Ringling College of Art and Design 2013 Hopefuls

[Addle]

I live near a place called Bernville, which is about an hour from Harrisburg, and one and a half or so from Philadelphia, if that helps xD It is really pretty up here, and I'll definitely miss the mountains and forests if I move down to florida. I live right by the woods, and can see the mountains from my yard. It's really nice, but I can't say I'll miss the winter weather. It's so bipolar. I swear, one day it's 50 degrees and the next we get a snow storm, ugh. haha

Oh man, I'm not too fond of snow either, but I definitely miss autumn. By the time winter break swings around the leaves have already fallen off. Btw, congrats on getting accepted Cnyx! I forgot to mention that Ringling mail tends to get to me on Mondays in PA, haha, but that's kind of irrelevant now.

And themegagod: I know all those places you mentioned - I'm from the Poconos near all the ski resorts and the raceway. Northeast PA is really nice, but the road conditions aren't all that great.

[escaphilia]

@ anomalexie: yeayyy *hugs back*!

@ Themeagod: Great advice! Yeah, I need to do that. Unless I can find someone willing to board my dog I'll going to look for an apartment by default lol

@ Cynx: CONGRATS!!! 8DDDDDDDD

[themegagod]

@cynx: I'm a bit familiar with that area. When I'd take a bus from AC to visit my family in the Poconos, I'd have to pass through all of that.

@ addle: It really is beautiful. I always thought that seems like a great area to settle down, as peaceful and beautiful as it is- but being a young person I always found it a bit boring. nothing quite like having a forest literally in you backyard though.

@escaphilia: I don't think you should have a problem finding an apt. but you just have to do it the right way, lol. you also have to make sure in that case the apartment i pet friendly!

[ilovesketchbook]

CA rejected me but it is ok i am applying for illustration major. congrats to those who got accepted.

[themegagod]

CA rejected me but it is ok i am applying for illustration major. congrats to those who got accepted.

Sorry to hear that... about not getting into CA, I really thought you would get in for sure... but I am glad to hear you still got in.
I know a part of me is going to be super jealous of what ILL majors are going to be able to do.

so are you coming to accepted student day?

[WaterVase17]

I also live in New Jersey, how come I didn't get my mine yet? Am I the only one on here didn't hear back yet?

[JAndrews]

Congrats to everyone who's getting in! You all earned it! As for me...I'm getting REALLY impatient. I mean, how long can it take for a simple rejection letter to arrive in my mailbox? I'm tired of waiting!

[Zekfir]

I haven't heard back yet either. :I

[steampoweredseagoat]

So, I didn't get into computer animation but they want me for another major...do you guys know if I'm allowed to reapply next year and change my major even if I currently have a different major?

[Cnyx]

So, I didn't get into computer animation but they want me for another major...do you guys know if I'm allowed to reapply next year and change my major even if I currently have a different major?

I'm pretty sure you can, but you might have to attend an extra year to catch up.

[squareyes]

congrats all that got in! nothing in the mail yet. they can accept you for another major? how does that work

[mkmcm]

I'm in Florida and still haven't gotten a letter. Since they mailed out everything at once (it seems) it's in the post office's hands now. Good luck to everyone playing the waiting game with me! (:

[steampoweredseagoat]

I'm pretty sure you can, but you might have to attend an extra year to catch up.

Actually I think if I got into game art and desgin the change my major I won't have to take a whole other year of course probably just another semester. The classes both majors take are mostly the same.

[Cnyx]

Actually I think if I got into game art and desgin the change my major I won't have to take a whole other year of course probably just another semester. The classes both majors take are mostly the same.

That's true. I'd email admissions and ask.

