PDA

View Full Version : I need some input on a college...


Quilly
October 4th, 2009, 03:10 AM
I posted this in another topic about 2 weeks ago, but haven't gotten any responses. So I figured I'd make my own topic. I read the topic "Alternatives to the Art Institutes" and I guess it kind of helped. I guess I'm looking for more information about the Pittsburgh branch than the overall AI schools... but please give me your input on anything. :3

So. I graduated High school in June.
I was set to go to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in August (all paid up with fees and things). But then I had to push it back to October. Now I have to push it back AGAIN. (All postponements were for financial reasons. But my mom sees it as a sign that maybe I shouldn't go. )
I was supposed to be going into the Game Art and Design program at the school. Now, I think I still want to try for the video game industry, but I'm not sure what school.
I visited AIP like, 3 times. I liked the city. The school physically looked nice. I saw some class rooms and things. And I sat in on a semi-class I guess? It was more like a club of the students and the two professors making their own game and they showed us the concept art and the maps and their progress and stuff. The teachers were pretty cool. They said something along the lines of only the people who work their asses off make it that far. Like half the class drops out before they get very far. Or something. I didn't like the dorms because they had cement floors, but I think thats standard in all dorms.
I've heard mixed things about AI in general. I've heard they're "diploma mills", and that you don't get a good education for your money. I also heard that a lot of their credits don't transfer. I'm also worried about job placement. My boyfriend went to Fullsail for Film, he moved to LA to find something, didn't work out, now hes going to the Air Force to pay off debts.
I've also heard, from more people in real life than online, that its a great school. Mostly from my art teacher of 7 years, he went there too. I've been told that if I put all my effort into this and work hard that this is a great school. I think thats true with a lot of schools though.

I have checked out others, like SCAD and one in Chicago. But I didn't really pursue them becasue they were a bit further away from my current home (WNY). Pittsburgh is only 3 hours away, as opposed to, like 14...
I've now thought about going to a SUNY school for a few years, or a Community college to get some credits and then transfer either to Pittsburgh or another college to make it cheaper (hopefully..) The thing is though, I was really hoping to get out of this area. But, seeing as how the economy tanked, I don't think its possible just yet..

Yes, I did read the post about art schools at the beginning of this forum. I probably should re-read it though...

Maxine Schacker
October 4th, 2009, 06:45 AM
You are asking for schools close to you... take a look at Max the Mutt's Concept Art Diploma Program (Toronto).

Jason Manley
October 4th, 2009, 12:42 PM
enough already maxine. enough.

Quilly
October 5th, 2009, 01:12 AM
Um. Okay, I'll check it out Maxine. Thanks.
I'm still looking for more opinions/advice though...

Maxine Schacker
October 5th, 2009, 05:17 PM
Jason- I think the online school you're working on, especially for people who don't have the option of attending a good school, and especially since tuition will be affordable and there will be many scholarships, is a great idea! It has the potential of helping people all over the world.

I can think of inquiries we've gotten that I would love to have been able to send your way. Sometimes it's really necessary to get the word out, and I'd suggest that you try to get the announcement, once the school is launched, on as many related websites as possible. People need to know what is available.

Maxine Schacker
October 5th, 2009, 05:22 PM
Quilly, you should absolutely do your part and check out all the schools you hear about. Look at curriculum, class size, who the instructors are. Find out if you can speak with recent graduates and current students. Then short list the schools that seem to be what you are looking for. If possible, visit year end shows.

Different schools are a good fit for different people! Good luck. I hope you find the right school for you.

Storyboard Dave
October 29th, 2009, 01:34 AM
There's a National Portfolio Day held in Ann Arbor, MI at the University of Michigan this weekend (October 31st) to which a fair amount of huge art schools will be there to help guide you if you're interested:

http://www.aicad.org/portfolio.htm

Storyboard Dave
October 29th, 2009, 01:38 AM
I just noticed there's a National Portfolio Day possibly closer to you in Rochester, NY on November 8th at RIT. Again, it's a chance to go meet a fair amount of really reputable top notch schools.

Good luck!