College Admissions Questions (4 Viewers)

[belljr]

Good Luck.

Now imagine applying to 20 schools like my son did. Was like a 2nd job filling out all that paperwork.

In the end, as a freshmen at Stevens he loves the school & Hoboken. Wish he got along with his room mate though.

Weird experience dropping off your oldest at school. Happy he’s only 45 minutes away but I still miss him. Really looking forward to seeing him when he comes home for Thanksgiving.

Stevens just made our list. My daughter is a junior and is looking to play softball there

 

[Nigel]

Today is National Letter of Intent day, and my son's high school had a ceremony this morning for the 8 boys in his class committed to play D1 sports in college. While there's technically nothing to sign for Ivy recruits (no athletic scholarships/no NLIs), they send the kids Likely Letters to serve a similar purpose. The boys all sat together for photos at a table in the fanciest room on campus wearing garb from the schools they are committed to (Harvard, Cornell, Brown, Dartmouth (2), Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, Virginia), with their name and college logo on a placard in front of each, then a quick individual photo session for each kid with parents and coaches. It was so awesome to see my son up there with such an impressive group of his peers, some of them among his best friends. A proud day for my wife and I. 

 

[belljr]

Today is National Letter of Intent day, and my son's high school had a ceremony this morning for the 8 boys in his class committed to play D1 sports in college. While there's technically nothing to sign for Ivy recruits (no athletic scholarships/no NLIs), they send the kids Likely Letters to serve a similar purpose. The boys all sat together for photos at a table in the fanciest room on campus wearing garb from the schools they are committed to (Harvard, Cornell, Brown, Dartmouth (2), Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, Virginia), with their name and college logo on a placard in front of each, then a quick individual photo session for each kid with parents and coaches. It was so awesome to see my son up there with such an impressive group of his peers, some of them among his best friends. A proud day for my wife and I. 

Some D3 does something similar

 

[El Floppo]

Today is National Letter of Intent day, and my son's high school had a ceremony this morning for the 8 boys in his class committed to play D1 sports in college. While there's technically nothing to sign for Ivy recruits (no athletic scholarships/no NLIs), they send the kids Likely Letters to serve a similar purpose. The boys all sat together for photos at a table in the fanciest room on campus wearing garb from the schools they are committed to (Harvard, Cornell, Brown, Dartmouth (2), Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, Virginia), with their name and college logo on a placard in front of each, then a quick individual photo session for each kid with parents and coaches. It was so awesome to see my son up there with such an impressive group of his peers, some of them among his best friends. A proud day for my wife and I. 

Nice! very cool thing to do for them. Where is he going (I've forgotten if you've mentioned already)? and congrats!

wait... the schools have accepted these kids already?

I'm clueless to how this all plays out now. as a former Ivy athlete, even the schools where I was heavily recruited- they couldn't tell me about my acceptance until I got that letter from the admissions office in Feb or March. Only UC Berkley told me on the spot during my recruiting trip in the fall that I was in.

 

[belljr]

Nice! very cool thing to do for them. Where is he going (I've forgotten if you've mentioned already)? and congrats!

wait... the schools have accepted these kids already?

I'm clueless to how this all plays out now. as a former Ivy athlete, even the schools where I was heavily recruited- they couldn't tell me about my acceptance until I got that letter from the admissions office in Feb or March. Only UC Berkley told me on the spot during my recruiting trip in the fall that I was in.

I can't speak for everyone, but usually coaches have taken your transcripts, run them through the school and get your name bumped in the acceptance pile. You will then apply for early admission. So they are signing their "intent" letter saying they are accepting the coaches spot on the roster, but they are not technically in the school yet. That however is just a formality at this point

 

[Nigel]

Nice! very cool thing to do for them. Where is he going (I've forgotten if you've mentioned already)? and congrats!

wait... the schools have accepted these kids already?

I'm clueless to how this all plays out now. as a former Ivy athlete, even the schools where I was heavily recruited- they couldn't tell me about my acceptance until I got that letter from the admissions office in Feb or March. Only UC Berkley told me on the spot during my recruiting trip in the fall that I was in.

For non-Ivy D1s there is an actual letter/contract that states how much of an athletic scholarship is being given, and what the total aid package is. They have a week to sign, and once signed its binding unless the student does something horribly wrong (trouble with law, flunks out of school, etc), or both parties agree to part ways. And once signed coaches from other teams cannot contact committed kids. 

