I am currently a student at the Parsons division of The New School, and my major is Fashion Design. The thing that sets me apart from my section (during the first semester you will be a part of a section that you have almost all of your classes with; you'll become quite close with these people) that may help you gauge how much a person learns here is that before Parsons I had never taken an art class before in my life. So, this being a tough art school, sometimes I feel like I'm in the back of the pack. But only since August, my teachers have helped me so much and I have improved my art skills by leaps and bounds.
There are also English and Art History classes in addition to studio classes, and these help tremendously with formal analysis of artwork that the average eye never would have seen before.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
Although there are many late nights and several stressful moments, I feel that this school is so worth it. Being in New York City immersed in culture and surrounded by people who enjoy what they are doing just as much as you do is an experience that really cannot be matched.
The Foundation program is what makes Parsons unique, for it is a very rigorous first semester and year for freshmen. But if you are passionate and driven, it will be a wonderful fit for you.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
A good thing about The New School's cost is that it remains the same for both in and out of state students, so you know that you and fellow classmates feel approximately the same about finances.
The learning experience here is extremely unique, and when you pay for your tuition you are not only paying for a very solid education that will look fabulous on your resume, but you are also paying to engage yourself in the never-ending learning opportunities that the city has to offer.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
You must work very, very hard and be serious about attending The New School.
Yes, NYC is a fun city and it will be tempting to go out instead of doing homework sometimes, but honestly, time management and awareness of priorities is a must. Not to say that you cannot have fun here, because even walking to class and seeing people and things around you can be quite entertaining.
Just keep in mind that you are paying good money, and your teachers will expect a lot out of you. Also, the higher quality your work, the more chances you have for obtaining scholarships. So in the words of Tim Gunn, work hard!
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Artists, hard workers, students who need a break from the routine and want to live in an exciting place, people who aren't afraid to take risks, theatre students, well-dressed kids (joking, but you will see a lot of these here!) band kids and people who appreciate jazz and classical music (as there is a jazz program here), people who are not by any means afraid to express themselves, and ultimately students who are very determined and love what they do.
I am currently a student at the Parsons division of The New School, and my major is Fashion Design. The thing that sets me apart from my section (during the first semester you will be a part of a section that you have almost all of your classes with; you'll become quite close with these people) that may help you gauge how much a person learns here is that before Parsons I had never taken an art class before in my life. So, this being a tough art school, sometimes I feel like I'm in the back of the pack. But only since August, my teachers have helped me so much and I have improved my art skills by leaps and bounds. There are also English and Art History classes in addition to studio classes, and these help tremendously with formal analysis of artwork that the average eye never would have seen before.
Although there are many late nights and several stressful moments, I feel that this school is so worth it. Being in New York City immersed in culture and surrounded by people who enjoy what they are doing just as much as you do is an experience that really cannot be matched. The Foundation program is what makes Parsons unique, for it is a very rigorous first semester and year for freshmen. But if you are passionate and driven, it will be a wonderful fit for you.
A good thing about The New School's cost is that it remains the same for both in and out of state students, so you know that you and fellow classmates feel approximately the same about finances. The learning experience here is extremely unique, and when you pay for your tuition you are not only paying for a very solid education that will look fabulous on your resume, but you are also paying to engage yourself in the never-ending learning opportunities that the city has to offer.
You must work very, very hard and be serious about attending The New School. Yes, NYC is a fun city and it will be tempting to go out instead of doing homework sometimes, but honestly, time management and awareness of priorities is a must. Not to say that you cannot have fun here, because even walking to class and seeing people and things around you can be quite entertaining. Just keep in mind that you are paying good money, and your teachers will expect a lot out of you. Also, the higher quality your work, the more chances you have for obtaining scholarships. So in the words of Tim Gunn, work hard!
Artists, hard workers, students who need a break from the routine and want to live in an exciting place, people who aren't afraid to take risks, theatre students, well-dressed kids (joking, but you will see a lot of these here!) band kids and people who appreciate jazz and classical music (as there is a jazz program here), people who are not by any means afraid to express themselves, and ultimately students who are very determined and love what they do.