SCAD versus FIT

[kpgantt]

I'm beginning to research schools offering degrees in fashion design was wondering what the difference in quality of education would be between SCAD and FIT? I do know that SCAD is almost 3x more expensive...which weighs pretty heavily. Any information on both schools would be most appreciated! I have been to both websites....but naturally they both paint themselves with beautiful colors.

[Taxguy]

Better question: Why would anyone want to go to SCAD over FIT for fashion unless given a huge scholarship from SCAD?

[kpgantt]

snarky but point taken! thanks!

[Taxguy]

Sorry,I didn't mean it to be snarky. I was actually curious why you would consider SCAD over FIT,which is one of the most recognized schools of fashion in the US. In addition, FIT, even without a scholarship, is much less expensive than SCAD.It's like someone asking about Harvard vs. Iowa state, where Harvard would also have been cheaper.

Now if you are asking solely about SCAD, it probably is a decent school for fashion. Is it in the same league as Parsons or FIT, I would bet not.

[kpgantt]

Okay thanks again. I really had no idea there was that big of a difference. I have tried to find rankings online which is impossible...FIT gets mixed student reviews from the few resources I have found, but I suppose it's usually the disgruntled ones that take the time to write the review. NYC is such an intimidating move for a small town girl from SC, but I suppose if I think I'm going to make it in the fashion world I better grab myself by the ovaries and take a jump! The first of many.

[Taxguy]

If you are interested, here are some top schools in fashion presented in no particular order:

1. Parson School of Design
2. FIT
3. Pratt Institute
4. University of Cincinnati ( especially for their coop)]
5. FIDM: Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising: More of a trade school.
6. RISD
7. SCAD
8. Academy of Art University
9.Florida State University has a program too

[lagiaconda]

I went to FIT for Illustration and I can tell you right off the bat FIT is better than SCAD. I think I've read up on SCAD and I recall they mentioned that they are pretty easy to get into and easy on the grades, and you wont really need that if you want to get a job. FIT however sits in one of the hearts of the fashion world. On top of that you get lots of opportunity to go and volunteer for things like Fashion Week. The teachers have all been in the business and know what they are talking about and there is probably a greater abundance of internships in NYC than in Georgia. Also, you get the options to get education in different subjects, because they start you off with the A.A.S program and then you have to re-apply for the B.F.A program which can be in like textile design of you could continue more with Fashion. So you don't have to feel stuck only learning about one thing. And FIT is a great place to network since there are all sorts of different majors there like business and advertising etc.

Downsides are basically this. The school is a bureaucracy, it's VERY hard to get any one on one counseling about your major. The classes are good but hectic - you'll be loaded with 8-9 sometimes 10 classes each 3-4 hours sometimes 6 hours. I'm not sure if the fashion major has block scheduling but if it does it makes adjusting your classes VERY difficult and it's very hard to hold a job. Also, you will work A LOT! I had fashion design friends that stayed very late into the night at the school working on their projects because dress forms are expensive and they aren't allowed to leave the school. NYC's materials (and simply the price of living) can be expensive and hard to get to. If you don't like the city, it's hard to bear for too long. You aren't guaranteed a job after graduation, if you want it you have to work very hard. Some people leave the school with degrees and they never use them. Also if you plan to transfer into the school, things become very difficult. They take near to NO other credits. I was a sophomore when I transferred in and they set me back two years. I was a freshman all over again.

I think FIT is a good choice, but if you want to really succeed you have to really take every opportunity to network that you can. Hope this was of some help for you. If you have any more questions let me know :).

[doubleedged]

Even as a SCAD student I'd say you'd probably be happier at FIT. Our fashion department is pretty good and has some great professors, but we also have our fair share of stinkers that I'm not even sure why they're teaching here.
Also, as SCAD is easy to get into (but not terribly easy to stay in), you end up with a lot of fashion majors who are in it because they like clothes and like to shop, not because they like to make clothes. As a result, if you're serious about fashion you're going to get a lot of people wasting your time with dumb requests about things they should do themselves. I know this is why a lot of my friends who are fashion majors are frustrated with it here.
Also, Savannah isn't exactly a town where you're going to have the easiest time doing a ton of good networking and working in the field while you're on breaks or anything like that. The school is great about bringing people in to talk to and show your work to, and a lot of the professors have some great contacts, but there's nothing like being able to get out there and sell your stuff yourself. NYC offers waaaay more opportunities for that, which alone makes it worth going to FIT over SCAD.

I don't want it to sound like I hate my school or anything, I actually love it there and am pretty darn happy with my education, but honesty seems to be the most important here ;)

[PrimaryVIVID]

^I can agree with this guy, I'm also a current student.

SCAD's acceptance rate is...way too high. There are so many kids here that have no desire to actually work hard to become good in their field, and it becomes really discouraging when you're looking for people to network with. Any fashion internship you get in NYC will trump the one you'll score in Savannah. I'd save the money and go to FIT if I were you.

The quality of the classes is pretty nice though, curriculums are very much focused on getting you beyond the standard in the industry, the library is fantastic, and the city is a beautiful change of pace from every other city I've lived in.

[RainingAgain]

Better question: Why would anyone want to go to SCAD over FIT for fashion unless given a huge scholarship from SCAD?

Taxguy, your daughter must be nearing graduation soon, and you are no longer searching for and researching colleges for her consideration. I find it interesting that you continue to visit and post on college-related discussion forums -- on one you have well over 5000 posts.

You also seem to have some bizarre fascination with SCAD, and have gone well out of your way on many occasions to post any information or opinion that paints the college in bad light. On many occasions I have had to correct you, and/or offer evidence that directly contradicted your opinion.

But, I am pleased that you listed SCAD as 9 possible choices for the OP to consider. You've come a long way as the Web's self-appointed authority on art and design colleges, especially since the days when you bashed SCAD repeatedly -- often for no relevant or justifiable cause.

You are a strange bird. Best of luck to your daughter.

[Plumberry Girl]

FIT FIT FIT FIT all the way.

Seriously, it's a very well known school.