For Ivy's, since there are no athletic scholarships, they send a Likely Letter for athletes that basically says you are a lock to be admitted unless something about your academic record or standing in society changes substantially for the worse. This is not legally binding but it very rarely goes sideways between now and whenever they send out early decision acceptances in mid-December. My son applied early to Brown and got his Likely Letter this past Monday.

Having been through the regular admissions wringer with my daughter a couple of years ago I fully appreciate all of this as a tremendous blessing. 

 

[bigbottom]

For non-Ivy D1s there is an actual letter/contract that states how much of an athletic scholarship is being given, and what the total aid package is. They have a week to sign, and once signed its binding unless the student does something horribly wrong (trouble with law, flunks out of school, etc), or both parties agree to part ways. And once signed coaches from other teams cannot contact committed kids. 

For Ivy's, since there are no athletic scholarships, they send a Likely Letter for athletes that basically says you are a lock to be admitted unless something about your academic record or standing in society changes substantially for the worse. This is not legally binding but it very rarely goes sideways between now and whenever they send out early decision acceptances in mid-December. My son applied early to Brown and got his Likely Letter this past Monday.

Having been through the regular admissions wringer with my daughter a couple of years ago I fully appreciate all of this as a tremendous blessing. 

Wow, that is so awesome!  Congrats to your kiddo. 

 

[Workhorse]

Big day in the Workhorse household: My daughter was accepted into the zoology program at her top choice: Colorado State. Such a great fit for her in so many ways. Barring something unforeseen, she will be a Ram in the fall. Visiting the campus next month and will most likely send in her deposit by New Years.

 

[bigbottom]

Big day in the Workhorse household: My daughter was accepted into the zoology program at her top choice: Colorado State. Such a great fit for her in so many ways. Barring something unforeseen, she will be a Ram in the fall. Visiting the campus next month and will most likely send in her deposit by New Years.

congratulations!!!

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Big day in the Workhorse household: My daughter was accepted into the zoology program at her top choice: Colorado State. Such a great fit for her in so many ways. Barring something unforeseen, she will be a Ram in the fall. Visiting the campus next month and will most likely send in her deposit by New Years.

Great city. You’ll enjoy visiting. 

 

[Galileo]

Wow...so many acceptances already.  Congrats!  Seems so early.  My daughter sent 4 of 7 planned applications before a Nov 1st deadline, but I can't imagine hearing anything this early.  I wouldn't figure we'd hear anything until the new year/early spring.    

Hoping in the car tomorrow morning for a visit to Carnegie Mellon and then onto Lehigh...

 

[zoobird]

My daughter sent 4 of 7 planned applications before a Nov 1st deadline, but I can't imagine hearing anything this early.  I wouldn't figure we'd hear anything until the new year/early spring.    

Those November 1st deadline applications should get responses from the schools in mid-December.

Curious to hear about the visit to Carnegie-Mellon.  My daughter will apply there, but we haven't visited.

 

[zoobird]

Those November 1st deadline applications should get responses from the schools in mid-December.

Sorry - that's almost completely wrong.  Mid-December for early decision, but a few weeks later for early admission.

 

[Workhorse]

Wow...so many acceptances already.  Congrats!  Seems so early.  My daughter sent 4 of 7 planned applications before a Nov 1st deadline, but I can't imagine hearing anything this early.  I wouldn't figure we'd hear anything until the new year/early spring.    

Hoping in the car tomorrow morning for a visit to Carnegie Mellon and then onto Lehigh...

If the schools are rolling admissions, like the ones my daughter applied to, the decisions come out typically 3-6 weeks after the application is completed. 

 

[MindCrime]

If the schools are rolling admissions, like the ones my daughter applied to, the decisions come out typically 3-6 weeks after the application is completed. 

My son got his decision in 13 days, i was blown away, didn’t expect anything that quick even though I knew they were rolling admissions.

 

[The Noid]

Wow...so many acceptances already.  Congrats!  Seems so early.  My daughter sent 4 of 7 planned applications before a Nov 1st deadline, but I can't imagine hearing anything this early.  I wouldn't figure we'd hear anything until the new year/early spring.    

Hoping in the car tomorrow morning for a visit to Carnegie Mellon and then onto Lehigh...

Of the 5 my son submitted in Common App on the same day in October, the 2 smallest schools were the quickest. The first was 8 days later, the second was about 14 days. But since then, nothing from the 2 medium schools or 1 large school. I imagine the smaller schools try to turn them around quick to try and snag some kids before the bigger schools get to them.

