horchata

hey, I know a little about this...you can pm me if you like.

hmm, I should have applied to the MFA, it looks like. For some reason, I didn't gather that I was eligible, but after reading their website more, it looks like I may have been. Do they make you pay to take their english exam? Is that the entire program, or just one class? Either way, it's pretty big. I'm hoping that by virtue of having people from many backgrounds, with life and work experience, the crits and discussion will be more interesting than in a BFA program with very young students. Wonder if that's the case...I'm going to try to visit a class if I can. Good luck! I think it looks pretty cool.

Yes I echo your concern. The $4000 scholarship only levels the tuition with other schools. It's a lot to get loaned for for three years. Hmmm, I hadn't thought about the extra $ that the X-term would add. ouch.

For Graphic/Comm/Media Design Pratt MS - accepted Art Center 3 yr MFA - accepted, + some funding & possible assistantship CCA (BFA) - accepted (could probably complete it in 2-3 yrs because of non-studio transfer credit) CalArts - rejected RISD 3 year MFA - waiting Not sure what to do! (and I think it's decision time soon, b/c my guess is I won't get good news from RISD at this stage). Would love some reactions! I posted to another thread so as not to clog up this one: viewtopic.php?f=10&t=17109

So I need to choose between 3 very different programs...an MFA in Media Design at Art Center, an MS in Communications Design at Pratt, and a BFA in Graphic Design at CCA. I have some experience in design, but not much art/design schooling, and a desire for rigor and being hands-on (but also wanting good conceptual/theoretical understanding...a totally applied and technical college style program wouldn't cut it). A BFA at CCA might let me capture the art foundation i never had (have tried to wrangle it DIY style through night classes, but I still crave a comprehensive foundation). I apparently would only be one of many 2nd degree students there. Still, the thought of 2-3 years of high tuition, surrounded by mostly kids, for another bachelors, is a bit tough to choose, esp. when a masters is on the table too. Pluses would be that the pressure of a thesis would be off, and I could use the freedom to study photography, printmaking, and lots of things that I think would enrich my design. I also love San Fran. Art Center seems like a really amazing school...the facilities boggle the mind. The students are a talented and diverse bunch, to say the least. I would have dedicated studio space with large format printers within a stone's throw, not to mention wood, letterpress, and metal studios in the building, exclusive to grad students. The only thing is that with the MFA's emphasis on defining and inventing the discipline's future through non-medium-specific exploration, heavily leaning towards technology and non-trad approaches to design, I worry that I won't have enough of a footing in the basics to be happy and confident exploring the outer limits. I like their approach and could see launching off into that, but worry I just ain't ready yet. Still wanting a deft and confident command of visual vocabulary and form-making. Pratt's seems to be a more pragmatic program...most faculty are full-time in the industry. Yet they don't skip over theory altogether. There is still a thesis component as well, but the degree is not meant to be academic enough to to prepare you to teach at the college level (I think). Pratt seems like it will meet me where I am, though. I do wonder if it's a tad large and impersonal. I suppose it is if you compare it to the the tiny class size and intimate environment at Art Center. What do people know about Pratt's MS in Communications Design? I liked the chair when I went to their info session. As far as my future plans go, I might want to teach someday, but perhaps it would make more sense to hold off on the MFA until I'm ready for very advanced programs aimed at established designers? And who knows maybe I'd get more funding and choices then? (I only applied to the few MFA programs that offer a 3 year option). whew that was a long brain dump. Any thoughts?