In need of advice

[theblackmist]

Due to some rather odd circumstances, right now I have about a 2.2 GPA at a top private school Stetson University, and am awaiting spring semester grades. I had transfered in from another school where I did not do as well because I had a hard time with the programing since I was a game design major that was computer science/digital arts. Next year I apply to graduate schools. I am a digital arts major and I am trying to get into grad school for visual arts or game design or animation. I understand my portfolio is very important and I have been focusing on creating that, including getting a group together to create a video game (3d modeling and concept art) with the demo being done before the grad school application dead line. I also have had one internship in video editing (in Hollywood, CA) and am about to have another this summer in video editing,special effects, animation, 3d modeling, or game design depending on what the company I am going to interview with wants me to do as well as become admitted into the snafu webcomic group to do a web comic for them as well as start my own webcomic with a friend. Also have started a band, am working on a book to get published and turn into a script and possibly start to turn into a video series or movie, and I am going to do an independent project next school year as well as an internship or two (I might end up being an long distance intern for a company that makes music videos and possibly I might end up with an internship with a game company near by).

My relevant course experience consists of creative writing, video editing, filming,special effects, 3d modeling, animating, green screen, and sound editing. Next year I am going to gain drawing and sculpting as well as make a three part video series for my independent project that will add on script writing and possibly web design. I know I am going to try to take drawing, screen writing and web design courses this summer from institutions near where i'll be internshiping in Texas.

Do you think I have a good chance of getting into a grad school? Some of the grad schools I am looking at are schools such as Texas a & m, SMU Guild Hall, and University of North Texas at Dallas and I am always looking for more in Texas since Texas is number 2 for the Video game industry.

Also, any tips on what could help me boost my chances dramatically?

[Eraserhead]

Hmmm.... Seems like you're sort of in between here. Most of the people on this board are more knowledgeable about Fine Art and looking for MFA programs, whereas video games are a totally different beast. Yet, there maybe isn't a better board on gradcafe for video game design...

It sounds like you're on the right track with lots of projects going on, so if your work is good I wouldn't be too concerned about your GPA... Generally in the arts that is something they will overlook IF your work is really good. Have you checked out conceptart.org or maybe deviantart or any of those communities? There should be some folks there who could be more helpful on the topic of video games.

good luck!

[theblackmist]

Thank you!

[shark]

in the 5-6 years i have worked in the vfx industry (film, games, commercials, etc) I have never, not once worked with anyone from these schools. My personal opinion is that if that is the path you want to take:

either:

a: just intern and learn. go to san diego, santa monica, la, vancouver.

b. http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/ get video classes here or, if you really want physical presence go here: http://www.gnomonschool.com/

most schools (not all but a lot) that offer mfa do not have professors that work in the industry simply because they don't pay much and there are tenure folks that are competitive, have no clue about reality of working.

there is a huge discussion area here http://forums.cgsociety.org/forumdisplay.php?f=283

good luck.