 

[El Floppo]

With NYC public middle schools (a lot of which are pretty great, tbh) switching from a screened application process looking at grades, state test scores and attendance (along with occasional in-school specific tests or essays) where you knew if the kid was doing well (as 5th grade Floppinha has done), they'd be able to go to any number of amazing schools... the entire city and all those wonderful schools have switched to a completely blind lottery that takes none of that into account- which means Floppinha may get excluded from these places she's worked hard for until now, and could end up anywhere- including some of the pretty terrible middle schools out there. 

Because of that, and after seeing the process for HS for Floppinho and seeing how amazing it's been for him, we've decided to apply to the world of Private schools for Floppinha as well (including his school).

She's a different kid, however. Less "on paper" obviously a slam dunk despite doing great with lots of love from her teachers. Because of covid, she'd never taken a state test before- and didn't exactly crush the Private School test she just took (ISEE)... needing to retake it. Add into that that we still need a metric ton of FA, we're feeling even more uncertain about this.

I'm hoping the City announces the public and private school admittances at the same time they way they previously did before covid- so we can make an informed decision (if she even gets into any of the private schools with the right FA) and not have to plunk money down blind to the public school offering.

 

[El Floppo]

and I know. this process is ... for freaking Middle School!

 

[Fear The Turtle]

and I know. this process is ... for freaking Middle School!

Condolences.

 

[bigbottom]

My son got his responses ranging from October (earliest) to March (latest).

 

[Foosball God]

I just finished my daughter's Cal State Apply app.  I signed up for an application workshop though so that they can check what I've done.  Cal Poly Slo is my daughter's top choice, and it's super hard to get into, so I don't want to mess it up.

I still haven't even touched the Common app for her secondary choices yet. 

 

[El Floppo]

I just finished my daughter's Cal State Apply app.  I signed up for an application workshop though so that they can check what I've done.  Cal Poly Slo is my daughter's top choice, and it's super hard to get into, so I don't want to mess it up.

I still haven't even touched the Common app for her secondary choices yet. 

GL!

Cal Poly was super tough to get into back in my day...it must be fort Knox levels at this point.

What does she want to study? And where else has those programs?

 

[Foosball God]

GL!

Cal Poly was super tough to get into back in my day...it must be fort Knox levels at this point.

What does she want to study? And where else has those programs?

She wants to get into their Graphic Communication program, which hopefully isn't quite as hard to get into as some of Cal Poly's other programs, but it's still going to be tough.  There are a few other places that have a specific degree for Graphic Communication (Not the same as Graphic Design).  Ferris State, Illinois State, Western Michigan, Georgia Southern, University of Houston, Northern Iowa.

She fell in love with Cal Poly though based on their YouTube videos about the program and the campus.  Going to be a hard pill to swallow if she doesn't make it.  I'm trying to temper expectations a bit, but I really hope she gets in because I do think it's a great fit for her.

 

[El Floppo]

Graphic Communication

it's where you swear at people a lot, unfiltered-like. 

right?

 

[Foosball God]

it's where you swear at people a lot, unfiltered-like. 

right?

One of few skills I passed on to her

 

[soothsayer]

I just finished my daughter's Cal State Apply app.  I signed up for an application workshop though so that they can check what I've done.  Cal Poly Slo is my daughter's top choice, and it's super hard to get into, so I don't want to mess it up.

I still haven't even touched the Common app for her secondary choices yet. 

Question - and I swear I'm not trying to be snarky or a richard. Why are you touching or completing your daughter's application? Is she not doing that herself? It's entirely possible I've missed something about your situation here which is why I'm asking.

My son wouldn't let me anywhere near his applications. He wouldn't let me double-check them or offer any feedback on what he wrote. He was 100% flying solo and he made it clear that he wanted to make it happen on his own. I really wanted to at least help him a little and he wouldn't have it. Now, I wish he had that same attitude about PAYING for college. Lol.

 

[bigbottom]

Question - and I swear I'm not trying to be snarky or a richard. Why are you touching or completing your daughter's application? Is she not doing that herself? It's entirely possible I've missed something about your situation here which is why I'm asking.

My son wouldn't let me anywhere near his applications. He wouldn't let me double-check them or offer any feedback on what he wrote. He was 100% flying solo and he made it clear that he wanted to make it happen on his own. I really wanted to at least help him a little and he wouldn't have it. Now, I wish he had that same attitude about PAYING for college. Lol.

