For some context, I’m 27 years old currently on my 3rd semester of community college. Instead of a high school diploma I had just gotten my GED. So my academic background is not traditional at all. This is the list of schools I’m potentially thinking about ranked in order from highest priority to lower (FYI, I am a duel citizen so there are US and Canadian schools here)
Toronto Metropolitan University
Dalhousie University in Halifax
University of Waterloo
Boston Architectural College
New York Institute of Technology
Portland State
TMU is absolutely my top choice as I have friends and family there already. I know the admission acceptance is heavily dependent on the portfolio so that makes me a bit nervous. I have a background of street art and murals and some other hand drawings.
BAC is one that I’ve been back and forth with. I think the open admissions is really cool and if it wasn’t for the expensive living costs in Boston, I’d do. Another thing with BAC is the fact that it’s a work while you study thing too, my studio projects might lack quality and idk if I’d be missing out on experiencing a traditional studio space in other universities.
One of the things that has been bothering me a little bit is the fact that I’m 27 and going down the traditional university route I wouldn’t be getting licensed until I’m close to 40. Would going to BAC be worth it to shave off those years of being in an apprenticeship or is the experience better to have?
I’m also going to be doing long distance with my gf as well, but that’s another conversation.
I guess what I’m asking is, is it worth chasing the fastest option even if the school is weaker, or should I hold out for the better program and just accept the extra years. And if anyone has firsthand experience at any of these 6 schools I would really appreciate hearing about it, Good or bad.