<p>As a Pratt student myself, I agree more with Timkerdes on the subject of the school’s commercial side. Pratt is a design school at heart and my friends who have started their majors tell me of their experiences and it seems their classes seem more technical and business oriented (even illustration students are thoroughly trained on how to market and manage their business). Even the foundation courses have a certain extent of technicality.</p>
<p>On the subject of Illustration, I honestly believe that Parsons should be left out in this field. My friend’s there for communication/graphic design, and he’s considering transferring to SVA because he doesn’t feel like he’s learning anything. I’ve heard the rumor that Parsons extent of capability is its fashion program too. If its gonna be a battle, it should be between Pratt and SVA. Honestly, I would have chosen SVA if I had gone into Illustration; it’s connections are top notch and the school is known for such programs like illustration and graphic design.
On the other hand, once you’re up there in the art school category, especially if they all happen to be in NYC, I don’t think it matters too much which school is ‘better’ than the other for what program. Pick the school in which your son would best be happy with the structure of its program and satisfied spending his next 4 years in within an affordable price range. I suggest you just take a look at each school very carefully and make note of what you are looking for.</p>