LOL. I negotiated with my son to let me proof his finalized essays for typos.  That was all I got. Our agreement prohibited me from making any comments or suggestions about content. Every essay was deemed final but for any typos I caught (just a couple across probably 25 essays).

 

[El Floppo]

Question - and I swear I'm not trying to be snarky or a richard. Why are you touching or completing your daughter's application? Is she not doing that herself? It's entirely possible I've missed something about your situation here which is why I'm asking.

My son wouldn't let me anywhere near his applications. He wouldn't let me double-check them or offer any feedback on what he wrote. He was 100% flying solo and he made it clear that he wanted to make it happen on his own. I really wanted to at least help him a little and he wouldn't have it. Now, I wish he had that same attitude about PAYING for college. Lol.

I don't get it.

I mean- I get it, if it's about making wholesale changes or taking control over it... but just as another set of eyes to make sure all the Ts & As got checked out and patted (so to speak)? To make sure nothing is getting left out or obviously wrong... I do this as a 50+yo professional all the time if I can.

eta: ah. I see... the OP said HE just finished the app. 

 

[Foosball God]

Question - and I swear I'm not trying to be snarky or a richard. Why are you touching or completing your daughter's application? Is she not doing that herself? It's entirely possible I've missed something about your situation here which is why I'm asking.

My son wouldn't let me anywhere near his applications. He wouldn't let me double-check them or offer any feedback on what he wrote. He was 100% flying solo and he made it clear that he wanted to make it happen on his own. I really wanted to at least help him a little and he wouldn't have it. Now, I wish he had that same attitude about PAYING for college. Lol.

It's a fair question, it's just the data entry part.  She will likely have to submit a portfolio, which is all her work, and she's of course doing her own essay.

 

[Foosball God]

It's more of a favor to her, the application to this point is all about just entering classes, grades, contact info, etc.  She's been doing a ton of after school activities, working on her Girl Scout Gold award project etc.  So I'm helping by filling in the boring stuff.

 

[Sinn Fein]

LOL. I negotiated with my son to let me proof his finalized essays for typos.  That was all I got. Our agreement prohibited me from making any comments or suggestions about content. Every essay was deemed final but for any typos I caught (just a couple across probably 25 essays).

Older daughter was similar - I was ok with staying out, but did require that she get feed back from her English teacher, and her Aunt - who works in college admissions - before she submitted essays.

 

[ericttspikes]

This thread was really helpful as a parent going through the college process for the first time. I thought I'd share an update:

My freshman daughter chose Purdue and enrolled in engineering. After almost one semester in she absolutely loves it there. Her engineering classes are very basic first semester, so she doesn't have a great feel for her major yet, but she seems to be blossoming there living on her own and really taking advantage of all that Purdue has to offer. 

She tried out for marching band but didn't make it as only 2 freshmen in her section out of like 50 kids made it. Although really bummed, she is still very involved in music and after being cut for marching, auditioned and was second chair in the woodwind ensemble this semester. She also participated in the Purdue Box Band that plays at the women's volleyball games. They're ranked #8 in the country so she's had a chance to see some really competitive games.

She's also participating in various clubs and activities. She volunteered her time for the Purdue marching band VMT program which manages band activities and does technical work like outfitting the band with lighting for special performances and instrument maintenance. The kid loves music and I'm glad she's finding ways to be involved. 

She's also in a farming club, SIGBots and the D&D club. SIGBots is kind of like battle bots without the destruction. It's been a good experience to do some basic real world, hands-on, electrical work since her First Year Engineering classes are rudimentary right now.

Overall, I'm happy and relieved. She seems like she's adapting well. She has clinical anxiety that was really debilitating in HS and as parents we were worried it would really hamper her adjustment in college. I'm sure it still is an issue, but happy she is finding her way and being active. 

I honestly wasn't anywhere near as involved or active as she is my freshman year, however she doesn't do drugs or drink beer like I did, so I'm sure the mental clarity helps. lol. Just relieved that she seems to have made the right choice for her and hope she continues to thrive. As a bonus, it's an easy commute from Chicago for us and it's been fun for us to visit several times too.

This is a great thread for advice and support! Thanks to all who helped and answered along the way.

 

[bigbottom]

This thread was really helpful as a parent going through the college process for the first time. I thought I'd share an update:

My freshman daughter chose Purdue and enrolled in engineering. After almost one semester in she absolutely loves it there. Her engineering classes are very basic first semester, so she doesn't have a great feel for her major yet, but she seems to be blossoming there living on her own and really taking advantage of all that Purdue has to offer. 

