VCU vs. MICA

College Majors Visual Arts and Film Majors
1

<p>Well, my parents were nice enough to turn in two deposits, but now that housing deadline is approaching, I’d like to hear some advice before I make a decision.</p>

<p>I plan on becoming a painter or a fine artist of some sorts (I’d love to try printmaking), and I’ve heard that MICA has one of the top undergraduate painting programs. Which is cool. </p>

<p>At first, I was leaning more towards VCU at first because I’d like to try a university setting, because I’m somewhat opposed to the art student stereotype. I, uh consider myself a normal person who likes to do art, not someone “different” and “special”. I’d actually like to be a number, haha. Plus, I want to take some gen ed courses so I’d be educated and well-rounded. Of course, VCU isn’t exactly the most rigorous of universities…</p>

<p>Now, I think I’m leaning more towards MICA because they’re giving me AP credit for some basic classes and letting me skip into Drawing II and Painting II. VCU however, has a strict foundation program comprised of lame 1-credit Tech Labs that last 5 weeks and insults your capablities. </p>

<p>Also, another concern is transferring options. Lately, I’ve come to realize that I’m not inclined to the urban setting. I’m a spacey surburban girl with absolutely no street smarts, and I have no desire to be a “city girl.” And I’ve heard of multiple cases of mugging, break-ins, and pistol-whipping at both schools, which makes my parents anxious and puts me in a pickle. I’m thinking that it’d be easier to transfer from MICA, since all their classes are worth 3 credits. </p>

<p>here’s a link to my ap portfolio this year, if it helps any:
<a href=“http://www.livejournal.com/~eatmyfeces/30647.html[/url]”>http://www.livejournal.com/~eatmyfeces/30647.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Sorry for the long post. I really, really appreciate any input!</p>

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<p>First, I am surprised that MICA is giving AP credit. I was told last year that it was their policy that no AP credit will be given. This was a real surprise.</p>

<p>MICA has always been known for having strong academics. They have a Dean who is on the board of NASAD (National Association of Schools of Art and Design). They themselves make a big deal about their strong emphasis on their humanities offerings. Certainly I believe that they don’t just give lip service to liberal arts as does a number of other schools.</p>

<p>I also didn’t like VCU. The area seems very seedy and maybe even outright dangerous. I don’t think that you would like the area around VCU either. </p>

<p>However, although MICA is reknown for its fine arts offerings, you really need to check out the work done by students. Having a strong reputation isn’t the same thing as necessarily producing very good work. They do, however, have good, well- maintained, new facilities. They have just about everything a painter could ask for and more.</p>

<p>If I were you, I would visit both schools and interview the students. I would attend some studio classes and examine the work output of the students. I would even do a sleep over in the dorms and try out the food. I can tell you that MICA has a very good cafeteria and produced some tasty offerings.</p>

<p>You might also want to look into MICA’s combined BFA/MFA programs. This can save you a lot of money and give you an MFA in selected fields if you want this.</p>

<p>By the way, I did check out your AP art portfolio. It was good. You might also want to check out Atlier schools that teach classical styles. IF you like the way Rembrandt painted people and the way Michaelangelo painted portraits, you will like Atlier schools. They are very good to attand either after MICA or before,but I prefer after MICA. At least you will have a college degree and will have some strong basic training before you go to these schools. Just do a search for Atlier schools in Baltimore or whereever you live.</p>