CAA: Christian Anime Alliance

I'll keep posting reviews and information about the colleges

Wow... You really did your homework!

I would add one detail to said lists: if you're interested in actually developing games (not art, not programming), then Full Sail really is your only option. Though I have not adequately checked out the University of Advance Technology.

The Full Sail people are pretty nice about finances. If you can snag enough scholarships and the like, you can get your room and board paid as well.

Heh, thanks.

I know I'm impressed with your hard work and diligence, SouthernSun.

I called yesterday

4 year program... what Degree programs are you taking?

SS, I posted allready that there IS no 2 year program or 4 year program... I think you're meaning "Associates" and "Bachelors" which you will get on an accelerated basis (I only know abotu the AS, which is 14 months NOT 2 years) Check out my post in the full sail... Also, the ONLY school that EA games representative recommended was FULL SAIL... They said that getting a "B" on your game project would get you an instant job there. I know that because I went to a couple siggraph local chapter meetings, and EA sent a rep to talk to us. He mentioned Full Sail about 6 or 7 times, an no other schools (that after being prompted about another school.) I suppose it could be a loyal grad, but he answered that question as a rep of all of EA... Plus, Full sail sets you up with internships in all of their courses, and you are spending much more time on your projects there because it is so much more focused than a general university or even an art college. Also, you can work with their computer animation students and their recording arts students to help you with a complete project.

You're right in saying there are no dorms... However, they organize it with you to set you up with a good roomate... My friend said they can set you up with a Christian roomate if you ask specifically, and also get your car situation worked out (I'll probably walk if I'm no more than 4 miles away) and work with you on your outside loans... A word to everyone... Start building credit NOW... I should have started when I turned 18, and now I'm paying for it... I'll have to wait a couple years, probably, before I can get enough to get the external loans I need (outside of the 10,000 from fafsa) The cost seems large, by the way, but if you compare that cost to the cost of 4 semesters at a normal university or other specialty college, they amount to the same (when you add the cost of living a rationed lifestyle)

Like Digipen, you will be spending LONG hours on your projects... For me, however, this is an attractive thing... I can't wait to have access to those suites to unleash my creative abilities! ^_^ They have very impressive multimedia suites, and they upgrade them regularly. Oh, and like I said, you can coordinate with people in other degree programs to help you out and help them out (such as acting for the film school)

I'm sure Full Sail isn't the only school out there, but i'm also sure it's the only one for me... Maybe not for you because you need the broader time and more standard setup of a standard 4 year college, SS. But different people have different requirements...

Yes, last time anyone checked course will be available for the first time ever.

uc pseudonym wrote:4 year program... what Degree programs are you taking?

cooking

I'M BACK FROM

January i'll be back here with more

I like the schedule for full sail, too... No big breaks, so you get it over with and can start paying back your loans... I just hope I inherit the money from some 130 year old relative I've never met who has had a very fulfilling life, is a Christian, and just happens to have a lot of money that he's going to give to distant family when he dies... It would be nice having enough to not have to pay it back... And I'd love to do 2 or 3 degrees (game course, animation course, and maybe the film course too!) but, you know, you shouldn't think about those things too much... It's not good to live in fantasy...

Instead, i should focus on reality, and reality is that I've got a LOT of work before I go to full sail... I believe that God is going to get me there, even if it's just securing my loans, but I have to do a lot of stuff to get to that point... Man... One of those things includes getting to bed on time every night (unless I land the graveyard at Sam's Club, which I really hope to do! Gotta learn how to drive a fork lift...), getting a job, and getting into certain classes so I can be at calculus level by the time I want to go... (that is if I choose the game course, which I'm leaning towards now...)

I am really stuck in a daze right now... I think that when I start taking more classes and get a full time or half time Job, that will change... It should all start when I go to New York to visit my bro (I'm going to canada, too! I'm so excited!)

It's very kind of you to share what your college visits revealed, Volt. I'll be using that, once to visit Full Sail.

On the topic of that BS... the course is just under two years, I'm not certain how much more it costs. And that information is straight from them.

Oh no don't get confused...

I'm not sure what the confusion is, but I understand completely and get what you're saying. Carry on.

(i though you were talking about a different degree,

Sorry some of my info is on Hold

and none of them are hiring,

has anyone considered the International Academy of Design and Technology or Ringlings School of Art and Design?
are they good?
i know these are more design colleges than game design, but any help would be great

Nope. pretty much everyone here

Game Companies:

I'm sorry I find it funny how you described Chicago. I'm from there so the whole thing about the Loop and riding the L just made me smile. I didn't notice when you were there but did you get a chance to see the lights at Marshall Field's or check out any of the awesome museums. Please tell me you at least got some authentic (and the best) Chicago pizza!

My personal advice to you, go with one that feels right. Yeah, a great program doesn't do you much good if you don't think you'll be comfortable. I was going to go to a Big Ten school until I went there. WAY to big for little old me. So instead I'm at a small private university. The program may not be as in depth but I've had a lot more freedom in deciding where I want to go with my major, etc. etc. Just my word as one that's been through it I guess.

I'm going to New York in 2 days, where American Style Pizza was invented (Pizza was originally made in Italy, but Pizza as we know it came from NY... I think, at least.. I don't have any research to back this up, just word of mouth)

Hey, Volt... If you do end up going to Full Sail at the same time as me, (oh, and you too UC) maybe we can all bunk together... That will lower cost of appartment drastically... I've found a 2 bedroom appt for 450 a month... That's 150 per person. I don't know about where you guys all come from, but I consider that a fantastic price... I don't know if we're all even going there, though, let alone at the same time...

If we are going at the same time, I'd love to room together. That doesn't sound like a bad deal at all... though I'll still be really poor. I think it'd be good, though.

The key is getting good loans that will cover living costs. You need one of two things:

A credit worthy co-signer
A lot of credit yourself...

As of now, I've got neither (my parents don't have perfect credit and allready told me they wouldn't co-sign... I may convince my brother, though) but I'm going to hoarde all but the tithe in my monthly income and put it in a savings account when I can, and try to apply for a credit card so I can start earning credit ASAP...

*scoffs* New York?!?! Bah, it's all about Chicago style pizza.


150 a month is pretty good, I think mine's around 200 a month here in private U. land.

Actually, I'm hoping to get through college without any loans. It just might be possible... but I doubt it. Unless God used me for dollar bill throwing practice or something.

Without any Loans? I'd pray about that one. If God tells you that, then I suppose that's what you should do, but of course HUMANLY speaking it's darned near impossible... Especially if you dont' have any source of income.

If you get an $11 an hour 40 hours a week job for 4 years, you may get by on bare minimum for tuition and living expenses if you're going for a BS, unless you get a big private schollarship or massive donation.

It'd help if it wasn't Full Sail, as they offer jack squat in the way of financial aid. Any of the nearby colleges (defined as: within twenty miles) would give me a full ride. But Full Sail is completely different, and that's what I need.