voxpop

Wow, did they really? Thats amazing. I think its a good idea to ask their plans -- I wouldn't worry about it drowning in other complaints, but maybe its worth waiting a couple of weeks to see how the situation is developing in NYC? Given that we are just at the beginning of the curve, I am assuming they can not even give an answer yet. ITP changed the deadline to May 1st and Parsons to June 15th, so maybe in about two weeks time will be a better time to ask? We will all know a bit more and we will still have time to make a decision after hearing back?

So where I currently work the whole team is now working from home, designers, engineers, the marketing team, product managers etc. And in the last two weeks we have managed to launch a multitude of new products and services in a response to covid-19 and that with the whole team working remote. So just from that experience I now believe 100% it is possible to make stuff happen remotely. And hopefully come fall, I will be even more used to this new way of life. I think you bring up all the same points I wound in terms of how it could work - and I definitely see Parsons studio courses, the summer bootcamp, and any physical computing courses to be the biggest challenges. Lets say we have to continue social distancing in the fall (highly likely) I think it will depend a lot on what rules and regulations are set around that etc. Eg. what is the maximum number of people who can gather at once? Will it be 2 or 5? And will the school be allowed to use its facilities if there are less than X number of people there at a time and with certain other measures in place. For instance at ITP, I believe that most of the first semester will be the tier 1 foundation courses for us, and of those lets say physical computing is the biggest challenge. If ITP was allowed to use their facilities if there were no more than 5 persons there at a time, and the space was reserved only for very specific courses requiring in-person collaboration on physical object, maybe it would be possible to form small groups that could use the space for a designated few hours each week? haha I don't know, I get a bit sad just writing this, but its the reality we have to face now. I also think a lot here is on the professors - to find new formats for their classes. They can not take the in-person studio-based class and try to mimic that via Zoom, they have to fundamentally change how the class is taught - with Zoom as the medium. I honestly hope they can find inspiration in that challenge and accelerate online-learning to a level that we otherwise would not have seen in 2020.

hahah geeeeeez this seems to be a mess for everyone. Regarding the students wanting their money back, I dont think I am on their "side" on that issue to be honest. This is an unprecedented global emergency that is 100% outside the control of any of these schools... If was in that position I would rather look to my insurance to see what they cover.. But even that I wouldn't be to hopeful about. I think scholarships are a big part of the business model at Parsons for sure - it is baked into the full-cost tuition. I do however think that this is the case at any school, but even more so Parsons. They even phrase it as a discount in the offer, "XX% off tuition", lol. At the company where I work now, discounts to various customers are absolutely 100% part of our business model, I dont think the schools are any different ? But I have the impression that NYUs scholarships are less part of a business-model, and more funded through donations. I base this on 1) You can see their scholarship fundraisers on their website and social accounts and 2) the fact that their scholarships are need-based as well as merit - and that's really important in any case. Regardless of their business-model though you can of course get an equally amazing education both places, I am by no means doubting that. But I think the way the school does business might impact what actions they take during this pandemic.

Same! @A Bawa it definitely helps having someone to discuss with, even more so now that everything surrounding the fall semester is so uncertain. Also: on your point on them possibly postponing the semester, from a revenue-perspective I don't think they could ever do that, but agree that for us it would of course be ideal.

ooooh - so this is why they started a new group for accepted students! I just got the email saying the old group had taken on a new functionality of informing current students about everything related to covid-19.... Ok - so this is something I have been kinda reticent to bring up but I do believe there could be a difference in the business of Parsons vs. NYU. They are both private institutions of course, but for instance Parsons/TNS are masters at marketing, I know about the school from their marketing. NYU ITP on the other hand, I found on a forum similar to this one while researching Parsons DT. I don't know where I'm going with this statement but I guess that I would not be too surprised if NYU has more of a students-before-profit approach than Parsons? I don't know it its ok that I am even saying that though, for all I know there could be a group of furious NYU students on FB as well.. (most likely there is haha) What is crucial though - like you say - is how the schools and programs respond and adjust now that everything is changing. ie. will they just put classes online and call it a day or will they look for creative ways of sharing spaces a few students at a time / putting in place strict security measures / change focus of courses the first semester to be more digital-driven and adapted to a changed learning environment etc... also @MA2596 if you have any specific examples from what have been said in the TNS group that could be relevant for decision-making, would you PM me?

