SUCH a different college tour...

[Laurel-in-CA]

Today we went and toured our local "big box" state university. LOTS of free services that come with the payment of [large] student fees, lots of social and networking opportunities, as well as on-campus restaurants. A very large pool of students (37,000). They spend up to 2 years in general ed and have to "audition" into the BFA program. So, those 2 initial years could be done at CC and lots of electives available. Cost quoted at $2500/semester (w/o books or supplies).

As opposed to our previous tour of a small arts college with just 1200 students and a very focused, pre-defined class set, 2 buildings plus parking structure...with lots and lots of industry connections and internship opportunities. Even their (minimal) general ed is art focused and the art classes are the core of all studies for all 4 years. On-time graduation is built into the program. Cost quoted at $10-$15K per semester (w/o books/supplies).

DD has a LOT to think about!!

[Jenn in CA]

Interesting! Which private school are you considering?

I went to UCLA... when reg fees were only $1000 a year. Now it's $9000+/year. I'm not sure it's worth that any more.

[creekland]

We did a similar tour last spring - going to my big box Alma mater and smaller LA schools my son was interested in. I felt for sure the bells and whistles of the big box would prevail (as they did with hubby and I). Instead, all 3 of my younguns have told me they'd prefer small and personal.

I'm still getting used to the idea. Different strokes for different folks I suppose. Fortunately, their grades should help with the cost. I want them to live their life, not the life I wanted for myself.

And I'm still amazed that one can walk across a campus in 10 minutes! :)

[Laurel-in-CA]

We've been to Otis (near LAX) and are going to Laguna some time in early December. Otis has 1200 students; Laguna has just 325!

DD has heard good things about the art dept. at the "big box" school--which has 8 different concentrations, including the area she wants, and her private art teacher says has "depth" as well as breadth...but they sure weren't very impressive in person. We're going to make an appointment with an adviser for early Dec. (We are more than a little behind the curve on scheduling with this whole application thing.)