The Right Fashion School for You
The thought of choosing which fashion schools to apply to probably gives you a migraine. With over 250 accredited art and design schools, picking the right one can be a daunting task. But the right university always begins with you.
What kind of atmosphere is ideal for you? Do you want to go away or stay close to home? If you want to go away, how far? Out of state or out of the country? Are you impressed by the prestige of an institution? Choosing a college simply because your friends are going there will not create the right career path for you. Finding a school that matches what you want to do as well as who you envision yourself becoming should be the real goal.
Know the curriculum you want to study and the top schools for them. The more specific you can be about the type of degree you would like to end up with, the more personalized your coursework will be. For example, fashion design schools may focus more on textiles, color theory, fashion history, and sketch work while fashion merchandising schools might focus more on the retail perspective with classes in mathematics, strategy, and economics.
Looking through brochures, visiting websites and campuses, and talking to current and past alumni can help guide you. Learn what kind of guest speakers the university invites to speak for its students. Find the admissions officer for your region through the school’s website and email them requesting a list of students that you might be able to speak with from your area.
When you visit a school, make the time to sit in a few classes, eat in the cafeteria/dining hall, and hang around high-traffic student areas. Talk with current students and ask them about their experience at the school, if they are pleased with their decision, and if they would make the same one if they had the chance to do it all over again.
When you’ve narrowed down a list, look at the tuition of your desired schools and know how much (or how little!) financial aid you will need. There are scholarship and student aid programs as well as loans and grants you can apply for. There might also be a work-study program offered that you can benefit from.
In addition to submitting your high school transcripts and SAT scores, the application process will include a written or essay portion and for certain curriculums, putting together a portfolio. Portfolios should include photographs, sketches, and designs of any work you have of finished pieces. There are prep courses you can take that will help guide you through applying to a fashion school and putting a portfolio together.
If the university is interested in you, you will be called in for an interview before a final decision is made. During your interview, the admissions officer is looking to gauge the level of your interest and get a feel for your personality. They want to be sure you are the right fit for their school.
There are many avenues that you can take in the fashion industry but all roads lead back to a solid foundation. Choosing the right school for you will lay the groundwork for a successful career, no matter the path.