[WaterVase17]

I didnt get into CA but I offer in other majors, idk if I want to go tho, I love GAD and CA, but i focus on CA more. idk what to do

[WaterVase17]

I still dont know exact different between CA and GAD

[WaterVase17]

idky but im actually kinda happy more than depress right now, maybe b/c i had a tough time choosing CA and GAD and now fate just chose it for me. can someone plz convince me to study GAD? i need really good reason. also I want to do this kind of art https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVbeoSPqRs4 I know i posted this video before, but I actually like this type of animation than 3d animated film.

also does GAD do programming? b/c i dont wanna do programming.

[anomalexie]

@ cynx: YAY CONGRATSSS! haha this is so awesome!

@ steam + watervase: I'm really sorry you guys didn't get into CA :C I think even if you go to GAD, you still have to attend another year because Ringling doesn't offer the same classes they offer in fall during spring. I think you should call them and ask for a review on your portfolio and discuss options for transferring to CA. I think you should wait a year and take a ton of art classes, with lots of focus on figure drawing and still lives, and reapply :/ you'll end up saving yourself like 30k in tuition and you'll be much more prepared for the CA major. Because what happens if you reapply next year while you're waiting in GAD and you still don't make it in? Are you going to be in a major you aren't happy with? Even though I feel like you'll end up really loving GAD xD Regardless, you should call admissions for a portfolio review and discuss options.

@ squareyes: they send you a rejection letter for CA but tell you that you are accepted to Ringling and give you the opportunity to pick between all their other majors and then you send them that letter back, picking out the major you want other than CA and then they send you an acceptance package like the next week

[Cnyx]

@anomalexie Thanks! I can't wait to meet everyone!

@WaterVase17 That cinematic is absolutely gorgeous. Gave me shivers haha, but I'm a sucker for that kind of animation. I don't know much about GAD, but that would be epic if you could make things like that!

[WaterVase17]

@ cynx: YAY CONGRATSSS! haha this is so awesome!

@ steam + watervase: I'm really sorry you guys didn't get into CA :C I think even if you go to GAD, you still have to attend another year because Ringling doesn't offer the same classes they offer in fall during spring. I think you should call them and ask for a review on your portfolio and discuss options for transferring to CA. I think you should wait a year and take a ton of art classes, with lots of focus on figure drawing and still lives, and reapply :/ you'll end up saving yourself like 30k in tuition and you'll be much more prepared for the CA major. Because what happens if you reapply next year while you're waiting in GAD and you still don't make it in? Are you going to be in a major you aren't happy with? Even though I feel like you'll end up really loving GAD xD Regardless, you should call admissions for a portfolio review and discuss options.

@ squareyes: they send you a rejection letter for CA but tell you that you are accepted to Ringling and give you the opportunity to pick between all their other majors and then you send them that letter back, picking out the major you want other than CA and then they send you an acceptance package like the next week

What do you mean by reapply next year while youre waiting in GAD? Im already studying at a community college and this is my second year already. if i choose GAD dont i get in in the FALL 2013?

[WaterVase17]

I dont know what to do ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

[anomalexie]

@ watervase: yes, if you choose GAD you get in for Fall 2013. steam was saying how she'd say yes to GAD and then just reapply to CA because their core classes are similar and then just jump in as a sophomore in CA, but I don't think that might work out as she plans because Ringling doesn't offer the same classes from Fall in Spring, so I've heard. So she might end up starting over as a freshman and still paying for an extra year. so i'm just cautioning her. she should talk to admissions about this.

don't do anything you aren't sure of doing. if you aren't totally committed to GAD, don't do it. but i suggest looking at the videos GAD students make and talk to admissions about what exactly it is GAD makes before you make a decision. you have time, don't think a decision needs to be made at this very moment. think this through.

[JAndrews]

.............I don't know how to feel right now..........Just opened my "acceptance" letter, if you can call it that. Apparently, I'm good enough for everything EXCEPT the program that I actually want to take......I don't know where to go from here. I've got a 40K scholarship to CCA and SCAD for ANIMATION, and I've also been accepted in SVA for ANIMATION. Do I pass up those other options just to take a program that I'm not too thrilled about at my dream school? Do I waste another year of my life, failing to find a job, and wasting money on a figure drawing class at the local community college that'll get me nowhere, just so I can reapply next year, with the POSSIBILITY that I'll get where I want to go? I dunno.......

