SVA IXD/Pratt IED (Information Experience Design)/Parsons DT

[jae03]

Hi! First time posting here.

I applied to SVA’s IXD, Pratt’s IED (Information Experience Design), and Parsons’ DT (Design and Techonology) programs for the upcoming fall 2020 semester. I’m still waiting for the decision from SVA, got waitlisted at Parsons, and got accepted at Pratt with no scholarship. 

Is anyone still waiting for SVA? I know the april 15 deadline is coming up and I feel like I might not get a decision email by them.. I wasn’t able to get a decision letter  on March 16 since I didn’t deliver all my materials before Jan 15. Even so.. do you think I will still get a decision before the deadline?

I also got accepted at Pratt’s IED program but I’ve read alot of negative reviews about them. Does anyone have experience or thoughts they could share about the program? How is the job outlook after graduating? Is the program really research heavy? (Because I do want to be able to have more hands on experience with design.) How are the courses?

And lastly, I got waitlisted at Parsons. Which probably means I won’t get accepted even if I stay on the waitlist.

If I don’t get accepted from SVA, should I choose Pratt? I do want to study in the UX/UI field, but I do want more hands on creative experience. So, not sure if Pratt is the right choice for me. Just curious to know what you all think of my situation.

Edited April 4, 2020 by jamie03

[kcux2020]

I didn't apply to SVA or Parsons, but I did apply (and was accepted w/ 11k scholarship) to Pratt's IED and had a chance to tour the program earlier this year. 

A couple thoughts I had about Pratt:

• The campus is VERY small. The entire program is on one floor of a building in Manhattan, so it feels very insular and separated from the main Pratt campus in Brooklyn
• The program collaborates heavily with their library / archives students, so I've noticed a lot of fellowships/internships are around library access, websites etc - this could be great if you're interested in libraries (I know one of their fellowships is one with MoMA!)
• They do have a lot of technical classes (database work, networking) to help with the more technical side of UX/UI
• The facilities weren't great... I mentioned above that it's a small campus, but there's not much (if any at all) open studio space beyond 1-2 computer labs

I obviously can't make a decision for you, but I hope the above information helps and gives a little more insight into the program!

[jae03]

On 4/5/2020 at 5:10 PM, kcux2020 said:

I didn't apply to SVA or Parsons, but I did apply (and was accepted w/ 11k scholarship) to Pratt's IED and had a chance to tour the program earlier this year. 

A couple thoughts I had about Pratt:

• The campus is VERY small. The entire program is on one floor of a building in Manhattan, so it feels very insular and separated from the main Pratt campus in Brooklyn
• The program collaborates heavily with their library / archives students, so I've noticed a lot of fellowships/internships are around library access, websites etc - this could be great if you're interested in libraries (I know one of their fellowships is one with MoMA!)
• They do have a lot of technical classes (database work, networking) to help with the more technical side of UX/UI
• The facilities weren't great... I mentioned above that it's a small campus, but there's not much (if any at all) open studio space beyond 1-2 computer labs

I obviously can't make a decision for you, but I hope the above information helps and gives a little more insight into the program!

Thank you so much for replying, I didn't get to tour the campus so this very helpful!

Yes I've heard that it's very "library" focused, which I didn't know what that meant, but I guess they work with libraries and help create their websites? I'm not so much interested in libraries but if the program collaborates heavily with their library/archives students, then maybe I'll need to think about my decision some more haha.

Thanks again!

Edited April 7, 2020 by jamie03

[ChookityPok]

Hey i got into Pratt Ixd as well , have you decided on anything yet? They havent extended their acceptance deadline , a lot of other colleges have. 

[one136]

Hi guys !  I got into the Pratt's  IXD program with scholarship . Spoke to a current student from the same program. She told me the programs were not library focused and rather the course is a very UX oriented course. There are tons of technical classes and students come from Computer Science backgrounds to Marketing backgrounds.Although I could not find much information regarding the program online. Its comparatively new so could not find much information regarding the alumni as well. Would be very helpful if someone gives some feedback on the program's reputation. 

