any international students?
I am an international student from India. Got accepted into the 2 year fashion design program. Currently thinking of housing etc… u?
I’ve noticed that many of you are feeling discouraged, or are still waiting anxiously for your letters. I’d like to offer my insight and experience with FIT’s application process. Most importantly, I don’t think admissions counselors are looking for any one particular facet of each candidate…
When I initially applied for Fall 2016, I was of course inclined to research what was regarded as most important in an applicant (GPA, essay, experience in the industry…?). I realized GPA and experience were things I couldn’t change.
In high school, I had a 3.8 GPA. I was involved in several clubs, but only had leadership positions in two of them. Nothing I did in high school had anything to do with fashion, as it was a college preparatory school and focused mostly on science/history tracks (I was on a science track).
Later, I went on to study Political Science at Stony Brook University (completely ironic haha). SBU is known largely for their programs in the lab sciences. Clearly, I was very confused, and naturally, there were no clubs/programs in fashion. I studied there for one year and left with a 3.0 GPA.
My only experience with fashion is in my past two jobs in retail. I can’t really pinpoint any specific reason why I was motivated to pursue fashion… but, I don’t think that’s necessarily important. In my essay, I discussed my goals and aspirations, both for my myself and others, that I hope to achieve by being an active member in the fashion industry. I also did tons of research and found what programs I could take advantage of at FIT that would help in pursuing those goals. While political science is certainly still an interest of mine, it is not something I see myself doing as a lifelong career.
I do think that FIT’s one-year programs are slightly less competitive because they are more difficult to qualify for. As I noted earlier, my first intention was to apply for the One-Year AAS Degree Program in FBM for Fall 2016. My application wasn’t complete until June, so I chose to roll it over for Spring 2017. I took an online course in the interim to be sure I had the right credits for the one-year program. Also, AP scores DO count towards your credits for qualifying for the one-year program. I was corresponding with admissions counselors practically every week.
In a nutshell, I think your essay and future aspects are extremely important. What you choose to do after your application is rolled over, or waitlisted, is also largely significant. If you choose to roll over your application, update it! I edited my essay, sent in AP/SAT scores, and made sure all final transcripts were in. My application for Spring 2017 was complete by August.
Hopefully you all found this a little helpful… I apologize if it’s a little too stream of consciousness. If you have any questions for me, please don’t hesitate to ask! I can see you all have an undying passion for the industry–wishing everyone all the best.
@katieclj
Thanks for sharing your experience. Were you waitlisted initially? I was waitlisted and decided to stay on the list, idk what to do.
@excitingnewlife When did you receive your acceptance letter? And when did you submit all everything?
@pizzaaa
I actually didn’t end up applying for Fall 2016. I emailed admissions and was told there were no more spots left in the one-year FBM program, so I chose to immediately roll over into spring.
Unfortunately, I have heard that because FIT has such a high yield rate, the waitlist is extremely competitive. I would email or call admissions and ask them how long the waitlist is for your particular major, and then measure your prospects from there (not sure if FIT ranks their waitlist applicants or not–I would find out). Regardless, there is no harm in staying on the waitlist. Ask them when they’ll be reviewing waitlist applicants, and then at that point ask them how many spots are left in your particular program. If you end up rolling over, make sure to continually express interest in the school. Good luck! I really hope you get in!
Thank You!!
@katieclj
If anyone is reapplying for fall and has a portfolio, maybe ask them about what they think you should do to make your portfolio better. I asked them and from what I understood they liked my portfolio, but wanted me to fix a few things.
Any international student who is NOT living in the US but still got their mail? 
i am international but currently in southern california. submitted my portfolio on nov 1. received acceptance letter on december 5th
Got waitlisted too
So umm, what do i do now?
@pizzawhat
They told me I should receive a final decision about the waitlist by the end of next month or a week before registration. Classes will be full by then.
Will you reapply?
How long do you think the waitlist is?
Do you think there’s a chance of us getting in? I mean will anyone actually give up their seat, cause like its Goddamnn FIT.
Did they tell you how long this list is, cause so many people are being wait listed and it’s scary
I might reapply for next spring if I don’t get off the waitlist, by then I will have enough credits for the 1yr AAS. I know the waitlist is really really long and the chances of getting off are slim.
Do you it’s late to apply for fall?
Maybe, I think the deadline is next month
To anyone on the wait list, I just got an email from fit and was told any applicants on the wait list will get a final decision on January 13th.