[WaterVase17]

@ watervase: yes, if you choose GAD you get in for Fall 2013. steam was saying how she'd say yes to GAD and then just reapply to CA because their core classes are similar and then just jump in as a sophomore in CA, but I don't think that might work out as she plans because Ringling doesn't offer the same classes from Fall in Spring, so I've heard. So she might end up starting over as a freshman and still paying for an extra year. so i'm just cautioning her. she should talk to admissions about this.

don't do anything you aren't sure of doing. if you aren't totally committed to GAD, don't do it. but i suggest looking at the videos GAD students make and talk to admissions about what exactly it is GAD makes before you make a decision. you have time, don't think a decision needs to be made at this very moment. think this through.

oh ok I see, my English, math, art history should transfer right? i dont mind taking drawing classes again, but english is not something I want to retake. You're right, I planned to call them on Monday. Before getting the letter from Ringling, I already kinda have a change of heart about switching to GAD, but I don't know for sure if I want to. This is really hard, and yea I'm checking out their GAD students work.

Question; can I still come to student accepted day even if I'm not sure I will attend? or is it only for student that will attend?

one wrong move and I'll stuck with $200k dept

[WaterVase17]

.............I don't know how to feel right now..........Just opened my "acceptance" letter, if you can call it that. Apparently, I'm good enough for everything EXCEPT the program that I actually want to take......I don't know where to go from here. I've got a 40K scholarship to CCA and SCAD for ANIMATION, and I've also been accepted in SVA for ANIMATION. Do I pass up those other options just to take a program that I'm not too thrilled about at my dream school? Do I waste another year of my life, failing to find a job, and wasting money on a figure drawing class at the local community college that'll get me nowhere, just so I can reapply next year, with the POSSIBILITY that I'll get where I want to go? I dunno.......

Man I know exactly how you feel right now

[Zekfir]

idky but im actually kinda happy more than depress right now, maybe b/c i had a tough time choosing CA and GAD and now fate just chose it for me. can someone plz convince me to study GAD? i need really good reason. also I want to do this kind of art https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVbeoSPqRs4 I know i posted this video before, but I actually like this type of animation than 3d animated film.

also does GAD do programming? b/c i dont wanna do programming.

I could be wrong but I believe that type of animation is more of what is learned in CA. It's polished and tells a story whereas in GAD you learn the mechanics of making a game like making playable stories, worlds, characters. GAD isn't as polished (just my opinion;you would be making games that look good as well as run well for players). But don't let the outcome of what you make determine what you learn. Just because you take CA or GAD doesn't mean you won't or can't make those types of 'cinematic' animations for games. Often game companies contract outside studios who are more versed in CA to do their game cinematics and trailers. You should definetly get more info so you can make a more informed decision.

[Zekfir]

Not accepted to CA I guess I'm in the boat of people who don't really know what to do.

[escaphilia]

The curriculum for GAD and CA can be found here:

https://www.ringling.edu/learn/major...on/curriculum/

https://www.ringling.edu/learn/major...gn/curriculum/

So yeah, the courses are extremely similar, but one is focused more on game development as opposed to making animation for films such as Disney, Pixar, etc. With GAD you are also learning game engines as well, and the programming you learn is for artists, so I don't think it's as scary/intense as you'd think. Both of them are great programs and both of them produce extremely high caliber thesis films.

Themeagod can probably correct me on anything I'm wrong, since he'd know more than me lol.

For me personally, I'm going into GAD because I want to learn the mechanics of animation; traditionally and utilizing computer programs. So, the extra stuff will just increase my knowledge/skill set. I still plan to take courses in character animation outside of ringling, likely during summer or when/if I have downtime with my current course load.

