UCLA, but if I did and got in, I'd probably go there because it is still a great school but much cheaper. Good luck to your daughter.

brianm02

i go to mica now, out of your list, i feel it is one of the best. whats your intended major?

bears and dogs

^^brianm, would that possible you can start thread like
"true MICA student take questions"
sort, or post in the "squee" AKA support group thread?
many parents are interested but what we hear is sort of second hand info.
about second year $, class size, food, dorm, baltimore etc etc
You had many choices, do you ever regret gone far from home and into debt?