She tried out for marching band but didn't make it as only 2 freshmen in her section out of like 50 kids made it. Although really bummed, she is still very involved in music and after being cut for marching, auditioned and was second chair in the woodwind ensemble this semester. She also participated in the Purdue Box Band that plays at the women's volleyball games. Their ranked #8 in the country so she's had a chance to see some really competitive games.

She's also participating in various clubs and activities. She volunteered her time for the Purdue marching band VMT program which manages band activities and does technical work like outfitting the band with lighting for special performances and instrument maintenance. The kid loves music and I'm glad she's finding ways to be involved. 

She's also in a farming club, SIGBots and the D&D club. SIGBots is kind of like battle bots without the destruction. It's been a good experience to do some basic real world, hands-on, electrical work since her First Year Engineering classes are rudimentary right now.

Overall, I'm happy and relieved. She seems like she's adapting well. She has clinical anxiety that was really debilitating in HS and as parents we were worried it would really hamper her adjustment in college. I'm sure it still is an issue, but happy she is finding her way and being active. 

I honestly wasn't anywhere near as involved or active as she is my freshman year, however she doesn't do drugs or drink beer like I did, so I'm sure the mental clarity helps. lol. Just relieved that she seems to have made the right choice for her and hope she continues to thrive. As a bonus, it's an easy commute from Chicago for us and it's been fun for us to visit several times too.

This is a great thread for advice and support! Thanks to all who helped and answered along the way.

That is so awesome. We were super impressed by Purdue’s engineering program and really enjoyed our campus visit. We also went to a Chinese restaurant while there and I was floored at how legit/authentic it was. Come to learn that West Lafayette has the largest Chinese population in the state. 

 

[El Floppo]

This thread was really helpful as a parent going through the college process for the first time. I thought I'd share an update:

My freshman daughter chose Purdue and enrolled in engineering. After almost one semester in she absolutely loves it there. Her engineering classes are very basic first semester, so she doesn't have a great feel for her major yet, but she seems to be blossoming there living on her own and really taking advantage of all that Purdue has to offer. 

She tried out for marching band but didn't make it as only 2 freshmen in her section out of like 50 kids made it. Although really bummed, she is still very involved in music and after being cut for marching, auditioned and was second chair in the woodwind ensemble this semester. She also participated in the Purdue Box Band that plays at the women's volleyball games. They're ranked #8 in the country so she's had a chance to see some really competitive games.

She's also participating in various clubs and activities. She volunteered her time for the Purdue marching band VMT program which manages band activities and does technical work like outfitting the band with lighting for special performances and instrument maintenance. The kid loves music and I'm glad she's finding ways to be involved. 

She's also in a farming club, SIGBots and the D&D club. SIGBots is kind of like battle bots without the destruction. It's been a good experience to do some basic real world, hands-on, electrical work since her First Year Engineering classes are rudimentary right now.

Overall, I'm happy and relieved. She seems like she's adapting well. She has clinical anxiety that was really debilitating in HS and as parents we were worried it would really hamper her adjustment in college. I'm sure it still is an issue, but happy she is finding her way and being active. 

I honestly wasn't anywhere near as involved or active as she is my freshman year, however she doesn't do drugs or drink beer like I did, so I'm sure the mental clarity helps. lol. Just relieved that she seems to have made the right choice for her and hope she continues to thrive. As a bonus, it's an easy commute from Chicago for us and it's been fun for us to visit several times too.

This is a great thread for advice and support! Thanks to all who helped and answered along the way.

shes doing more in 2 months than I did in 4 years.

 

[ericttspikes]

She wants to get into their Graphic Communication program, which hopefully isn't quite as hard to get into as some of Cal Poly's other programs, but it's still going to be tough.  There are a few other places that have a specific degree for Graphic Communication (Not the same as Graphic Design).  Ferris State, Illinois State, Western Michigan, Georgia Southern, University of Houston, Northern Iowa.

She fell in love with Cal Poly though based on their YouTube videos about the program and the campus.  Going to be a hard pill to swallow if she doesn't make it.  I'm trying to temper expectations a bit, but I really hope she gets in because I do think it's a great fit for her.

Cal Poly does look amazing. My oldest was looking at that for engineering, but I think she determined it would be to far from home for her. Beautiful looking campus though. I would of went there just to hang out and live for 4 years.

