Our son has been accepted to both, SCAD and Ringling art colleges...????

[reesecup]

FINFAN -- Well, for us to save some on the cost, he would probably room with his best friend from UNCSA whose family has a vacation home (happens to be within walking distance to Publix so that is a big plus) so he would need to drive back and forth to campus and that's ok but I'm just a bit squeamish about him having to drive back and forth on very late nights with the one area by the school not being that good. Would like him to live on campus but again, it would save us a LOT of money if he roomed with his best friend and he is pretty sick of dorm style rooms since that is what he has had at UNCSA for the past 2 years. I doubt he would make it out to the beach very much either unless I'm down to visit. His life right now consists living in the studio when school is in session.

msmayor-- That is interesting! I thought maybe they said on the tour it was high for job placement. I know Ringling is as well. I am wondering if it comes down to the major. Maybe Ringling is known more for getting those in Animation and Illustration more and Savannah other areas? I don't know, I'm just wondering. I'm still researching. I am guessing also that a lot of it depends on the student. If they are very hard working, are serious about their classwork and network a lot, (and have a great deal of talent), it won't matter an extreme deal with which school (although we do want one that offers many recruitment opportunities) they attend. And I guess that is why we are kind of still leaning toward Ringling just because we feel Chase's personality would probably fit in better with a smaller school. But I have to say I loved Savannah so much. I wanted to go there. haha. And spend a lot of time in the "napping chair" they showed us on tour (Chase was not impressed with that stuff at all....he's more simple and just was interested in what items would be available to him to create the art he loves to do. He probably won't have too much time to nap anyway...lol....). I also loved Sarasota and wish we had spent an extra day there exploring but we HAD to have time to fit in some Mickey time. haha


I thought I clicked the quote icon to respond but it did not show up. You can tell I don't get on here all that much!

 

[FINFAN]

if the vaca home is near Publix he is ok driving that direction (if taking 41) the area south of campus is fine. Mostly MLK and a bit north Myrtle, but pretty much after that is fine as well, especially once at University Parkway. The busses won't run the times he needs tho for late nights. If his friend is attending and driving tho I'm sure they can work something out. Parking would be a bigger concern to me on campus. The Bayou does ticket..and so does Greensboro. One key thing about being on campus tho is meeting people. A support group of friends is pretty important. The first year is normal at Ringling, but by the time my DD was a Junior, well you know the saying you can have 2 of 3...sleep, social life school..she had 1~school. The house being close to Publix is a win as they can get food, something my DD barely had time to shop for. Lots of kids hit the Marina for drawing etc. and downtown Sarasota has so many places to eat etc (if in the budget) IIRC they also hit the Jungle Gardens to sketch (pretty sure the school gets them passes or very cheap entrance) and of course they hit the Ringling Mansion/Gardens. Pretty cool place tho. And yes, the school offers trips tp hit the theme parks here and there for things like HHM at Universal or day trips to WDW. Woulsdbe neat for him to see his sister! My DS was accepted into the college program 2 semesters ago but sadly declined it. He had the tough choice of timing and pre-req classes that would have set him back so he stayed on track. He may apply again once he is done with school...he was kinda freaked by all the kids saying they were termed from drinking etc. He doesn't really partake but knows room mates do , so he is waiting until he is 21 so he is free and clear of any guilty by association stuff. Now that his sister is in Orlando too, he has a place to stay hopefully. However he is a Colorado/Arizona guy at heart so who knows.
Back to your DS...you mentioned he may be a better match for a smaller school, my DD was the same. Matter of fact her H.S. was larger than Ringling lol..like, double. Her boyfriend was also accepted to Ringling, and then they both took jobs back here in Chicago (landed the same studio lol) for a few months to rejuvenate~then both got offers in San Francisco, and then my dd stuck to her FL plan...so they did have each others support throughout, but made solid friends in college who literally are all in the same areas. It's almost like they didn't leave school. Some of the companies alumi are at (off the top of my head) Sledgehammer games, Pixar, Dreamworks,EA, Sony, Disney, Zynga,Blue Sky,Moonbot...and a LOT of smaller game studios etc. Your DS will most likely be working on either coast so tell him to keep cost of living in mind

 

[reesecup]

