<p>fish, it is definitely fair and important to hear from people who actually attend, I agree with you there. </p>
<p>Even if the students are one big happy family and collaborate…I know some kids who attended another cut program and the atmosphere generally speaking was different than the one in a non-cut program. There is something about the “half of you will be gone next year” that adds something to the aura either personally per student or collectively, than if that elephant was not in the room. It is only natural. </p>
<p>As far as grades…I don’t know DePaul’s grading system. At my own kid’s BFA program, the studio classes are graded and there is an extrensive rubric and many narrative comments. The grades do not pertain to written work.</p>