I was a Visual Communication major at Southern Illinois University (do not recommend). I did manage to become a graphic designer despite that and went on to own my own studio, but SIU was like 10 years behind the real world. I was in the class of '91 and they were teaching us stat cameras, ruling pens, galley proofs. Not one computer class at the time except something called Pixel Paint on a DOS PC. I actually had an interviewer laugh at my book when I was starting out. It was like I walked out of the 1950's, real Mad Men &%$*. Part of me is glad I learned the "old way", but I was a dinosaur at 21 and had to go to community college after I graduated to actually learn marketable design software on a Mac.

My youngest is a freshman in in HS and is a better artist than I am and will probably take the art path herself. I know Cal Arts and Rhode Island School of Design were dream destinations when I was looking and I'd imagine still really good. Northern Illinois University actually has a really good program from what I've heard.

Hope your daughter gets her first choice! I'll be keeping an eye on this thread to learn about schools with good art programs for kid #2. I'm thinking animation and game design might be good fits for her, but really don't know much about what schools are good choices to explore. I'd love to know more about Cal Poly's program if your daughter gets in. Good luck.

 

[Galileo]

This thread was really helpful as a parent going through the college process for the first time. I thought I'd share an update:

My freshman daughter chose Purdue and enrolled in engineering. After almost one semester in she absolutely loves it there. Her engineering classes are very basic first semester, so she doesn't have a great feel for her major yet, but she seems to be blossoming there living on her own and really taking advantage of all that Purdue has to offer. 

She tried out for marching band but didn't make it as only 2 freshmen in her section out of like 50 kids made it. Although really bummed, she is still very involved in music and after being cut for marching, auditioned and was second chair in the woodwind ensemble this semester. She also participated in the Purdue Box Band that plays at the women's volleyball games. They're ranked #8 in the country so she's had a chance to see some really competitive games.

She's also participating in various clubs and activities. She volunteered her time for the Purdue marching band VMT program which manages band activities and does technical work like outfitting the band with lighting for special performances and instrument maintenance. The kid loves music and I'm glad she's finding ways to be involved. 

She's also in a farming club, SIGBots and the D&D club. SIGBots is kind of like battle bots without the destruction. It's been a good experience to do some basic real world, hands-on, electrical work since her First Year Engineering classes are rudimentary right now.

Overall, I'm happy and relieved. She seems like she's adapting well. She has clinical anxiety that was really debilitating in HS and as parents we were worried it would really hamper her adjustment in college. I'm sure it still is an issue, but happy she is finding her way and being active. 

I honestly wasn't anywhere near as involved or active as she is my freshman year, however she doesn't do drugs or drink beer like I did, so I'm sure the mental clarity helps. lol. Just relieved that she seems to have made the right choice for her and hope she continues to thrive. As a bonus, it's an easy commute from Chicago for us and it's been fun for us to visit several times too.

This is a great thread for advice and support! Thanks to all who helped and answered along the way.

My son is also in the FYE program at Purdue.  He is active too.  Just about 3 weeks ago, he was busted for alcohol in the dorm. 

 

[ericttspikes]

My son is also in the FYE program at Purdue.  He is active too.  Just about 3 weeks ago, he was busted for alcohol in the dorm. 

Oh no! Any serious repercussions? Sounds like me back in the day. Freshman year me and my room mate created a pulley system to get a keg from the parking lot into our dorm room on the third floor proving that necessity is truly the mother of invention. Didn't get a grade for that project and somehow didn't get busted either.

 

[Foosball God]

Cal Poly does look amazing. My oldest was looking at that for engineering, but I think she determined it would be to far from home for her. Beautiful looking campus though. I would of went there just to hang out and live for 4 years.

I was a Visual Communication major at Southern Illinois University (do not recommend). I did manage to become a graphic designer despite that and went on to own my own studio, but SIU was like 10 years behind the real world. I was in the class of '91 and they were teaching us stat cameras, ruling pens, galley proofs. Not one computer class at the time except something called Pixel Paint on a DOS PC. I actually had an interviewer laugh at my book when I was starting out. It was like I walked out of the 1950's, real Mad Men &%$*. Part of me is glad I learned the "old way", but I was a dinosaur at 21 and had to go to community college after I graduated to actually learn marketable design software on a Mac.

My youngest is a freshman in in HS and is a better artist than I am and will probably take the art path herself. I know Cal Arts and Rhode Island School of Design were dream destinations when I was looking and I'd imagine still really good. Northern Illinois University actually has a really good program from what I've heard.

Hope your daughter gets her first choice! I'll be keeping an eye on this thread to learn about schools with good art programs for kid #2. I'm thinking animation and game design might be good fits for her, but really don't know much about what schools are good choices to explore. I'd love to know more about Cal Poly's program if your daughter gets in. Good luck.