I keep telling him if he stays off campus how important it will be to still be involved and meet people ON campus. He's a very likable person so I think he will okay. The only people he usually does not get along too well are ones who feel they are superior than others and even at that, if they are nice to him, he will most certainly be nice back.
He's used to the demand and so I think he will be okay with that. The VA program at UNCSA is extremely intense and allows very little down time-- Bad socially but good in the fact it has provided him to have a wonderful portfolio and to win Gold Keys at the Scholastics competition for his whole portfolio. We hope it will get him at least a little money with Ringling. It has with the other two. Sometimes, I wish he had applied at RISD as well because I've heard great things about it also. I just wonder if KCAI is not going to come back with almost a full ride. That would make it even more difficult. BUT, as weird as this may sound, I sometimes don't feel a full ride does kids justice. I think they need to realize things aren't always handed to them (although he has worked his tail off to get to this point) and that they need to work a little to help pay for their education (summer). Although, I'm sure their summers may end up being just as busy. His friend landed an internship for this summer already and he is just a freshman. I know Ringling does not offer full rides and offers the least in scholarship money but we will see what he can get.

It does worry me a bit about the international competition that is being projected for the future of animation and concept art / character design but Chase has said he would enjoy doing illustrations for children's books , etc. He's opened up a bit more from the Disney/Pixar (comparable companies) than he used to. He's not one to be into just the money aspect of it. He just wants to have a job he loves doing. Of course, the sad thing is, we need to look at paying back school loans and making sure he at least has a decent salary. One thing for sure is, he may not be the BEST artist at whatever college he ends up. He wasn't necessarily the best at UNCSA but he will work his tail off. The good thing is, he has already made some great friends and connections at UNCSA. All of his friends are going different ways but they will be able to network with one another, I'm sure.

Interesting about your son and the DCP. I kind of talked about that with my daughter because she will be 20. Kind of wish she had waited for next year but I told her to be VERY particular on who she chooses as roommates. She is not a huge party girl so as long as she is just not associated with it, she will be fine. She likes to have a good time but does not need alcohol (or other things) to do it. I do worry about that though because I've heard those stories. I do love that they will not be far away if he ends up in Sarasota.

 

[FINFAN]

a full ride to KCAI would be something to consider, for sure. I mean, he could take that and if he still wanted, attend Ringling after. There are MANY who attend there for their second career choice, I kid you not. Can you imagine if there are loans from the first 4 years and THEN Ringling? However, it's #1 top in the nation for nothing. I think it's better to NOT be the top dog, (matter of fact we told both DD and her BF to leave their egos at the door if they had any)you want your DS to attend where he will be striving up, with peers who challenge him and he feeds off of. Summers, (for the CA program anyway) were not a break. The kids left campus, sure, but the work continued. DD was able to work summers but having her stuff ready for classes in the fall was key...the process is continual throughout the 4 years. Spring Break Junior/Senior years? Unless you count getting a monitor tan in the labs a break, it didn't happen lol. Hang in there...he has to be at peace with his choice for it to be successful, no matter what he has an awesome problem, deciding which top school to attend!

 

[reesecup]

I agree about the top dog status. That is the one thing we've loved where he is now. They are all so supportive of one another and the ones who did have any kind of jealousy or pretty much kept to themselves and didn't support the others, ended up leaving. They lost a lot in the program because of the demands for that department. They had assignments to do over the summer but he could probably fit in a job to give a little extra money...this summer anyway since he won't have an assignment from UNCSA or anything from the college he chooses. I'll update as soon as we hear from Ringling on $$ which should be in the next couple of weeks. Thanks for everyone's input!

 

[reesecup]

Well, we have an update. Just got his scholarship package from Ringling. It's not exactly where we want it to be but to their standards (because they give very little money....were told that directly and from others we have talked with) it's nice. He was told in it he was one of the top applicants for 2014 in the Illustration Dept and in the top 2 percent of over 1,500 applicants from around the world. That was nice to hear.

Now, we will see if FAFSA will help any. My husband and I are both self employed with small businesses so it may help a little. Plus, if he can not have to pay the boarding and food cost, that may help. Not sure if he decides to live off campus if it will reduce the scholarship though. It does not say that. It only says he has to maintain a 2.5 gpa each year.

