taypwyrm

I'm not 100% on your circumstances so this information might not pertain to you, but this is some information about the tier-4 visa. This is not professional advice, and you should go over the UKBA's *confusing* site yourself one more time before you submit your application. I'm going to assume your Canadian/American, and that you are a regular, adult student tier-4 applicant and that the school you are going to be attending is a Highly Trusted Sponsor. If this is all true than you do NOT need to send in any bank statements, or proof of funds. Canadians and Americans are considered low-risk students, so you don't need to send in as much supporting evidence as people from other countries. However, you will have to state on the application that you have these forms on you if they are requested of you. You will also need to state on your application if you have paid any funds to your school yet (which is also noted in your CAS). You also do not need to send in your transcripts. Your CAS need not be included in your application; The UKBA already has all the information in their system. Just make sure you have:
 
-your passport photographs done according to UKBA standards (done within the last 6 months)
-your previous passport and your current passport
-filled out the online application
-completed the self assessment form
-made an appointment with Worldbridge to get your biometrics done (bring all your application materials to them)
 
*you can also pay to get your application expedited visa via Worldbridge 
 
if you scroll to the bottom of this link, you can find information about the requirements of the loan letter if it requested of you:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/studying/adult-students/evidence/money/
 
  Here is a list of highly trusted sponsors: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/employersandsponsors/pointsbasedsystem/registerofsponsorseducation
 
Here is the self-assesment form:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/visas/vaf9-app81.pdf
 
Here is the photograph requirements: 
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/flr/photoguidance0409.pdf
 
Here is the link for worldbridge:
https://www.visainfoservices.com/pages/content.aspx?tag=ContactUs_page
 
Here is the link describing "Low-risk" applicants (meaning you do not need to send in financial stuff if you are from a country listed in the link):
http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/studying/adult-students/evidence/
 
I hope that helps!

I have no experience in this area but thought this guide might be useful (plus another from uni of edinburgh), if it isn't I would call the UK border agency or the school you are going to—I'm would be surprised if they couldn't answer your questions.
 
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/Tier4migrantguidance.pdf
 
http://www.ed.ac.uk/polopoly_fs/1.35122!/fileManager/Immigration%20guide%202013_v2.pdf
 
Good luck!

I think the verbal or written expression of appreciation is more valuable than any gift

ME!

anyone going to rca?

That is a tough, but wonderful choice you have! Have you visited both schools? 
Both schools have a great reputation. I think the RCA is a good program if you want to teach in the future; they give the opportunity to their students to go to different art schools and give tutorials to undergrads to help gain teaching experience. They also have great residencies that you can apply for as a part of their program (I remember hearing about on in France). I did my study abroad in London, and all my tutors at Central Saint Martins were graduates of the RCA, if that's any indication about their teaching success rates. I also think the final exhibition at the RCA is very well attended, so that might give you a chance for some great exposure. 
 
I don't know a whole lot about Glasgow other than the fact that everyone says it's a great school and they have a crazy alumni list. 

Congrats on RCA and GSA. I looked very seriously at GSA (for painting) because it's a great school with a ton of great alumni (in all disciplines) coming out of it. I ended up not applying there because the US gov decided GSA no longer met the requirements that would allow me to get loans to attend. It looks like you're in Canada and might have a different situation, but thought you might want to be aware.

http://glasgowguardian.co.uk/2012/10/24/gsa-discredited-us-government/

I am having a difficult time trying to decide between the Glasgow School of Art and The Royal College of Art. I would REALLY appreciate some advice at this point.
 
The Royal College of Art is basically my dream school - The tutors are amazing, there is a great cross over between studio and research departments and they have a very high reputation. I would also be situated in London where there is probably a lot more networking opportunities and opportunities in general. The only downfall is it is extremely expensive. Tuition is 42,000 a year and I also have to consider materials, living, eating etc. Oh, and the studio space is really tight and shared. I need a lot of space but it isn't crucial as I could work around it. My biggest concern is that being in such an expensive city will cause me a lot of stress and I will be focused on surviving in London rather than being present within my work. Financial issues aside though, I am confident that this is the ideal school for me.
 
So, Glasgow! - The tuition is half the price and they have large studios. There is also a ton of space that is accessible outside of the dedicated studios that are individual. I'm not particularly interested in the photography tutors but I am sure that there is faculty that I haven't met that I could benefit a lot from. Who knows though, the photo tutors could end up working out really well. Glasgow is also a cheap city to live in. I would not be in a state of financial crisis at ALL times, which I would be in London.  I know that it would be a place where I could really focus on my practice and I would produce a lot. The downfall is Glasgow's art scene is pretty small and there isn't as much opportunity. It might be really isolating. Ideally i'd like to be in school while also networking, showing my work, interning etc. 
 
HELP.
 

Glasgow interview!

I brought in a couple of short responses on philosophical texts that I had just written and stated that they were a brief exploration of an idea I would like to write about further. I also presented a 1500 word praxis paper that I had done in school. He read them during the interview and said that my ideas were very strong. Nothing was mentioned about my writing skills. What a relief! I got an email an hour after my interview offering me a spot in the program!

I received an email notification from the RCA yesterday morning requesting an interview for photography. NERVOUS. 

@kabdai last year applicants received invitations Feb 8 for interviews March 8.. so hopefully soon!

I received an email notification from the RCA yesterday morning requesting an interview for photography. NERVOUS.