[one136]

have  any of you  enrolled for this fall ? 

[one136]

26 minutes ago, lazzyshivam said:

hi @one136, I am planning for Fall 2021. I am from India. I also talked with one of the current student, and said the course is good, and gives you option to shed your career in either of UX Design or UX Research. But he said, that the job opportunities are shaky.

 

Any updates on this thread??

Hey! 

I was supposed to leave for fall 2020 but considering the current situation , I was unable to do so . So I haven't started yet . I'm planning to start in Spring '21 as of now . 

[one136]

@lazzyshivam

1. Pratt has a great reputation among design schools . Apart from that I felt the course curriculum was very apt for me. Also I believe staying in NYC has its merits. And to top it all , I have recieved a scholarship from Pratt so I can aim for a higher ROI as well .

 

2. Research part: Pretty much the same for all schools. The program started in 2016 . Its pretty new as of now so I couldn't find as much information about it (other than their website and topuxschools) . I connected with a few students on linkedin and they gave me a very positive feedback . 

 

Admit ... well Im not sure of what you want to now . Since Im sure you are already aware of the admission process which is almost the same for all schools. I recieved an acceptance in the first week of march (if thats what you want to find out) . After which I had to submit an enrollment fee of $500. 

 

 

3. Regarding that ... I haven't experienced Pratt's curriculum as of now . So through personal experience I would say I have 0 exposure to this . But I have spoken to a few people studying there . They told me its entirely upto you . You can choose what you want to do . You can take up personal projects or you could also take real industry projects throughout your masters degree. From what Ive heard, the course offers plenty of electives and other options, so eventually you will decide if you want to delve deeper into UX design or research specifically . 

 

 

4. To all the seniors I have spoken to , they all tell me that it boils down to how good your portfolio is. Its all about your personal effort . I feel building a strong network in the UX community is the key (for referrals) . Unlike in  India, we wouldnt have the opportunity for on-campus placements . You would have to go off-campus to get a job . While I agree , school is important ( considering that .. Pratt is a very popular school in the design community) , to grab a job or internship as a UX designer you need to have a kickass folio . So build a network, get referred to companies and perform well through a rock solid skills and an amazing folio. 

 

5. That is a very complex question since each school and each professor has a different criteria and you cannot get a peek into their head . In my opinion , showcasing your design thinking skills would be a good start . If you are applying for IXD , show them how you have a potential to be a great UX designer . Reflect your problem solving skills as well . They arent looking for a seasoned UX designer . If they feel you are capable , you should be good to go . I would suggest include 1-2 case studies before applying . 

 

6. So I am an information science and engineering graduate. Clearly I have no background . I had 1 UX case study , 2 digital design projects and 2 projects in 2D animation . You dont necessarily need UX oriented projects though it would defnitely help if you include them . They are going to assess you on your creativity and ability to innovate . 

 

 

7. Ok , dont ask anyone this question . "The gauranteed admission one" cz that makes no sense. No1 knows how the admission process works ok . But I can suggest you ways to stand out through your SOP .

 

- One of the most important things : Make it engaging . Draw their attention . Make sure they arent bored reading it . Keep it short and impactful.

 - Secondly , make them believe how deeply passionate about the subject you are . Probably attach instances from childhood . Maybe about how to developed an inclination towards this , why do you want to do it?

 

Think !

 

Think why is it that you want to do this and only this ! How does you passion towards UX make you feel ? What do you want to achieve out of this and how is getting a college degree going to help ? How is this going to help the people around you? 

 

 

Intensive research about the subject and a deep understanding of who you are as a person and how to do percieve your goals will definitely help you out . Think about why you feel Pratt is the best option for you. 

Edited September 26, 2020 by one136

[one136]

@lazzyshivam it would be good to see you next fall !

 

Take care stay safe and all the best ?

[one136]

@lazzyshivam

sure! 

Whats your username?