Click to See Complete Forum and Search --> : I got refused in design school :(
I received my letter from the university and the answer was negative, I won't be attending design school next semester :( Instead I was accepted in Sociology with a minor in history of art :mad: this is quite depressing.
I would like to seek advice from you guys.
I have a post secondary diploma in graphic design and I currently have these two options in head:
1- continue my studies in sociology, and reapply for graphic design again next year.
2- put on hold studies, and seek for a job in graphic design (with the risk of ending up with nothing)
I am currently doing an internship as a graphic designer and they have offered me a job for this summer. But that is because their in house designer is on maternity leave. Once she gets back in september, I will be out of a job...
I'd be grateful if you could give me some advice :)
Thx
Aerix
05-02-2007, 03:54 AM
You could try talking to the professors at the college, to see what aspects of design they teach, that you might be lacking at the moment. If your dream is graphic design, then I would go for it. But, if you could have a backup in Sociology, then why not go for it as well. If the university doesn't think your design skills are adequate enough for their school, then (take this lightly), you might not be ready for a career in Graphic Design yet. If you do choose to pursue Sociology, I would spend my free time studying the world of Graphic Design and practice your design skills. Work on mastering the tools you have, and refining the skills you've already acquired.
If design is what you feel passionate about, I would stick with the summer job. Do a really, really good job here - with the intentions of either staying on when the maternity leave fi, or getting a fantastic reference from your employer. Always do more than what is expected of you and learn everything you can.
Keep building your portfolio while you are working. It is never too early to start working on a portfolio.
Drazan
05-02-2007, 10:05 AM
Personally, I wouldn't waste money on studying things that you won't need. There's more than one university out there, follow what you want to do.
BTW- there's also online courses now, if moving or local is not an option. Most take grants and financial aid as well. You have to be self motivated to get the best benefit from an online course.
Good luck,
Jade
I would definately put work experience if you can get it ahead of studying. Its rare to get a job in design without any professional qualifications so you have done really well to get that. I think you need to decide what you really want to do sociology or graphics. If its graphics, go for the job but why not do a part time graphics course. Who knows what your summer job could lead to. If you're good they may keep you on or recommend you to someone else
PrintDriver
05-02-2007, 02:03 PM
Not to offend the Original Poster but I've often wondered what would happen to the design field if more Design schools actually set entry standards for students entering the program rather than taking anyone with money. For example, High end music schools such as Berklee College of Music don't let just anyone in because they've always dreamed of playing the piano. You have to pass the audition.
Just a thought anyway...
cornfed
05-02-2007, 03:16 PM
My school had some strict standards and a lot of people got turned away. I think it was for the best. Tuan, I'm not saying you suck or anything. I have no idea. I think the best thing for you to do is to set up a meeting and find out why you didn't get in. See if theres anything you can do to increase your chances of getting in next year. My school wouldn't let you in the design school unless you had met certain prerequisites. Perhaps thats the case here and you don't know about it. I'd find out first before making any major decisions.
Mynock
05-02-2007, 03:31 PM
My college had strict standards too, you have money you get to attend school. Actually you don't have to have money, loans work too.
Logo-Mechanix
05-02-2007, 03:40 PM
I agree with Cornfed, find out why if you don't know you can't improve.
morea
05-02-2007, 03:58 PM
why not take some core classes (english, science, math, social sciences, whatever) and a few art courses this year - as these will benefit you in just about ANY degree... do your best to improve, and apply again next year? If this is what you REALLY want to do, don't let a setback like this discourage you.
Did you know that Michael Jorden was cut from his high school basketball team, and then went on to be one of the greatest players in the NBA?
Hard work and dedication can overcome MANY obstacles! Keep your chin up.
>>Instead I was accepted in Sociology with a minor in history of art this is quite depressing.<<
But not half as depressing as being a parent who's just given up most of their retirement savings to pay for their kid to take something like this.
What a friggin' mess. Not you, I mean what has become of the whole connection between the reality of the work that needs to be done, the skills we need, and the credentialist corporate HR recruitment system we call university/college. I sincerely believe that in some future time this period of human history will be known most for it's wasteful handling of human potential.
Wish I knew where the reset switch was.
>>Instead I was accepted in Sociology with a minor in history of art this is quite depressing.<<
But not half as depressing as being a parent who's just given up most of their retirement savings to pay for their kid to take something like this.
Im actually paying my own scolarity fees. My parents havent paid anything for me ever since I finished high school.
Thanks for the useful advices people.
morea
05-02-2007, 04:10 PM
^ that's the route I took too. It's hard, but it really makes you appreciate what you have.
Don't get discouraged!
Crimson
05-02-2007, 04:21 PM
Whoa morea, I was just thinking of Jordan and you pulled the card.
Tuan- there is nothing wrong with a little Tenacity. I think your summer job is going to give some real world experience. I know when I was in school that some of the best students where ones that had worked before. keep your head up
morea
05-02-2007, 04:28 PM
I've always been a Bulls fan. :D
Tuan-- I didn't mean to imply that you were dependent on your parents saving. I realize that's what might have been read. And even so, I also understand why some students DO need their parents financial support. What I DON'T understand is how we can be so nearsighted as to make advanced skill education such a low priority when it comes to increased funding to lower education costs for all.
For the record, after high school, I moved out and I worked four years to save the bucks for my training. With six brothers and sisters, my folks could only afford to offer their encouragement.
