Fine Art at Parsons or SVA?

[florascrym]

I need all the advice I can get!

I'm from London and currently doing a foundation year at Parsons. I want to major in Fine Art, but many people tell me the faculty at SVA are much better!

However, would it be wrong to transfer when I have just received 2 scholarships from Parsons, which means I get around 50% of my tuition fees paid for the next 3 years?

Time is another issue. I have just realized the SVA portfolio requirements involve 2 essays. If anyone has done/doing the foundation year at Parsons, they will know how demanding the work-load is. (Particularly if one sets really high standards for oneself). The deadline for SVA is March 1st and I don’t really have time to write the essays, as well as the statement, organise my best work, request references etc etc. (I already work until 2am pretty much every night and take off half a day a week!).

But if anyone thinks it is really worth it- ie that the fine art degree at SVA is considerably better than Parsons- then I am willing to put all my energy into completing the application.

Moreover, the only way I can justify transferring to SVA, is if they give me the scholarship. Otherwise, Parsons would still work out cheaper. Can anyone from SVA advise me on how difficult it is to acquire their merit-based scholarship? Because that will effect my decision too!

Any advice will be VERY APPRECIATED!

Thankyou,
Flora

[Giacomo]

Hi Flora--

I attended another art school, but in my twelve years living in New York I've taken many evening classes at both Parsons and SVA. Both programs are decent, but in my opinion SVA is a bit more rigorous in terms of technique.

If you think SVA might be a better fit for you, you should put in whatever time it takes to apply for their scholarship. (Also, you might want to walk up to SVA and talk to some of the faculty and see if you really think they are better. After all, the two schools are only about ten blocks apart. ;) )

[florascrym]

thankyou!