Ad Schools!!!

[Buffalo]

Hey All-

I graduated with a dual degree in Adv/Graphic Design a little over a year ago now and have been looking into doing some graduate work. I've been looking at various types of schools and programs. Right now I'm looking into some of the post grad Advertisement "portfolio" schools and I'm trying to get a fix on industry opinion of them. They seem like a good idea for me because (truth be told) my ad portfolio could use some work. But I'm concerned with the lack of accreditation they hold.

Is a place like Miami Ad School, Creative Circus etc...worth the investment? Are they seen as credible institutions by professionals? It seems to me their internship placement programs could be invaluable. It's hard enough to get a toe (let alone a foot) in the door these days.

Have any of you attended any of these schools? Or reviewed the work of those coming out of them? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[David]

Hey Buffalo, I think it would be worth the investment if you get a good job from it. They seem like they give you "Real World" experience and you could get some serious contacts from it.

Check out the magazine "CMYK" it is a quarterly magazine that features all student work in Advertising, Graphic design, photography and illustration. Every issue the ad schools are all over it! Their work is really great. A lot of times the students leave their e-mail addresses in the magazine, maybe you can write one of them and ask some questions.

I hope this helps and good luck!

David

[Buffalo]

David-

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, the internship option just seems like such a great opportunity. I guess my question more specifically is would attending one of these portfolio schools be preferable to a graduate program in advertising and/or graphic design? They're slightly less expensive and seem to be more focused than graduate work on landing you a job which (to me) seems preferable. I'm curious to know what practicing professionals think. I've heard both negative and positive reviews of the schools from teachers and former students. But I'm trying to get a feel for the industry's take.

CMYK definitely has some good stuff in it. I've picked a few issues up at various Barnes and Nobles and considered a subscription but just never get around to it. I'm a music and illustration junkie so most of my magazine money goes to Spin, Rolling Stone, Illustration, and Jim Vadeboncoeur's IMAGES. And Maxim...just to keep... current...

I need more input folks...please keep it coming!

[Buffalo]

I'd also welcome ideas from people not involved in advertising since no one seems to be responding yet. The Portfolio schools are a bit like glorified technical schools.

What do you all think?

[Buffalo]

Man - the Ringling thread I started is still going months later (a "big surprise" on this site) and this new one won't even really start. Please folks I need some info. What's the feeling on these schools? The administrators of this site say many creative professionals roam through here. Surely you all must have opinions.

Please anyone reply if you've got an opinion.

Thanks.