Any other insight would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

 

[FINFAN]

Well, we have an update. Just got his scholarship package from Ringling. It's not exactly where we want it to be but to their standards (because they give very little money....were told that directly and from others we have talked with) it's nice. He was told in it he was one of the top applicants for 2014 in the Illustration Dept and in the top 2 percent of over 1,500 applicants from around the world. That was nice to hear.

Now, we will see if FAFSA will help any. My husband and I are both self employed with small businesses so it may help a little. Plus, if he can not have to pay the boarding and food cost, that may help. Not sure if he decides to live off campus if it will reduce the scholarship though. It does not say that. It only says he has to maintain a 2.5 gpa each year.

Any other insight would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

Congrat's to your DS! Yeah, IIRC the President's award is usually $10,000 a year and that's the biggie. a lot of kids become RA's to knock room and board off the total as well. When a school is over 45 grand a year, you really have to think long and hard about. I talked to my DD and she said salaries are dropping a bit (like everywhere else)for the CA area an average is around 50 o year but since rent is insane, if you have loans it can be rough. Those same positions were offering maybe 55-60 a year or 2 ago. Hopefully you will hear from KCAI soon. Any student who has a full ride is at a serious advantage when starting their career as they can accept any position that they feel will contribute greatly to their body of work instead of being trapped in working at a place that may pay well but is a waste of their talent, hard work at school

 

[reesecup]

Thank you! I guess it feels good to know he got one of the big ones! I know we can knock off the room and board since he could live at his friend's parent's home. That would help a lot. Just don't know if he does that, if the scholarship will be reduced any. He will probably try and do work study also if at all possible. His friend is doing it and is working it in his schedule ok. Yes, just don't know about KCAI. We don't want him to be in debt when he graduates but we also want him to be happy wherever he ends up. Also, still don't know about SCAD. The research I've done has made me even more confused!

 

[reesecup]

Well, it's looking like it's going to be RINGLING!!!! He got the great scholarship and then a grant through the school. We will get him to do work study and as long as our FAFSA information doesn't change too much next year, I hope we will be okay. Will stay have to pay quite a bit but we have gone over this with him and we will pay a certain amount and then he knows the rest is going to be on him. After visiting there, it's the only place that has been on his mind! We sure hope it all goes well. Very exciting but very nervous!!

We will probably move him in around the first week of August and then drive up to move our daughter in for her internship at WDW!

Thanks for all of your input. I sure hope we are making the right decision!

 

[Robinrs]

Well, it's looking like it's going to be RINGLING!!!! He got the great scholarship and then a grant through the school. We will get him to do work study and as long as our FAFSA information doesn't change too much next year, I hope we will be okay. Will stay have to pay quite a bit but we have gone over this with him and we will pay a certain amount and then he knows the rest is going to be on him. After visiting there, it's the only place that has been on his mind! We sure hope it all goes well. Very exciting but very nervous!!

We will probably move him in around the first week of August and then drive up to move our daughter in for her internship at WDW!

Thanks for all of your input. I sure hope we are making the right decision!

Congratulations to you and your son!!

I know how exciting this is and how proud you must be!!

 

[Chernabog#1fan]

Hi - I just went to the Dine with an Imagineer on 3/28 and was discussing Ringling with him as my daughter wants to pursue going there. I know you have already made your decision, but wanted to just let you know that he recommended SCAD as they have been working quite a bit with them. He did state that Ringling was very good as well.

Congrats to your son on getting into both and getting the great scholarship!

 

[reesecup]

Hi - I just went to the Dine with an Imagineer on 3/28 and was discussing Ringling with him as my daughter wants to pursue going there. I know you have already made your decision, but wanted to just let you know that he recommended SCAD as they have been working quite a bit with them. He did state that Ringling was very good as well.

Congrats to your son on getting into both and getting the great scholarship!

Oh, geez!!!! I have been so confused because I keep hearing this back and forth (one over the other). I'm wondering if the Imagineer was talking just about animation (is that what you asked)? Because he wants to go into illustration and from everything I have researched, Ringling is the top dog for that. He would love to work for Disney but would also like any of the other top companies doing character development, story board or concept art. He also would enjoy doing illustrations for children's books. I will pass this on to him. SCAD did offer a great scholarship as well and we have not found out about FAFSA yet but figure he would get some from them as well. They do have to maintain a 3.0 gpa for their scholarship where Ringling is 2.5. I don't think he would have a problem with the 3.0 but still....

