2013 - Sheridan College (Animation and Illustration) Hopefuls

[OfficialLamp]

you already got into capilano??

Capilano's portfolio is due at the beginning of April. In fact, I wouldn't be shocked if people could still apply.

[Dunnstar]

may have found a bit of ''hot hot gossip'' for you guys: They're apparently having a meeting on Friday to compile portfolios/grades and make final decisions/cuts for future students. The person I talked to seemed to be saying the results would be available later next week or at the latest in two weeks (because the meeting would be the confirmation of who gets/does not get in.

That can only apply to the people who sent in their portfolio's/Internationals. Do they get scrutinized harder? Hmm,you know maybe it's like how they do it up at Seneca. I remember the admission coordinator saying that only the people on the 'fringe' line really bring up a debate over admissions. it could be that.

Its not like they can lookover ours.(hand ins) or lookover all 300+ delivered portfolios in one sitting.

@about the electives. You have to select 1 or 2 because they are mandatory. I think you can transfer credits though.

[paperpencil]

Oh, no no. I've applied and will be handing in my portfolio April 1st. I believe you can still apply!

Are any of you guys considering Capilano as well? Vancouver is very beautiful...when it's not raining. You actually get used to the rain. The weather in general is much nicer compared to Toronto, in my opinion. Toronto has such extreme weather!

[OfficialLamp]

I just remembered that last year at this time I had stress sores inside my cheek from all of this. This year I just don't seem to give a damn stress-wise, ha.

@paperpencil - This is my 4th year applying to Cap. I also went there for general studies for a year. Brilliant location and the new building is fantastic.

[paperpencil]

That totally makes sense. The ones that have scored higher than the minimum average are a guaranteed in. Most likely they're taking this time to discuss those who have scored the minimum or lower.

[paperpencil]

This is my third!

The first time (2008) I applied I didn't know what the heck I was doing. The second time I applied (last year) I thought I could get away by submitting just life drawing and personal work with barely any animals or perspective-- Wrong! This time it's 1/3 life drawing and all the other requirements are evenly divided. Third's time the charm, hopefully!

[OfficialLamp]

Haha, I did something similar! Though, the aggravating thing is that I've just scraped under the bar every time. My first attempt got me #8 on the waitlist, second #5, and last year I received that new extra assignment that they give to the people competing for the final few spots, so I was at least waitlist worthy. Maybe if I apply enough times they'll just let me in by default.

[paperpencil]

Haha yeah me too. I got to the test part last year but didn't make it through.

I went to their open house last weekend and saw some student work and they are really good. The good thing about Cap is that not only is it a small class size but it really is the best of the best of the west coast. I took their summer program last year and the building is really awesome too. Except during the summer when it's crazy hot inside.

[Dunnstar]

cap does seem like a good choice. How much is rent down there?

[OfficialLamp]

cap does seem like a good choice. How much is rent down there?

It varies greatly. I live on my own, so my rent is really high (but the lowest for being without roomate) at 660. If you move a bit further out, you can easily roommate up with someone for 400. Sometimes you can even find close to downtown for pretty cheap if you don't mind a little bit of sketch.

[paperpencil]

Oh, you live here? I didn't know that! Do you go to Basic Inquiry for life drawing?

[OfficialLamp]

No, I just go to Cap. Cheapest around.

[paperpencil]

Ahh.. right of course.

[Uptown]

Vancouver seems like a beautif place. I think it would be nice living down there.
Anyways, how many people does Cap accept anyways like 20?? Cuz i know seneca only accepts something like 40

[OfficialLamp]

I think it's 24 for each year of the 2D program and 30 for the digital. One thing to remember is that they have no advertising budget at all, so no one really knows about the school.

[Uptown]

I think it's 24 for each year of the 2D program and 30 for the digital. One thing to remember is that they have no advertising budget at all, so no one really knows about the school.

Yea i havent really heard much about it but i've seen some work from the people coming out of there and they are really talented

[xKotu]

How much is Capilanos tuition fee for a year?

My brother is in Vancouver right now. I was there for 2 weeks to help him set up and it was so gorgeous. x3

[miraine]

this wait may slowly be driving me crazy, my life feels like it's on suspension right now

[OfficialLamp]

this wait may slowly be driving me crazy, my life feels like it's on suspension right now

Go keep yourself busy. Preferably with art things. For example, I've been attempting the SkullGirls clean-up artist application test for shits and giggles. Go do something equally time consuming and you won't even think about the wait!

[paperpencil]

Here are the deets for Capilano's commercial animation program.

Length: 2 Years - September to April each year
Class Size: 24
Tuition Costs: Canadian Students $3800 /yr
International Students $14,500 /yr
Books & Supplies: $1,000 /yr

[Uptown]

Those prices seem real reasonable. Why couldnt a lot of school be priced like this.

[xKotu]

Damn, yeah. Makes me rethink Sheridan. Although I kept cruising around for more information and I'm not sure how Capilano stands up to Sheridan. For the two applying, which school would you prefer to get into and why? :3

[OfficialLamp]

Those prices seem real reasonable. Why couldnt a lot of school be priced like this.

