<p>apr, Glad to hear that your son’s list has become more focused. If he seeks a less selective in the Northeast, I’d reiterate that Northeastern is a good choice.</p>
<p>Is he considering both Brown and RISD separately or just the combined program? Since this is the first year for the combined program it will be interesting to see how it develops. One of my son’s friends is doing an MArch at RISD and has been dissatisfied for several reasons to the point of considering transferring. RISD recently recruited a new president (from MIT I think) so we’re observing closely as there are many aspects of RISD that are appealing.</p>
<p>I’m sure Soozie will answer regarding her daughter’s expectations, but my son was told by several MArch schools that he should plan 3.5 years on top of his BA. Many of the MArch schools (e.g. Harvard, MIT, Yale) hold information sessions, usually in the Fall, so if that’s still an option for your son he could plan to attend.</p>