First of all, thanks guys on the valuable feedback and advise on the portfolio and schools, its helped me get successful offers from Georgia Tech and Arizona State University for 3-year M.I.D. programs. I am awaiting decisions from CCA, Pratt, CMU and Iowa State and IIT, but I need honest opinions on the programs considering the significant amount of investment into each of these programs.
Background : Engineering background and a over a years experience with a design research firm, origami, some modeling and sketching skills(still working on)
What I wish to do: I enjoy research - ideation - prototyping, the research to conceptualization phase for interactive products/apps/games among other things. Coming with some good background in coding, that knowledge should support me in tech products more and I’d like to combine both skills as well.
What I wish to learn : Applied to 3 year programs, definitely need a year’s foundation for strengthening quick sketching+prototyping. I want a research-backed program, with good ties to the tech industry so I can intern/take projects in summers. Good 3D skills will help, but I’m prepared to learn that on my own.
Colleges and reputations:
Accepted :
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Georgia Tech :
PROS : Big University reputed for tech as well, so interdisciplinary projects/courses seem more possible, huge name, research driven
CONS : 150k + cost estimated -
Arizona State :
PROS : Big University reputed for tech as well, research driven, cheaper than others
CONS : Very little info/inputs on the program, dont know much about design in the Phoenix area.
Awaiting:
-
Pratt :
PROS : Reputed, NY, , also known for strong foundation year for non-designers
CONS : Very expensive, reputed for Home/Interior/Furniture more than tech(AFAIK) -
CCA :
PROS : SF, connected to tech hub, seems to have a good culture.
CONS : Expensive, haven’t heard much about the program (having heard more of ACCD,UC,SCAD,CIA,Cranbrook etc.) -
Iowa State :
PROS : Big University reputed for tech as well, cheaper than others
CONS : Very new program, don’t know much about the program.
MDes Programs :
I know this will likely lead me to more of a User Experience Design career, which I also love, and am strongly considering. Need to know if I can end up in strong product firms in the design teams after studying here.
6 & 7) IIT & CMU :
PROS : Very Reputed, known for strong foundation year for non-designers, very research driven
CONS : Very expensive, not sure what career I’ll end up in.
Please help me make a decision soon with some inputs! Any reputations matter, unfortunately with such huge debts to come(150k+), payscales do as well, so jobs matter as well. Especially between ASU and Georgia Tech quickly, as I might well be rejected from the others!