I actually talked to the department head guy about this. He said that the program is under some kind of tuition lock that prevents it from being changed. It's also the reason why they don't expand or add another class because it would mean the tuition would be put up for review and it would skyrocket.

[kamikazel33t]

Did you guys see the trailer for the 2013 industry day at sheridan, it's pretty sick!

[paperpencil]

Definitely Sheridan! I can't imagine anyone else in this forum to have a different answer. I mean, it's called "Sheridan College Hopefuls". Come on now. ; )

The main reason for me is that Sheridan attracts the best talent from all over the world and I hope to be part of that. To be with such amazing people would not only be inspiring but also incredibly enriching! You not only learn from the teachers but from your peers as well. How could you not when you're with such stimulating, passionate and talented people? Being around such peers would also be very motivating! Which I think is a win win for everyone. We all want to do our best work, seeing others do well only inspires you to go further.

Secondly, the program's emphasis on hard skills is a big draw for me. With it being a four year program, you're really going to get that drilled into you! I like how the program includes actual painting. Some programs don't have the luxury of time to include that and I'm happy that we would have the opportunity to work on that skill. I also love the idea of being able to do a short film! I think that's really cool and would look forward to that.

Having a degree is also a big plus. Somewhere down the road if I choose to be a teacher or continue on with a Masters, I'll be able to. I like having that option.

Overall, Sheridan just has the best program out there. It is known for creating great talent among its students and that's why it's my #1 choice.

That being said, I will also just say why Capilano is awesome and is my #2 choice.

The school has the best program in the west coast for SURE! It's the only program that has a real foothold in Vancouver's animation industry. I've heard a few industry people say that they pretty much only hire Capilano grads (if they're coming from Vancouver) because of the quality of artist they make. Though it's only two years, the program is really fantastic and I have seen first hand the type of work it results in. (You can too. Check them out here --- www.gradshow.com)

The tuition is very reasonable at $3800/yr for Canadians and you get to go to a brand spanking new facility! Though I liked their old animation rooms. It was above the library and you looked out into the forest so it felt like you were in a tree house! Class sizes are kept very small so lots of time with the teachers. You also get to develop a tight knit group with your class! And you know how I said Sheridan attracts the best of the best? Well, definitely the same thing can be said about Capilano. For talented people where Sheridan is just too far and expensive, they'll come to Cap instead. Their standards for getting in is very high as well and so you'll be sure to be with amazing and talented people.

Another plus is the location. Vancouver simply is a beautiful city. Where else can you get a view of snow covered mountains and the ocean? If you go to Cap you'll get to ride the seabus (if you don't live in North Van) every day and see that view. Even though I've lived in Vancouver most of my life, I am always struck by its inherent beauty. (Watch this video to see Live The Language - Vancouver)

Oh, if you like Japanese food--- this city has the BEST in Canada.

***

Can anyone talk about Seneca? I applied there because I saw it's rated pretty well among animation schools and have read that most people apply there as well as Sheridan. Thoughts on their program?

[OfficialLamp]

Definitely Sheridan! I can't imagine anyone else in this forum to have a different answer. I mean, it's called "Sheridan College Hopefuls". Come on now. ; )

Cap is still my first choice. I'm not even fully sure if I can go to Sheridan with the zero savings I have. Capilano is just a safe bet for me, at a lower cost. There's also different options if you want to take your education further. Commerical animation grads get first spots in the Digital Animation class and Cap has a transfer program with Emily Carr if you feel you need a degree.

[paperpencil]

You wouldn't consider a student loan or line of credit? I know it's a hefty sum of money but it's a worthwhile reason, for sure.

[OfficialLamp]

You wouldn't consider a student loan or line of credit? I know it's a hefty sum of money but it's a worthwhile reason, for sure.

I will have to get students loans regardless of what school I go to. I may need a line of credit for sheridan is what I'm saying and I don't know if it's worth that.

[Dunnstar]

Well, paper. I haven't studied at Seneca. So i'll just put that disclaimer first.

I did a little research into it. talked to a few graduates, looked through the alumni.. and well, I'm impressed.


Seneca's animation program appears really solid. The alumni seems strong, a few teach or have teached at sheridan. All of them only work there part time, so they are still in the industry. The price and the class size is a huge selling point. it's abit over 5k with class sizes of 20. The courses look fundamentally the same as Sheridan (up til the 3rd year). and unlike Sheridan, you get your own space immediately, it doesn't have fancy cintiques but it' looked more than serviceable.

But, the program doesn't have co-op or a capstone year, instead there's a class project. where the whole class works on one project. I've heard variety of stories about this. some say (it was great) others tell me it was a crappy 30 second commercial that no one even used. (this was an early graduate though, back when the program was just getting off their feet)

The program does only take 40 out of few hundred 200-350. so there's a great bunch of hard working artists.

[xKotu]

Thanks paperpencil for your insight! It was really helpful. I'm thinking I might try to squeeze in an application to Capilano before the deadline passes too. 3.8k a year and being located in Vancouver makes me a happy art kid. Although Sheridan would definitely still be my top choice just cause of it's overall allure of being a 4 year program. I feel like learning things in 2 years won't ground the information in me as much as I want.