Really, if you are unsure or really wavering - my suggestion would be not to do it because then you run the risk of not being dedicated. At the same time, you have to decide if you are ready to go through the whole process of reapplying again

/two cents

[mkmcm]

I'm sorry to hear you guys didn't get into CA ): Does it come in the same big envelope but just say you can chose any major except CA? I'm a little confused...

[themegagod]

@ steam: be careful if you go that route. the issue is you are assuming seats will open up/ you will get in if you reapply. There is no guarantee, and if you gamble and miss, you might wind up, as anom says be stuck in a major you don't like. Last year when I applied to gad no seats opened up , and I was left with the option of going in as another major. My counselor strongly advised if I really wanted to go into GAD not to risk it. I'd say the same goes for your CA predicament. If you really want CA and not another major, don't risk it, just reapply next year. after only two years of drawing seriously, imagine how much better you would be if you gave it another year of growth?

@water vase: I can't tell you what to do- but as a GAD myself, and one who thinks GAD is awesome, I'll try and inform you as to why I prefer it.
The main difference between CA and GAD is in one you tell a story, and in the other you immerse one into a story...
With animation you want people to see a character and understand what the character traits are almost immediately. In Game design it more making a world "fit" together, and tell a story through the objects placed there.
The best way to look at the difference between the two programs that I've heard, is to think of a theatrical performance. Assuming the script is already created, in order for the show to go on, certain things must be done to tell that story.
If you go into CA you will do the choreography, and a good deal of the direction and some costume design. You will tell the story through the character's movements and expressions.
GAD is more the set design, the make up, and the lighting. Basically if nothing happens, if all that is set out before the viewer is the stage, the viewer should have an understanding of the world they are viewing, and the events that take place within that world.
As well, it seems that there is some character creation and animation too- though it is more limited. If this is something you are truly interested in, I assume you will find that you will have the skill sets to learn these skills on your own.

So why GAD?
well for one the future of games is going to be pretty ground breaking. if you have seen the newest news for the ps4, you will have heard that it won't be long until the graphics capability of video games is near limitless. The ps4 is attempting to play games that have in game graphics which rival that of current CG scenes. it's really quite amazing. Interactivity is increasing more and more, as we head closer towards a world full of augmented realities. The game industry grows by leaps and bounds: only 20-30 years ago we had pixleated blobs, and now look at games.
another reason, is though you will learn animation, you will be learning only a limited amount of animation. . so why is this a good thing? you will focus on many other aspects of 3d design, and alternative animation sources can be found all over- for fairly cheap. As I was discussing roughly two pages ago on this thread, there are a good many really pretty decent animation schools based online, which teach only animation. they focus almost entirely on making a character move, and nothing else. these programs last roughly 1-2 years, and only cost about 20K- thats the cost of one semester at ringling. so getting the animation skills are not impossible if you only need to add those to your skill set. No it may not be as good, or in depth as a CA students education in animation but you should already have a lot of the skills these 1-2 year programs don't focus on.
and lastly, it focuses on art- not programing. there is (from what I understand) a simple programing course, but it is focuses still on how the various art objects interact with each other. programing is limited, and the program focuses on game art, for arts sake. you would learn how to be an artist not a programmer (though programers do average a bit more money in salary).

I could have one a lot more to force your hand into GAD, but I don't want to do that unless you REALLY want to be a GAD. The main difference between CA and GAD is-
CA: you tell a story
GAD: You play god (no blasphemy intended)

to me? Computer animation feels flat in comparison to games. In games it feels like you can reach into the screen and touch it (and in the next decade that may be a possibility). in movies things happen before you- and you just watch to be entertained- Games are entertainment you control.

If you really want to be an animator, reapply to CA. If you are less concerned with making things move and are more concerned with immersing people into fictional worlds, and taking people away from where they are, think about GAD.