Review of Parsons School of Design at The New School
from Greeley, CO
Describe your college in three sentences.
Parsons is one of the best non-traditional design schools in the country, focusing on intense collaboration with your peers and external partners. The school is very competitive, though welcomes students with sharp, creative minds that are not afraid to initiate change. Parsons design will force you to explore the limits of design in theory and practice in a challenging atmosphere.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Don't be afraid to be different! Parsons welcomes students that aim to shape the next generation of the design field, which is evolving into something that it wasn't before. In your personal statement, don't be afraid to mention the frustrations you've experienced with the field, and how you can address the new challenges that arise.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Parsons academic environment is very competitive, though collaborative. Most likely, at least 50% of your peers will be international, so you will be working with the best of the best from all over the world. The environment is very fast-pace, challenging, and fun. There is no stopping points during the semester. You will work harder than you ever worked, but will most likely have had a great time doing it, so it is worth it. The professors will challenge you beyond your own expectations, so it is up to you to take it to the next level. Parsons integrates critical partnership opportunities that will provide you with real-world experience. Make connections, and NETWORK! These partnerships will prove to be very valuable throughout your time at Parsons, and afterwards.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
The dorms are extremely expensive, though a great option if you are coming out of state and unfamiliar with the area. The dorms provide a great home away from home, and a solid community out of the classroom. Space is limited, but perfectly comfortable and doable. Plenty of clothing storage is provided, and some dorms even have kitchens!
Describe the food and dining at your college.
The food is unmatched in New York City, because you can get delicious, authentic food from all over the world. It is, however, fairly expensive. The key is to balance the pricy meals with packing your own lunch and snacks for between classes. There are also cheap options, like slices of pizza and the food carts, which have great, fast meals for fairly cheap.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
New York City is like no other place in the county, and there is never a shortage of things to do. The only problem is choosing what to do! Surprisingly, many of the activities are cheap or free. Look at http://www.timeout.com/newyork for things to do, though it usually only takes a short walk down the street to find something.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
Despite what you may have heard, NYC is a safe place to live. I came from a small town hearing horror stories about the dangers of New York, and have been pleasantly surprised at how safe it is. You cannot get into the school buildings without an ID, and there are security guards at the door. Because the city never shuts down, there are always people around. Most school buildings are within a block or two of the subway, making transportation convenient. I have never felt unsafe walking around at night in NYC. The rule of thumb is to just always be aware of your surroundings.
Parsons is one of the best non-traditional design schools in the country, focusing on intense collaboration with your peers and external partners. The school is very competitive, though welcomes students with sharp, creative minds that are not afraid to initiate change. Parsons design will force you to explore the limits of design in theory and practice in a challenging atmosphere.
Don't be afraid to be different! Parsons welcomes students that aim to shape the next generation of the design field, which is evolving into something that it wasn't before. In your personal statement, don't be afraid to mention the frustrations you've experienced with the field, and how you can address the new challenges that arise.
Parsons academic environment is very competitive, though collaborative. Most likely, at least 50% of your peers will be international, so you will be working with the best of the best from all over the world. The environment is very fast-pace, challenging, and fun. There is no stopping points during the semester. You will work harder than you ever worked, but will most likely have had a great time doing it, so it is worth it. The professors will challenge you beyond your own expectations, so it is up to you to take it to the next level. Parsons integrates critical partnership opportunities that will provide you with real-world experience. Make connections, and NETWORK! These partnerships will prove to be very valuable throughout your time at Parsons, and afterwards.
The dorms are extremely expensive, though a great option if you are coming out of state and unfamiliar with the area. The dorms provide a great home away from home, and a solid community out of the classroom. Space is limited, but perfectly comfortable and doable. Plenty of clothing storage is provided, and some dorms even have kitchens!
The food is unmatched in New York City, because you can get delicious, authentic food from all over the world. It is, however, fairly expensive. The key is to balance the pricy meals with packing your own lunch and snacks for between classes. There are also cheap options, like slices of pizza and the food carts, which have great, fast meals for fairly cheap.
New York City is like no other place in the county, and there is never a shortage of things to do. The only problem is choosing what to do! Surprisingly, many of the activities are cheap or free. Look at http://www.timeout.com/newyork for things to do, though it usually only takes a short walk down the street to find something.
Despite what you may have heard, NYC is a safe place to live. I came from a small town hearing horror stories about the dangers of New York, and have been pleasantly surprised at how safe it is. You cannot get into the school buildings without an ID, and there are security guards at the door. Because the city never shuts down, there are always people around. Most school buildings are within a block or two of the subway, making transportation convenient. I have never felt unsafe walking around at night in NYC. The rule of thumb is to just always be aware of your surroundings.