A few thoughts:
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Talk to your parents that “merit” scholarships in US colleges are very different from their perspective as Korean-Americans. Ivy leagues do not offer merit. I understand that they believe what they believe, but they have to grasp it quickly since you are in your senior year. Possibly ask other community members in your network to help explain it.
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This is a super reach option to consider if you want to combine art and CS/behavioral science (5 year program). It’s a super reach because you have to be accepted by RISD and Brown. Also I think a very small number of students are admitted each year (maybe about 20 students?). thttps://www.brown.edu/academics/brown-risd-dual-degree/.
Both schools are need based so costs will be high if your family’s income is high. My D applied to the dual degree program, but only got accepted to RISD. RISD’s COA was nearly full pay for us ($59k annually).
- I don’t know anything about Rutgers, except a quick google search, that “All undergraduate applicants will be reviewed for scholarships after admissions decisions have been processed. Only applicants who have been assigned an award will be notified of their award. Notifications are posted after the initial admissions decision, typically in early April. The average Mason Gross undergraduate scholarship ranges between $2,000 and $10,000 per year. Note: Each school within Rutgers University has its own criteria for merit scholarships. If a student is admitted to multiple schools within Rutgers University, the student will receive only the award affiliated with the school in which they enroll. A student can only enroll in only one Rutgers University unit, so scholarships from different schools cannot be combined even if the student intends to double major.” You may have a good chance given your high stats applying to the college of art.
We had one rule when my children were applying. They had to apply to one in-state public school (EA) even if it was not their top choice, just in case of potential aid or finances, etc.
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You didn’t mention this, but if you are interested in studying design at any school, I hope you have a portfolio of 10 to 12 pieces that you have worked on the past couple of years. Time required to complete a portfolio is very difficult while applying to colleges.
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It is very difficult to double major in art/design and another major, bc of class scheduling. Art/design classes are longer than 1 hour, generally about 3 hours per meeting. So a design class that meet 3 times a week means students meet for 9 hours each week for one class. I recommend really exploring course scheduling at your interested colleges.
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My D was admitted to RISD, USC (School of Cinematic Arts), Pratt, Ringling, Skidmore, and our state’s flagship. She had an excellent portfolio and high academic stats (3.9 UW GPA and 1530 SAT etc). RISD was her top choice, until the flagship surprised her with a full ride offer that she didn’t not anticipate. Even without the full ride, it was an excellent option for her looking back on her experience. She majored in Industrial Design and this major gave her several opportunities to work on research projects outside of the college of art, mainly the college of engineering. I didn’t anticipate that engineering research projects need designers to sketch out ideas, the work process, communication, etc. She took every opportunity the school offered. She didn’t care that it was not an ivy or just a public flagship.
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Some one mentioned Syracuse. It does have a good art college, but they are very stingy with aid. My D did not apply. However, at a local HS art exhibition in her senior year (winter semester), a Syracuse rep gave her a half tuition discount upfront and asked her to apply.