Hi, I want to be major in either computer animation or animation.
Most colleges in my lists have moderate acceptance rate around 40%-70%.
But I want to apply to more reachable school for ED. Im looking for Yale, USC, Cornell, etc.
I can’t really tell which school has the better programs. my overall GPA is unweighted 3.36, weighted 3.78
Schools like Yale and Cornell do not have the kind of specialized major you want.
USC does have an Animation & Digital Arts BA, but they don’t offer a binding Early Decision program, only EA.
Beyond all that, you’re not competitive, with a 3.36UW/3.78W GPA, for the kind of schools you’re talking about here.
And anyway, if you are sure that you want an intensive, specialized program, I can’t imagine why you’d ED to a school that doesn’t offer that. If you want a school with a full range of academic programs, not a specialty art school, then your best fit is probably at schools like RIT and DePaul. With your GPA, these are realistic, but not necessarily a slam-dunk for their more competitive programs. ED-ing to one of these could be smart if one is your top choice.
If you were a competitive applicant for Ivy-level academic schools and still wanted access to specialty training in animation, I would say to look at Brown/RISD - either the uber-competitive joint program, or attending one and cross-registering at the other. If you feel you must ED to an out-of-reach school, I suppose this would be my choice, but I don’t see you getting in. (Mayyyybe RISD if you have a breathtaking portfolio. Do you have a portfolio?)
Do you have a favorite among the schools on your list, with the 40-70% acceptance rates? If so, ED-ing to that favorite would make the most sense. If not, there is no need to ED at all.
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OP, you sound like you might be an international applicant?
If yes, you should be aware that the acceptance rate for international students is lower than the published average at most schools (and especially at the ones you have mentioned).
And of course, if you’re seeking financial aid then things get a lot harder.
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I was thinking SCAD or Ringling before I even pulled up a list - and the list agrees.
Animation is more specialized.
What you want to do - or what types of outcomes these schools have I would investigate before spending a ton of money - but regular colleges likely aren’t the best schools for this - and yeah, you’re not even close grade wise (unless you’re at the most grade deflationary school and are #1 and have a stelar test score - which many schools now require again).
Good luck
PS - looking at this list, RIT would be a nice fit (#13) and Arizona State (BFA) and UT Dallas might be great “regular” colleges for you. If you’re interested in gaming, Utah might be another.
When you want a niche field, you don’t go to Ivy for Ivy sake - you go to the best schools for your interests.
Nonetheless, even 40% acceptance schools are unlikely for you.
Good luck.
Top 50 Animation Schools and Colleges in the U.S. – 2023 College Rankings | Animation Career Review
If OP is international they might also want to consider other countries, and as here the specialized and reputed animation courses might not always be the international household names - like Falmouth in the UK.
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