Review of Parsons School of Design at The New School
from Austin, TX
Describe your college in three sentences.
Parsons is perfect for aspiring artists/designers who want to understand design innovatively.
Known for their always changing curriculum, Parsons is really helpful for students who need a fresh idea and want to be ahead of the curve.
Although Parsons is widely known, it is also quite disorganized at times, which can be annoying but it is bearable!
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
When considering this school, DON'T apply because 'art school is easy'. IT'S NOT. The homework will kick your butt, hard, but it's worth it if you're determined. Parsons is not for the weak. You must have a positive outlook towards the work because in the end, this is what you want. If you want an easy degree, go to a community college.
The professors here are your friends, Mimi Kim especially. Most of the professors at Parsons are quite young. Don't worry about an old fart teaching you some ancient textbook crap, Parsons tries to stay trendy with their courses since art is always reinventing itself.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Academically, the courses are innovative, idea-forming, and intensive. The way each assignment is created makes you think way harder than you'd expect. You have to really dig for the creative cells in your brain which is great. Especially in your seminar classes. (the writing part of art school.) It can be extremely difficult at times and you will lose a ton of sleep but you feel so good about the end result afterwards. Like I said, this school's workload is crazy intense but so is the design business. It really helps you understand what kind of career you'll be working towards. Definitely a 'real world' experience with this school.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
Dorm life at The New School is wonderful. The school is full of crazy art kids and the dorms are like a building full of fun every day. The Kerry Hall at The University Center is the best of all the dorm buildings. Each floor is a different color and it is conveniently placed across from most of the academic buildings. The dorms are suite-style so you're basically living in a schmoozy apartment in the middle of Manhattan. They're decked out. All the RA's are so sweet and the security is fun too. MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE STAFF. You have to dorm the first few years going here, it will change your life.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
The food here is FANTASTIC. Food is prepared daily by crazy awesome chefs and let me tell you, this isn't some normal cafeteria food. You have rotisserie chicken, flat bread pizzas, fresh hand tossed salads, a sushi bar, basically anything. My favorite thing to eat is the wild salmon salad with goat cheese, cranberries, and walnuts, omg so good. All the food is local and organic so you're eating good all the time. It can be on the pricy side but you're eating better than most people in the city so it's worth it.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Since the campus isn't really a campus but more a series of buildings in Manhattan, you don't have many events or clubs to go to but what they do have is pretty cool. The city of New York is really your playground. You have the opportunity to see so many things and visit so many awesome places. It doesn't even matter that the school doesn't provide much 'fun'.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
For a stealthy $60,000 a year, I'd say sure. The school is a little disorganized and you're mostly playing around but I'd much rather go here and get all the privileges I can than go to a university. Universities are so boring and old school. If you wanna be hip, go here.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Great for...
*the weird art kid in high school
You don't feel so weird here because everyone here is a little intense.
*someone who reaches high for their dreams
If you aren't goal oriented or self-motivating, you'll struggle.
*the 'mean girl'
You'll find out that most Fashion students are just as judgmental as you are.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
cool clubs like LGBQTA, Gaming Club, Asian Club..etc. There is basically a club for anything here, if there isn't, you can make it.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
no greek life, thank God. Art school isn't for frats who drink beer and sorority girls who wear gym shorts and too much make up.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
Security guards are posted at every building. You are so safe. These guys are great and care about your safety more than anything. Cameras are in very elevator and you must be a student or staff in order to get into any building.
Parsons is perfect for aspiring artists/designers who want to understand design innovatively. Known for their always changing curriculum, Parsons is really helpful for students who need a fresh idea and want to be ahead of the curve. Although Parsons is widely known, it is also quite disorganized at times, which can be annoying but it is bearable!
When considering this school, DON'T apply because 'art school is easy'. IT'S NOT. The homework will kick your butt, hard, but it's worth it if you're determined. Parsons is not for the weak. You must have a positive outlook towards the work because in the end, this is what you want. If you want an easy degree, go to a community college. The professors here are your friends, Mimi Kim especially. Most of the professors at Parsons are quite young. Don't worry about an old fart teaching you some ancient textbook crap, Parsons tries to stay trendy with their courses since art is always reinventing itself.
Academically, the courses are innovative, idea-forming, and intensive. The way each assignment is created makes you think way harder than you'd expect. You have to really dig for the creative cells in your brain which is great. Especially in your seminar classes. (the writing part of art school.) It can be extremely difficult at times and you will lose a ton of sleep but you feel so good about the end result afterwards. Like I said, this school's workload is crazy intense but so is the design business. It really helps you understand what kind of career you'll be working towards. Definitely a 'real world' experience with this school.
Dorm life at The New School is wonderful. The school is full of crazy art kids and the dorms are like a building full of fun every day. The Kerry Hall at The University Center is the best of all the dorm buildings. Each floor is a different color and it is conveniently placed across from most of the academic buildings. The dorms are suite-style so you're basically living in a schmoozy apartment in the middle of Manhattan. They're decked out. All the RA's are so sweet and the security is fun too. MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE STAFF. You have to dorm the first few years going here, it will change your life.
The food here is FANTASTIC. Food is prepared daily by crazy awesome chefs and let me tell you, this isn't some normal cafeteria food. You have rotisserie chicken, flat bread pizzas, fresh hand tossed salads, a sushi bar, basically anything. My favorite thing to eat is the wild salmon salad with goat cheese, cranberries, and walnuts, omg so good. All the food is local and organic so you're eating good all the time. It can be on the pricy side but you're eating better than most people in the city so it's worth it.
Since the campus isn't really a campus but more a series of buildings in Manhattan, you don't have many events or clubs to go to but what they do have is pretty cool. The city of New York is really your playground. You have the opportunity to see so many things and visit so many awesome places. It doesn't even matter that the school doesn't provide much 'fun'.
For a stealthy $60,000 a year, I'd say sure. The school is a little disorganized and you're mostly playing around but I'd much rather go here and get all the privileges I can than go to a university. Universities are so boring and old school. If you wanna be hip, go here.
Great for... *the weird art kid in high school You don't feel so weird here because everyone here is a little intense. *someone who reaches high for their dreams If you aren't goal oriented or self-motivating, you'll struggle. *the 'mean girl' You'll find out that most Fashion students are just as judgmental as you are.
cool clubs like LGBQTA, Gaming Club, Asian Club..etc. There is basically a club for anything here, if there isn't, you can make it.
no greek life, thank God. Art school isn't for frats who drink beer and sorority girls who wear gym shorts and too much make up.
Security guards are posted at every building. You are so safe. These guys are great and care about your safety more than anything. Cameras are in very elevator and you must be a student or staff in order to get into any building.