Art Schools in the United States - Help Needed!

Hey y'all, I'm a junior looking into art schools for next year. I've been trying to figure out which art schools in the United States are worth applying to? Does anyone have any recommendations or advice on how to evaluate them?

While choosing an art school can feel overwhelming, focusing on factors that are significant to your personal and professional growth can help narrow down your choices. Here's what you should consider:

1. Degree Programs: Consider what specific area of art you're interested in. Different schools might have stronger programs in different areas. For instance, if you're interested in illustration, you might consider the Rhode Island School of Design, while if you're into cinematography, you might look at California Institute of the Arts.

2. Location: You might have a preference to be in a certain part of the country. Furthermore, the culture of the area surrounding the school might offer additional art opportunities - for instance, attending school in a city like New York might provide more networking opportunities than other areas.

3. Alumni Success: Another method to evaluate a school is to look at their alumni. Have graduates from this program been successful in the field you want to pursue? This could indicate the strength of the programs, what you could potentially gain from them, and what your career might look like post-graduation.

4. Internship Opportunities: Look for schools that have strong connections with local companies or professionals. Internships are a great way for students to apply their skills in real-world environments and to start making professional connections.

5. Faculty: Check the faculty's credentials. Are they successful, working professionals in the discipline you want to study? Do their teaching philosophies align with your learning style?

6. Campus Facilities: Check if they have updated studios, digital labs, gallery spaces, and other relevant resources.

As far as specific recommendations go, here are a few well-respected art schools across the country: Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), Pratt Institute, and Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) are all renowned for their rigorous programs. You might also consider universities with strong arts programs like Carnegie Mellon University and New York University.

Remember, choosing a school is a personal decision. Make sure to visit (virtually if needed) and get a feel for campus life as well. It's important that you would be happy and comfortable there for the next four years.