But you know, I often wonder if it isn't better to accommodate the desire of young adults to 'get away from school for a while' and offer many more and more intense, skills training co-op programs as a way for them to develop real job skills BEFORE heading back (with some money), if they choose, to the more theoretical training that universities are designed to deliver.
There seems to me to be a real collision at times, between the biological and the career path schedules. There was a time when things moved slower and the moves and choices seemed less critical. Today's modern high school grad is under so much intense pressure to 'make the college right choice'. Universities, at least in their initial concepts, were never seriously built around career training. More of a sanctuary for the academically inclined. Not much of that thinking remains. Certainly not for those who are feeling that their whole future depends on investing their entire savings on the 'right' program choice.
cornfed
05-02-2007, 04:35 PM
My daughter is in 8th grade. She had to fill out a career path when she was making her high school schedule. I couldn't believe it! She has no idea what she wants to be. My son's in 7th grade. He got a similar questionnaire. He put that he wants to be a rock star. His science teacher was aggravated about his answer!
jessicam
05-02-2007, 04:42 PM
Cornfed, I like your son's answer. I've told mine that he can do whatever he wants after he finishes school. College, travel, start a business, pump gas and play video games. I don't care as long as he is happy and pulling his own weight.
When he does have a carrer path in mind I will try to get him some work experience in that area, or a mentor or something, so if it sucks we haven't blown all the savings on an education for a career he hates.
Thanks for the word of encouragement :D
Ive been reading about possible careers in sociology, and i've seen:
Advertising Staffer, Project manager, Consumer Researcher, Marketing/Sales Rep.
I know those are not direct link to graphic design, but could the skills from those jobs to a graphic designer? I'm not trying to find an excuse to continue my education in sociology, I just want to know if I have other options.
Seapony
05-02-2007, 09:02 PM
Thanks for the word of encouragement :D
Ive been reading about possible careers in sociology, and i've seen:
Advertising Staffer, Project manager, Consumer Researcher, Marketing/Sales Rep.
I know those are not direct link to graphic design, but could the skills from those jobs to a graphic designer? I'm not trying to find an excuse to continue my education in sociology, I just want to know if I have other options.
There are many marketing reps in the advertising and design game. Many go on to assume prominent positions in design firms. If you really want to attend this particular university, see if it's possible to minor in some aspect of design (you mentioned Art History? That's a good option...you have to know where you've been to know where you're going, they say).
As mentioned before though, it doesn't hurt to arrange a meeting and find out why you weren't accepted. As a matter of fact, it's exactly what I would do. That way you know what to improve upon. There are more than a few successful self taught designers—invest in good design books and immerse yourself. If you really want to enter this field, there's nothing wrong with improving your game on your own time. You may not have qualified now, but that doesn't mean that you can't work to get better.
:)
pixelmonkey
05-02-2007, 09:02 PM
thats nothing to worry about!
what you need to do is enter a hell bent jugernaut mode in which you, at the begining of the fall semester, speak with atleast 2 of the professors and the dean about getting into the design school... YOU MUST have something there to present some of your ideas in completed form.
hint it to them again 7 weeks into the semester along with even more completed designs!
talking with them at intermediate times over the semester just to say hi is always a good idea. remember, they are just people and if you keep them happy to see you, you'll have a better chance of getting in sooner! *plus this will help with grades because you will be more involved with interaction of your instructors*
core classes for the fall, and produce work on your own for yourself!!!
chris<pixelmonkey>:D
cornfed
05-02-2007, 09:20 PM
Cornfed, I like your son's answer. I've told mine that he can do whatever he wants after he finishes school. College, travel, start a business, pump gas and play video games. I don't care as long as he is happy and pulling his own weight.
I rather liked it, too! The funny thing is that he can play numerous instruments and it's totally feasible that he will become a musician! If she was half the teacher she's supposed to be, then she would know that!
Not to offend the Original Poster but I've often wondered what would happen to the design field if more Design schools actually set entry standards for students entering the program rather than taking anyone with money. For example, High end music schools such as Berklee College of Music don't let just anyone in because they've always dreamed of playing the piano. You have to pass the audition.
Just a thought anyway...
We had strict standards to get into our course. Unless of course you were a "mature" student in which case you get auto entry. Bullshit I thought.
There are plenty of courses around here though, that accept anyone with $10,000 lying around.
undressedmonster
05-03-2007, 01:43 AM
Universities, at least in their initial concepts, were never seriously built around career training. More of a sanctuary for the academically inclined.
Right. Universities weren't originally for the purpose of training for a job. They are today, though. What's worse, though, is how grossly simple college is today (well, I thought so at least). I'm still young, but I tend to think that college is the new version of high school.
Oh, I digress. Sorry Tuan. Perhaps you have some design pieces you can show us? There are some people here that might be able to tell whether or not you have potential.
PrintDriver
05-03-2007, 01:53 AM
There are some people here that might be able to tell whether or not you have potential.
If you choose to believe them either way.
I also think it depends on what you are studying.
I've got friends that take friggin Lord of the Rings papers as part of their art degree (which has nothing to do with LOTR). Now that is some serious lack of career training. People really need to think "OK, I loved the LOTR books, but is it worth spending hundreds to learn about the books? Will I ever get this cash back in the knowledge I gain out of this?" The answer is probably no.