Oy these college applications are giving me major headaches! I'm a senior in high school and I want to major in fashion design in college. Right now I'm having a dilemma on applying to schools and I need your advice.
Despite their outrageous tuition, my first choice for school has been always Parsons. But this recent year, the talks about Parsons graduates having problems with a huge debt + interest started getting into my head. I also read here that graduates from reputable schools like Parsons do have trouble getting a job and such. So I was having a second thought about applying to Parsons for my undergraduate degree. Then I came to know that Academy of Art University has a really strong fashion department, (participating in NY fashion week, etc.) and thought that I should apply there for my undergraduate degree. But I found out that I have to pay a non-refundable $500 deposit + $100 application fee when I apply there. So if I choose to go to the other school over AAU because I received a full-year scholarship or what not from that school, I'd lose $600 for nothing. Also, the opportunity to participate in the fashion week is only for the graduate students.
So here's my dilemma:
1. Should I attend AAU for the first 2 years to get AA or BFA degree whatever (someone please explain me the difference?), then transfer to Parsons and attend there for the rest of 2 years to finish my 4 years of college education? - or -
2. Should I just apply to all the schools I want to apply (including AAU and Parsons) and if I do get accepted to Parsons, (I'm confident that I will) attend Parsons for full 4 years? - or -
3. Should I attend Parsons for the first 2 years, then transfer to AAU or another school, perhaps FIT? (because it's cheaper for NY residents and I'd be a NY resident by the time I'm transferring) - or -
4. Should I apply to all the schools I want to apply (
excluding AAU) and even though I do get accepted to Parsons, choose the other school? (My other choices are FIT, Otis, and SAIC)
I know it's confusing. I'm confused myself as well.
I'm trying to choose the way that would help me to possibly save a lot of money and end up with a less debt. I'd be really grateful if you respond me and give me some advice!