 

[reesecup]

Congratulations to you and your son!!

I know how exciting this is and how proud you must be!!

Thank you so much! It is a very exciting time. And yes, we are very proud parents

 

[Hannathy]

Oh, geez!!!! I have been so confused because every time I keep hearing this back and forth. I'm wondering if it's just for animation because he wants to go into illustration and from everything I have researched, Ringling is the top dog for that. He would love to work for Disney but would also like any of the other top companies doing character development, story board or concept art. He also would enjoy doing illustrations for children's books. I will pass this on to him. SCAD did offer a great scholarship as well and we have not found out about FAFSA yet but figure he would get some from them as well. They do have to maintain a 3.0 gpa for their scholarship where Ringling is 2.5. I don't think he would have a problem with the 3.0 but still....

Just a heads up work study isn't as easy to get as it used to be. My DD didn't qualify and we are very far from being well off. The schools don't have much to give any more. She is working on campus but it isn't work study so you can still find a job but have to look a bit harder.

 

[reesecup]

Thank you! One of his best friends is at Ringling right now and got a work study job this semester so we are hopeful Chase will also. It's not that much money though but would help with gas and food, etc.

 

[Chernabog#1fan]

Oh, geez!!!! I have been so confused because I keep hearing this back and forth (one over the other). I'm wondering if the Imagineer was talking just about animation (is that what you asked)? Because he wants to go into illustration and from everything I have researched, Ringling is the top dog for that. He would love to work for Disney but would also like any of the other top companies doing character development, story board or concept art. He also would enjoy doing illustrations for children's books. I will pass this on to him. SCAD did offer a great scholarship as well and we have not found out about FAFSA yet but figure he would get some from them as well. They do have to maintain a 3.0 gpa for their scholarship where Ringling is 2.5. I don't think he would have a problem with the 3.0 but still....

She was asking for purposes of hand drawn animation. He was saying that most of the imagineers that have children going to school for animation have chosen SCAD. He is not sure, but says they take the Florida Bright Scholarship at SCAD which may be the main reason why. It looks like SCAD is a bit cheaper as well. He did not have anything negative to say about Ringling though. He thinks highly of both schools. He did tell her though that while drawing is important, she should be prepared to do computer animation as well.

 

[reesecup]

Thanks!! Yes, it is cheaper (for most). It would not come out much cheaper for us just because of housing/boarding. Our son can live in the vacation home of his best friend's family so that would be much cheaper than him living on campus. I loved both schools to be honest but was just afraid for Chase that SCAD was a bit larger and feel he would do better in a smaller school. But, maybe we will see what the final amount with SCAD would be. SCAD definitely is closer to home (5 hours)! And I loved Savannah but also loved Sarasota. Anyone else want to chime in before we have to get our deposit in by May 1st?!

 

[sharbear]

Don't second guess your decision! He loves Ringling, it works financially and it's where he decided to go. You can go and obsess forever but I think the first decision you made is great. Don't worry, enjoy! Congrats! It sounds like a great choice!

 

[FINFAN]

Just saw your update! I think if the finances are where you need them to be, Chase is making a great choice! Environment is key~if he is most "at home" at Ringling he will have overcome a huge hurdle. I would tho, maybe if possible, look into the overall cost in case he would like to be on campus for at least his freshman year or even his senior year when they are on campus so much and trying to have time for both projects and recruiters. I would add that 10 grand into the budget. I know it sounds dumb since he has a cheaper off campus option, but I think if Chase knows he has the option for both on-off campus living he may appreciate it. I know he is Illustration and not CA but my DD saw very little of her place Junior/Senior year..lived at the labs .
BUT to Chase...the world needs !

 

[FINFAN]

and I'm sure you have seen this, but it shows how Seniors need to allow time for the recruiting process


http://www.ringling.edu/campus-stud...eer-services/employers/recruiters-and-quotes/

I'm sure Chase will do quite well at RCAD~and even if he can't get work study, Publix can be a good option for some as they offer a very flexible schedule . He will have the most physical time for work his Freshman year and hopefully he can earn some this summer to put away for his food costs. To me that was the real budget buster. DD didn't eat anywhere NEAR the cost of what board was. Getting into her apartment helped cut that cost. Did he hear from KCAI?