She's actually in a magnet program here.  So she does regular H.S. on A days and this Graphic Communication program on B days.  She's learning Adobe, and how to use all kinds of different printers, screen printing, embossing, etc.  I actually think she's going to be a little bored her first year or so in one of these programs because she's already got such a head start.  She loves to draw digitally, she basically taught herself by watching YouTube videos and just going at it.

 

[ericttspikes]

She's actually in a magnet program here.  So she does regular H.S. on A days and this Graphic Communication program on B days.  She's learning Adobe, and how to use all kinds of different printers, screen printing, embossing, etc.  I actually think she's going to be a little bored her first year or so in one of these programs because she's already got such a head start.  She loves to draw digitally, she basically taught herself by watching YouTube videos and just going at it.

Awesome! Sounds like a great start. When I hire people, I do look at an applicants mastery of the Adobe suite first and foremost. Wordpress is becoming a close second. Bottom line is they have to be proficient with software to be billable. Beyond that, having a new hire show they are creative and passionate about art and graphic design is important to me. There are a lot of software operators out there, but showing you are creative will set you apart from that crowd and make landing a job easier.

If she finds a path towards graphic design, I recommend diving deep into typography. I don't think that is really taught that well in colleges and having typographic skills really separates a great designer from an average one IMO.

Your daughter sounds a bit like mine, in that she really likes to draw. It's a great skill for a graphic designer to have, but also opens up many different possible paths as well. I can't draw worth $#%&, and the joke is that's why I became a graphic designer. I think my daughter might be bored doing what I do, but not sure what her drawing and art skills are best suited for career wise. I have friends who are illustrators, and it sounds like a tough career. You really have to market yourself well and keep on top of trends. My cousin works for Riot Games and is a big believer in game design being a great career choice, for now and the future, for creative kids with drawing skills. 

 

[El Floppo]

Awesome! Sounds like a great start. When I hire people, I do look at an applicants mastery of the Adobe suite first and foremost. Wordpress is becoming a close second. Bottom line is they have to be proficient with software to be billable. Beyond that, having a new hire show they are creative and passionate about art and graphic design is important to me. There are a lot of software operators out there, but showing you are creative will set you apart from that crowd and make landing a job easier.

If she finds a path towards graphic design, I recommend diving deep into typography. I don't think that is really taught that well in colleges and having typographic skills really separates a great designer from an average one IMO.

Your daughter sounds a bit like mine, in that she really likes to draw. It's a great skill for a graphic designer to have, but also opens up many different possible paths as well. I can't draw worth $#%&, and the joke is that's why I became a graphic designer. I think my daughter might be bored doing what I do, but not sure what her drawing and art skills are best suited for career wise. I have friends who are illustrators, and it sounds like a tough career. You really have to market yourself well and keep on top of trends. My cousin works for Riot Games and is a big believer in game design being a great career choice, for now and the future, for creative kids with drawing skills. 

had no idea you were a graphic designer- cool

I looked up the major, because this is the first I've heard of it:

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

• Advertising art director.
  
• Animator.
  
• Artworker.
  
• Concept artist.
  
• Creative director.
  
• Graphic designer.
  
• Illustrator.
  

I studied Architecture (BA & MArch), and a lot of my peers went into similar fields. Hopefully those are the kinds of things Foosball's kid wants to get in on... my only concern is how specific the major is in case she wants to shift. But then again- specificity gives her a huge foot in the door as well.

 

[ericttspikes]

I studied Architecture (BA & MArch), and a lot of my peers went into similar fields. Hopefully those are the kinds of things Foosball's kid wants to get in on... my only concern is how specific the major is in case she wants to shift. But then again- specificity gives her a huge foot in the door as well.

Very cool. Growing up in the Chicago area I've been lucky to be surrounded by great architecture and the great architects who worked and built here my whole life. I've always been inspired by architecture. Huge FLW fan. I rented out his Palmer House in Ann Arbor and his Still Bend house in Wisconsin recently. Amazing to have the opportunity live in those spaces for a few days and experience them. Architecture has been a passion since I was a kid and really thought that was my career path until I realized I sucked at math.

 

[El Floppo]

Very cool. Growing up in the Chicago area I've been lucky to be surrounded by great architecture and the great architects who worked and built here my whole life. I've always been inspired by architecture. Huge FLW fan. I rented out his Palmer House in Ann Arbor and his Still Bend house in Wisconsin recently. Amazing to have the opportunity live in those spaces for a few days and experience them. Architecture has been a passion since I was a kid and really thought that was my career path until I realized I sucked at math.