Thanks for creating the topic @MA2596 ! I will post some of my thinking later but first I just wanted to chime in on one of your questions: How is the school going to respond to COVID-19? If they're going online for Fall 2020, will you still attend? At this stage, I think it is a very high likelihood that at least the first semester, or at the least part of the first semester in fall 2020 will be online / using alternative methods for teaching and learning. I have been preparing for this mentally for a while, and am also prepared to be agile and keep an open mind. Most likely, starting school this fall will not be what we had originally envisioned. Even though, heartbreakingly, NYC in currently the city in the US hardest hit by the pandemic it is important to keep in mind that this is affecting just about every person, school and business across the globe. Most schools, and particularly private institutions such as Parsons and NYU, are dependent on their incoming students to stay in business. The economic impacts of Covid-19 will be severe, and even more so if students like us choose to postpone our education. For that reason, I rather want to be part of keeping as much of “business as normal” going - and then adjust to any new form the university needs to take. As an international student I am of course depending on the US to issue visas, but it is too early to make any guesses around that because it will depend on how the situation evolves over the summer in Europe vs in the US. I am of course glad that I am entering a 2-year program, meaning that we will most likely be able to have a “normal” academic year at least for the second year of study. I also hope you will not take this post as pessimistic, but I do find that being a "realistic optimist" and preparing mentally for a variety of outcomes really helps me stay positive. This all being said I did really appreciate the statement that Midori at ITP wrote in her last email to ITP accepts: “We are ITP, the Interactive Telecommunications Program, and our amazing faculty have been jumping through hoops to figure out creative ways to stay in touch with students, figure out workarounds for a lot of our more difficult classes that require fabrication and equipment and the like. ITP is filled with some creative and inventive thinkers and doers. We will get through this.” In some ways, I think ITP (or Parsons DT) could potentially be the best and most exciting place to be next year. When I wrote my applications I had a very clear idea of the topic and challenges I wanted to focus on during my studies - but I am realizing now that this might naturally have to change. The world is changing, people’s habits are changing - and some of those new habits might prove to stay with us forever. Businesses will fail and new ones will arise. The world will have a brand new set of challenges to respond to. I think ITP will be an amazing place to tackle such new challenges and opportunities. (In a strange way, the ongoing pandemic has actually played a part in what is drawing me more towards ITP at this time, given its hands-on “making stuff” vibe…) Also, this article was an important read for me in terms of preparing mentally for what could be coming: https://www.technologyreview.com/s/615370/coronavirus-pandemic-social-distancing-18-months/

For anyone wanting to share thoughts and discuss ITP vs DT (or just general thoughts about each program for those who is not considering both) @MA2596 created a new topic here: @yona @verynervous @taketwo @ciwy13 @A Bawa @Sids @met4 @hiesther @huthuhle @sapphirelake +++ anyone else!

I dont know about artcenter, but I know that a first-come first-served approach is not uncommon for smaller programs, It is the same for all of SVAs graduate programs for instance.

@sapphirelake Thank you for sharing your list and insights!! Super helpful and very much appreciated! @MA2596 I am starting to feel more and more certain about ITP for each day that passes but I think it would be a great idea to start a separate thread on this DT vs ITP topic so we can keep each other updated on our reasoning? It is of course an individual decision I find it very interesting and helpful to hear everyone’s thoughts and would love to share my own with you all as well ?

Sounds like you have made the right choice - this the impressions that I have of the programs as well. SVA is one of the most (or if not the most) impressive ixd curriculum I have come across. Perfect when you want a specialization in that field. I have less of a need to learn "hard skills" in design (already have design and UX experience) and that is why I am leaning towards a more interdisciplinary space with a goal to "create new things". I hope to be in a class of talented and intelligent people with a variety of backgrounds so we can collaborate in a ways to play on each others strengths My gut feeling is that ITP has more if that than DT, but it is difficult because they are both great choices..

I'd love to get updates on what else you discover in your research! Regarding your comment on the experimental nature being concerning I think it is really important to keep in mind that the portfolio we graduate with is key and I that it is up to each individual person to make sure to document work and keep an updated portfolio. I know it is possible to produce an absolutely amazing portfolio at ITP given all the various projects students make - we just have to be rigorous in documenting and keeping a good portfolio. I am sure it is easy to just go along with the program and "forget" or "put off / postpone" documenting and keeping a portfolio but being dedicated and disciplined in that is what will make a huge difference.

When you go to their scholarship reply form (where you accept the scholarship, linked in the letter) you will see that the terms say all scholarships are renewable each year, pending academic standing. This seems to be the standard for all Tisch scholarships. So yes, it will be renewable for the second year. Hope that helps

@ixdmfaplease Also, are you 100% on SVA? Did you confirm your spot?

Haha thanks for asking, it's so much more difficult than I had anticipated! At this time I have almost ruled out SVA ixd, mainly because it is the more expensive option for me at the moment and I personally feel drawn toward taking a leap of faith into something a bit more "experimental". If for sure seems like the best option from a career-oriented perspective if the goal is to go straight into an interaction/UX-design type of role. It has an amazing list of alums and professors. So its down to DT and ITP for me, currently really leaning towards ITP but I only feel that I am at 40/60 percent certainty. Parsons has been my dream school, but I also know that is strongly driven by the fact that they are experts at marketing - so I am not trying to look beyond that and select the program that is best for me. I am drawn to ITP for its extremely customizable and diverse curriculum (able to really specialize in topics that interests and inspire me), and I have this very good feeling about the vibe and mission of the program being very strongly aligned with my own views. I enjoyed reading this article (written by an ITP alum): https://tarikh.me/itp-at-40-red-burns-created-a-program-youve-probably-never-heard-of-to-save-technology-s-soul-a767eb7e565b

My Parsons portal was finally updated today! (did not receive email yet). I did not have an interview but still received a merit scholarship. Really happy! Now it˙s time to really deliberate where to go... Truly wishing I could just go everywhere, both ITP, DT and SVA IxD has their unique strengths and are amazing in their own ways.