This has given me several headaches and sleepless nights. I applied to both MCAD and Portland State (MCAD being first choice) and was admitted to both for Fall 2016. It’s safe to say I’ve definitely narrowed it down between these two. I currently live in San Antonio, Texas and was always interested in studying out of state somewhere stark opposite of here. At first I was interested in studying film but now am pretty set on changing that to art. MCAD interested me because of the smaller size in classes and just overall dedication to the arts the school has from being solely an art school, different from a university. I applied to Portland State as well because I was intrigued by their College of the Arts. The reason MCAD was my first choice was because it’s an art school where I feel as if though it’d provide an education as well as inspiration I’d benefit more from. Plus, I already received a scholarship. However, the idea of moving to Portland just appeals to me overall the slightest bit more. I know at a university I’d be exposed to a wider variety of students with larger classes as well. I just have no idea which setting I’d fit best with. I’m extremely shy and introverted. I’m also a few years older, almost 21, because I took a few years off after high school. I also want to note I haven’t visited either schools, nor have I ever even been out of the state of Texas before. So once I’ve made my decision to move away to which ever college, I’m there to stay. I’ve made a pros and cons lists which only makes the decision more difficult. Both options are definitely going to be different for me and a drastic change. Not only will I be living in a new city, I’ll be living on campus and on my own away from my mom for the first time in my entire life. It’s a daunting thought, and I really need to decide where I will be spending the next four years of my life, Minneapolis or Portland, and need some input.
I would recommend you not go to an art school. The friend of my D did and burned out after two years. What had been a joy had become drudgery. A “regular” school will allow more latitude on things you can take. And if you ARE good at art it won’t matter much where you go.
How much debt will you end up with going to either school? For any student, and especially those not going into a lucratively-paying field like consulting after college (assuming you don’t want to do stuff like that based on your major), this should be a factor considered.
Are you able to tour the universities? If yes, you could use the visits to find out which “feel” you like better.
Also, if you are not completely sure which major you want to do, it might be a good idea to give a slight edge to the school with the most liberal major-change policy and the widest amount of areas of study to choose from.
Larger classes are not usually a good thing - in my experience I’ve definitely found a correlation between class size and enjoyment of / engagement in the class, with a negative relationship.
My son is a student at MCAD - started out in film and now is majoring in photography. He loves it. There are many students who are a bit older like you, and the individual attention is wonderful. He has enjoyed the combination of big city/small school. Good luck!