Yeah. I use math all the time. I math the #### out of stuff.

I've met so many people who have said they opted out because they weren't good at math. Heres a secret...you don't need to be good at math. We hire engineers and hope they're good at math. Drawing helps though...but also still not a massive deterrence at this point with CAD. Louis Kahn couldn't draw for his life.

envious of the FLW experiences! I grew up near the Marin Civic Center..his last completed work. But I've never had the opportunity to tour a house, let alone stay in one. There's a FLW room at the Met museum here in NYC- I've always been struck by how low he made things in that- first time I walked in, the proportions all just felt bizarre. Then I walked back in, but kind of squat walked, so I'd be shorter...and it was jawdroppingly amazing.

 

[ericttspikes]

Yeah. I use math all the time. I math the #### out of stuff.

I've met so many people who have said they opted out because they weren't good at math. Heres a secret...you don't need to be good at math. We hire engineers and hope they're good at math. Drawing helps though...but also still not a massive deterrence at this point with CAD. Louis Kahn couldn't draw for his life.

envious of the FLW experiences! I grew up near the Marin Civic Center..his last completed work. But I've never had the opportunity to tour a house, let alone stay in one. There's a FLW room at the Met museum here in NYC- I've always been struck by how low he made things in that- first time I walked in, the proportions all just felt bizarre. Then I walked back in, but kind of squat walked, so I'd be shorter...and it was jawdroppingly amazing.

Yes, the entire concept of compression and release is genius and something you feel. Living in those spaces had an amazing effect on me and my family. Hard to explain. The kids randomly danced and sang, we played games. It was like we were transported to a different time. Some of that could be explained by no TV, but the design effected us in a really unique way. His use of light and glass was also brilliant and also had a profound impact on us. Tough to describe really, it was a very religious or magical experience. Never been in a man made space before that had that kind of effect on me. It was a similar feeling I get standing on a mountain or being surrounded by red woods. The dude figured it out.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Older daughter got her first acceptance letter today.  

She did not apply to any "stretch" schools, so I kind of knew she was going to get in where she applied - but its been a few tumultuous years for her and school - and so we shed a few tears of happiness that there is light at the end of the tunnel for her.

She did get a nice merit scholarship award, so that made her feel even better!

 

[The Z Machine]

shes doing more in 2 months than I did in 4 years.

Bro, you did waaaay more drugs.  Give yourself some credit.

 

[The Z Machine]

You know all this art school talk and no one has mentioned Industrial Design.  If you're creative and can think in 3D, this is a great career path.  I've worked with ID folks my whole career and they are great people.  Lots of talent coming out of the midwest for that path too, for some reason I know like 5 guys from Ohio that either went to Ohio State or that art school in Detroit.

Something to consider instead of graphics / art design.  

 

[El Floppo]

You know all this art school talk and no one has mentioned Industrial Design.  If you're creative and can think in 3D, this is a great career path.  I've worked with ID folks my whole career and they are great people.  Lots of talent coming out of the midwest for that path too, for some reason I know like 5 guys from Ohio that either went to Ohio State or that art school in Detroit.

Something to consider instead of graphics / art design.  

I seriously considered it. did a quick internship with a bespoke furniture designer when I was in HS. very cool overlap of Mech Engineering, Art and Architecture.

 

[El Floppo]

Bro, you did waaaay more drugs.  Give yourself some credit.

she's probably ahead of me in that category too- that girl's a go-getter.

 

[Galileo]

Oh no! Any serious repercussions? Sounds like me back in the day. Freshman year me and my room mate created a pulley system to get a keg from the parking lot into our dorm room on the third floor proving that necessity is truly the mother of invention. Didn't get a grade for that project and somehow didn't get busted either.

Slap on the wrist.  He had to read/watch some slide show and take a "quiz" on it.  Letter sent home to us.  I told him, if he is going to break the rules, he needs to be smarter about it.  It was 2 AM and 34 people in a dorm room.  Way to call attention to yourselves.  Dumbas$.

 

[The Z Machine]

I seriously considered it. did a quick internship with a bespoke furniture designer when I was in HS. very cool overlap of Mech Engineering, Art and Architecture.

Yup. The space for ID is pretty broad, from furniture to packaging to automotive to consumer electronics to baby toys to sporting goods.