Reviews

I attend the summer intensive course this year (2011), I worked hard,long hours, but loved every second . My drawings from day one to the last day improved 1000%, recieved a B+

The Dorm was nice,I learned to live with two other girls,who were very nice and I made a friend from Sweden for Life!

My parents spent the funds to send me there, because they wanted to make sure I would accept the NYC lifestyle. I loved it.

I would encourage any future student to enroll in the summer program at Parsons. its one month, but you are on the go from day one. and you will really know whether Parsons is the school for you.

If you love Fashion and are serious of being part of the Fashion World. Parsons is to Fashion, like Harvard is to Law. No. one in my book.

Parsons is one of the best non-traditional design schools in the country, focusing on intense collaboration with your peers and external partners. The school is very competitive, though welcomes students with sharp, creative minds that are not afraid to initiate change. Parsons design will force you to explore the limits of design in theory and practice in a challenging atmosphere.

Don't be afraid to be different! Parsons welcomes students that aim to shape the next generation of the design field, which is evolving into something that it wasn't before. In your personal statement, don't be afraid to mention the frustrations you've experienced with the field, and how you can address the new challenges that arise.

Parsons academic environment is very competitive, though collaborative. Most likely, at least 50% of your peers will be international, so you will be working with the best of the best from all over the world. The environment is very fast-pace, challenging, and fun. There is no stopping points during the semester. You will work harder than you ever worked, but will most likely have had a great time doing it, so it is worth it. The professors will challenge you beyond your own expectations, so it is up to you to take it to the next level. Parsons integrates critical partnership opportunities that will provide you with real-world experience. Make connections, and NETWORK! These partnerships will prove to be very valuable throughout your time at Parsons, and afterwards.

The dorms are extremely expensive, though a great option if you are coming out of state and unfamiliar with the area. The dorms provide a great home away from home, and a solid community out of the classroom. Space is limited, but perfectly comfortable and doable. Plenty of clothing storage is provided, and some dorms even have kitchens!

The food is unmatched in New York City, because you can get delicious, authentic food from all over the world. It is, however, fairly expensive. The key is to balance the pricy meals with packing your own lunch and snacks for between classes. There are also cheap options, like slices of pizza and the food carts, which have great, fast meals for fairly cheap.

New York City is like no other place in the county, and there is never a shortage of things to do. The only problem is choosing what to do! Surprisingly, many of the activities are cheap or free. Look at http://www.timeout.com/newyork for things to do, though it usually only takes a short walk down the street to find something.

Despite what you may have heard, NYC is a safe place to live. I came from a small town hearing horror stories about the dangers of New York, and have been pleasantly surprised at how safe it is. You cannot get into the school buildings without an ID, and there are security guards at the door. Because the city never shuts down, there are always people around. Most school buildings are within a block or two of the subway, making transportation convenient. I have never felt unsafe walking around at night in NYC. The rule of thumb is to just always be aware of your surroundings.

Parsons is perfect for aspiring artists/designers who want to understand design innovatively.
Known for their always changing curriculum, Parsons is really helpful for students who need a fresh idea and want to be ahead of the curve.
Although Parsons is widely known, it is also quite disorganized at times, which can be annoying but it is bearable!

When considering this school, DON'T apply because 'art school is easy'. IT'S NOT. The homework will kick your butt, hard, but it's worth it if you're determined. Parsons is not for the weak. You must have a positive outlook towards the work because in the end, this is what you want. If you want an easy degree, go to a community college.
The professors here are your friends, Mimi Kim especially. Most of the professors at Parsons are quite young. Don't worry about an old fart teaching you some ancient textbook crap, Parsons tries to stay trendy with their courses since art is always reinventing itself.

Academically, the courses are innovative, idea-forming, and intensive. The way each assignment is created makes you think way harder than you'd expect. You have to really dig for the creative cells in your brain which is great. Especially in your seminar classes. (the writing part of art school.) It can be extremely difficult at times and you will lose a ton of sleep but you feel so good about the end result afterwards. Like I said, this school's workload is crazy intense but so is the design business. It really helps you understand what kind of career you'll be working towards. Definitely a 'real world' experience with this school.

Dorm life at The New School is wonderful. The school is full of crazy art kids and the dorms are like a building full of fun every day. The Kerry Hall at The University Center is the best of all the dorm buildings. Each floor is a different color and it is conveniently placed across from most of the academic buildings. The dorms are suite-style so you're basically living in a schmoozy apartment in the middle of Manhattan. They're decked out. All the RA's are so sweet and the security is fun too. MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE STAFF. You have to dorm the first few years going here, it will change your life.

The food here is FANTASTIC. Food is prepared daily by crazy awesome chefs and let me tell you, this isn't some normal cafeteria food. You have rotisserie chicken, flat bread pizzas, fresh hand tossed salads, a sushi bar, basically anything. My favorite thing to eat is the wild salmon salad with goat cheese, cranberries, and walnuts, omg so good. All the food is local and organic so you're eating good all the time. It can be on the pricy side but you're eating better than most people in the city so it's worth it.

Since the campus isn't really a campus but more a series of buildings in Manhattan, you don't have many events or clubs to go to but what they do have is pretty cool. The city of New York is really your playground. You have the opportunity to see so many things and visit so many awesome places. It doesn't even matter that the school doesn't provide much 'fun'.

For a stealthy $60,000 a year, I'd say sure. The school is a little disorganized and you're mostly playing around but I'd much rather go here and get all the privileges I can than go to a university. Universities are so boring and old school. If you wanna be hip, go here.

Great for...
*the weird art kid in high school
You don't feel so weird here because everyone here is a little intense.

*someone who reaches high for their dreams
If you aren't goal oriented or self-motivating, you'll struggle.

*the 'mean girl'
You'll find out that most Fashion students are just as judgmental as you are.

cool clubs like LGBQTA, Gaming Club, Asian Club..etc. There is basically a club for anything here, if there isn't, you can make it.

no greek life, thank God. Art school isn't for frats who drink beer and sorority girls who wear gym shorts and too much make up.

Security guards are posted at every building. You are so safe. These guys are great and care about your safety more than anything. Cameras are in very elevator and you must be a student or staff in order to get into any building.

Parsons is really geared towards creative people. You don't need talent to go here, just potential. You must always be willing to learn and have an open mind.

Work on your portfolio! I worked for two years on mine, so I could submit only my best work. Prepare to work hard too, your professors only want your best.

Time management is key, but there is a lot of work.

Nice dorms but SUPER expensive. But great if you don't know the area.

Lang is the best for sushi. Always go to Arnold hall for the best hot food- you won't even know a lot of it is vegetarian/vegan! All the food containers are also compostable!

There are lots of free activities: movie screenings, rock climbing, and even ski trips!