<p>forgive me if this is redundant, as i asked elsewhere, but can anyone reading this thread recommend good AND affordable art schools? if MICA accepts S we still may not be able to afford it. Tyler’s not so affordable (over $28,000.) Mass Art . . .maybe . . . S hadn’t considered it so far. any other thoughts? Not in NYC, preferably–he’s been there all his life. Not a liberal arts college, for various reasons. thanks so much.</p>
<p>Look into Alfred U, and VCU (Richmond). They are both more affordable. Do you get a discount at Mass Art? I know they offer one to New England residents but I’m not sure if they consider New York part of New England.</p>
<p>No-- I don’t get the new england discount. I hear good things about VCU but I’m also afraid a liberal arts school won’t work–my son is creative and talented, but is late-diagnosed ADD with a checkered academic record.
our best hope would seem to be a tuition exchange scholarship somewhere–i teach at Pratt which is part of TE–but with his academics, not sure he’ll get one at MICA or SAIC. I’m thinking he should consider Univ of the Arts . . .don’t know why he didn’t talk to them at portfolio day.
he really wants to be in a city, so not alfred . . .
thanks though.</p>
<p>Hi leslier, have you heard much about University of the Arts? I knew someone a few years ago who went there and was very unhappy, although most of that seemed to stem from what she characterized as atrocious housing conditions. If it’s the one in Philly, I’ve passed by and it’s in a nice neighborhood if I remember correctly. I think it’s right near a performing arts center and some nice stores and restaurants. Would PAFA suit him? Lovely school but if it’s the same as a few years ago, housing is offered over by U Penn which is some distance from PAFA, and I would imagine rents in the PAFA neighborhood itself would be high b/c it’s in such a nice area! Is Corcoran in DC expensive?</p>
<p>I’ve heard some encouraging AND discouraging things about U of Arts. However, i just now spoke to my S, and learned that in fact he had a portfolio review with them both this year and last, and said both times it was a real mismatch, in terms of his and their interests.
Of course, the admissions officers don’t necessarily mirror the school–but that’s certainly how students take it. he strongly felt it wasn’t for him.
Yes, it is in a nice location though, you’re right–center city philadelphia’s lively and lovely.
PAFA is not right for him. He’s not cut out for realism or the academy/traditional approach. Personally i think the boston museum school is too unstructured, although my S likes it. MICA seems to have a good balance of structure and openness. SAIC . . . maybe. But we need more options.
I should look into corcoran, true . . . but I never hear anything about it at Pratt. But need to keep an open mind.
thanks so much.</p>
<p>Hi leslier, Yes, same with me…living near NYC it seems one only hears about RISD, Parsons, FIT, Pratt, NYU; just the big names. Even my D’s HS art teachers had very limited knowledge of art colleges (what a shame). She got better advice from teachers at the Art League and others outside of the school system, and really we did all the legwork, research, etc. to find the right place for her. I think the Corcoran is fabulous, and just down the street from the highlights of DC! What a great place to attend school with all the Smithsonian and other museums nearby, and the opportunity to intern at the museums. My D did not want a big city but if a kiddo is looking for that, DC is such a vibrant town! I hope that whatever college he chooses offers him a big scholarship!</p>
<p>VCU-Arts is not a liberal arts program although it is located within a large university. The liberal arts requirements are less onerous than at most art schools. This was actually a big turnoff for us. I almost had a hear attack when they said that if a kid has done HS geometry they don’t have to take a math class. Since my son wanted to double or minor outside of art he was focused on what he could do along with art. VCU had it all on paper but the reality is that art students pretty much only study art. He would have had to do the art degree and then go back and basically do a second engineering degree…they really had no plan for kids who wanted to double major in radically different areas. On the other hand, my son really liked that it was very much a conceptual art program and strong in sculpture. It was a tough choice and came only a close second to CMU for my son.</p>
<p>VCU offers out of state tuition waivers for some out of state kids but the scholarship deadline is Dec 1. I am not sure how much the grades/scores go into this or whether it is the portfolio for art kids. It is worth finding out because out of state is not a bargain either. </p>
<p>It may be worth the train or bus trip to visit during their open house. They give a really thorough portfolio review and excellent day seeing the studios, facilities, etc. Megabus plus greyhound is cheaper and easier than the train.</p>
<p>Few posts back–Dick Blick for art supplies. Order online.</p>
<p>Does even the mention of of Ursines and Canines risk the deletion of this long running post? That’s sad if unique voices can’t even be talked about.</p>
<p>We could pretend to be talking about Ursinus College. I hear it’s a happier place these days, where a certain female professor is very glad for the outpouring of support. She’s enjoying her retirement but would love to continue to aid aspiring students in any way she can. Thank you for asking, jtmoney!</p>
<p>Ursinius college is indeed a rising star in the small college world and planning on expanding the breakfast offerings at the college food hall. I am hoping that an alumni get together will turn into group museum and gallery visits.</p>
<p>I think there’s an upcoming blue plate special bouncing about. You need to give an alumnus your email for a ticket. This isn’t the only game in town. Go Giants!</p>
<p>Leslier I think someone earlier in this thread had a kid with ADD/ADHD issues that went to MICA and has some thoughts about that experience. There were some issues with the learning center there.</p>
<p>Hi, TriggerHappy–i’d be glad to hear more about ADD kids at MICA–thanks–can you direct me?</p>
<p>Yes, I seem to remember that too, and that MICA was very supportive.</p>
<p>Ursines and Canines?
?</p>
<p>leslie - Corcoran sounds like it might be a good place to be. I imagine the Washington DC area would be great for internships and the like. I know we did not consider that school when D was applying, but should have hopped Amtrak for a quick visit!</p>
<p>Hi redbug:
I am very surprised our dear thread pop up in the top. How are you?!</p>
<p>Hi love, I am fine, one of the members on the blog thought it needed bumping, and Corcoran sounds like a good option for leslieR.</p>
<p>I was grateful for your discussion of “comic art” and MCAD. It led me into a new search direction. Still not sure how to “Search” for such a major … “cartooning” type illustration is not exactly same as whatever constitutes “regular” illustration, tho’ certainly related. And my D is in love w/Neil Gaiman’s graphic novels. Will be glad when launch is launched …</p>
<p>Good luck to you and your D,
SM</p>