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30 out of 30 people found this review useful.
Phillip from Punta Gorda, FL
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot Having only finished my freshmen year, I have only learned what Ringling taught me for their 1st year CORE Studio program, which is drawing (still lifes, etc), figure drawing, 3D studio, 2D art, color, history, and others based on your major. Mine was Traditional Animation and History of Animation because I'm a Computer Animation major. BTW, Ringling is generally referred to as the best art school in the country and has the world's best animation program, according to 3D magazine.
Am enjoying being here Most of the professors are very nice and the campus is beautiful. This is a residential campus so most people live here, but some of the buildings are really old and not that nice. On the other hand, the campus has been expanded greatly through the construction of many new large buildings. These buildings are beautiful. The staff in all offices are very friendly (I deal with them because I work with the campus activities crew) I've made many friends here and spend most of my time with them when I'm not packed with work. Years 3-4 are extremely work intensive, whereas year 1 is only moderate. Sometimes I really get sick of being on campus and go to downtown Sarasota (which is gorgeous) or St Armand's Circle (shopping, dining), or lido beach, also, not too far from famous Siesta Key beach.
Bang for the buck The one really negative point to make about this place is the price point. When all charges come together, the price tag is about 40,000 a year. This is bad for me because I have to pay for school with mostly student loans considering bright futures does not pay that much for private institutions, nor do my scholarships. Then again, this is one of the most prestigious art colleges in the world and the incredible career services pretty much guarantees you a job by the time you graduate. Companies like Pixar to EA to Hallmark to the CIA come here to recruit students. It really is world class.
Tips for prospective students Unfortunately, whenever you have a question for a staff member or administrator when not on campus, they are always unavailable and can only be reached by email, never phone. It's very annoying. Also, work hard because it is a very competitive environment within the respectful majors.
Great for these types of students Anyone with talent and interest in animation, illustration, photography, interior design, fine arts, business of art and design, graphic design, etc. Besides that, anyone is welcome.
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6 out of 6 people found this review useful.
Joanna from Riverview, FL
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot As anyone who has heard of Ringling College of Art and Design will know, Ringling is one of the top colleges in the WORLD for artists and designers. Everyone at the school begins with the same curriculum-- basic studio classes such as drawing and 3D are required (however, next year the curriculum is changing, and many core classes will not be required anymore e.g. Film majors won't need to take drawing). These basic classes start everyone off at the same page. If you're someone like me, who hasn't had any formal art education before Ringling, you'll definitely be brought up to speed by professors who are high-quality, well-known professionals in their own fields. If you're a bit more experienced, there are plenty of school competitions and opportunities for you to stretch your creative muscle as well.
Am enjoying being here The atmosphere at this school is great! There's the warm and sunny Florida atmosphere most months of the year, the gorgeous campus, and most of all the diverse and creative student body. The beach is not far away at all, Downtown Sarasota is beautiful, and the cultured city of Tampa is only 45 minutes away. The student body is very small, and everyone seems to know each other. If people don't know you, they will definitely come up to you and say hello! There are plenty of fun events on campus, especially those run by the Resident Assistants of each floor in the dorms. Resident Assistants are extremely helpful and will make the dorm experience as fun as possible. In addition, the cafeteria has vegetarian, vegan, and omnivorous options for the widest range of student diet. You'll meet friendly people from the other side of the globe here, and you'll be so inspired by the brilliant artists that call this school home 8 months of the year.
Bang for the buck This school definitely has some of the highest quality technology for every major, great food and facilities, an extensive library, LEED certified buildings, and highly qualified staff. The one downside to all of this is that all of the money you spend to go to this wonderful school is used to improve the technology and facilities for future students, but little financial aid is provided. However, for prospective artists (ESPECIALLY Computer Animation majors) the name of this school on your resume will get you further than nearly any other art school in the United States. Well-known creative companies such as Pixar, Disney, Blizzard Entertainment, Dreamworks, Hallmark, and even the CIA come to Ringling to hire graduates straight out of college, with the likelihood of a pretty hefty paycheck, because they know and expect that Ringling College students are the best of the best.
Tips for prospective students Scholarships, scholarships, scholarships. It is imperative that you apply for any and every scholarship you can. You will have to scour the Internet and spend hours applying, or you will likely never be able to afford this school. The price we all pay for having the highest-quality education in the world is the enormous cost of tuition and fees. And although paying back loans after college for 20 years seems like a horrid idea to you, it will be well worth it when you get hired and have money in your pocket. Going to lower-quality art schools will not save you money because you will NOT be making any money when you graduate.
Great for these types of students If you are open-minded, off the wall, friendly, and like video games, you will definitely be welcomed here. Actually, nearly any type of person is accepted by students at Ringling College of Art and Design. However, if you tend to create drama, talk behind people's backs, or don't try your best in class, students will definitely have a problem with you. You don't need to be Da Vinci to be accepted at this school, but you MUST try your best, fail, learn, and try again until you achieve the success that is inevitable at Ringling College.
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3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
Stephanie from North Port, FL
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot I am a rising junior in Ringling. Each year I am improving greatly in in my artistic ability. The teachers challenge you and help you reach your potential. I started off thinking I did not have much to learn, but it's amazing how much there actually is. I've learned so much about the human anatomy and what I've done shows through in my work. Not a day goes by when someone does not comment on how much I have improved.
Am enjoying being here All of the teachers are great, understanding, and nice. The whole school is a welcome environment and it's hard to feel left out with how nice everyone is. I commute and even the commuters are not left out in anything! They make sure you are notified with campus activities. With all of the work the students do, there are plenty of events to relax and have fun! We may not have the best sports teams, as we hardly hear of them, but we have the best Quidditch team around!
Bang for the buck The school is expensive but you pretty much get what you pay for and how much you put into it. You have to work hard and ask questions. Their staff is extremely helpful and I don't mean just the teachers, I mean the academic advisers, financial aid, and career services staff. They do all they can for the students and to help them prepare for the upcoming years and the future once they leave the school. They work for you even after you graduate, helping you to find jobs!
Tips for prospective students This school can be difficult, but it is a lot of fun. You have to work hard; ask questions, you cannot expect all the answers to just come to you, it's up to both you and your teachers to work together to achieve your goals.
Great for these types of students This school is great for dedicated, hardworking, creative, fun, and open students.
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3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
Chelsea from Jacksonville, FL
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot The amount of amazing knowledge handed to students at Ringling has always overwhelmed me. It is mostly thanks to the help of some of the best professors within the art and design field. Its no joke when you realize improvement over your own work as each year rolls by. How many people contribute to your growth. However, the learning doesn't just start and end within a classroom. You'll find that day-in and day-out the people you socialize with help you grow tremendously: be it classmates, friends, or upperclassmen. Everyone within the Ringling family sticks together and looks out for one another. You will quickly get to know how openly friendly others are and also how willing they are to inspire you to be better at whatever it is you do.
Am enjoying being here The relatively small, quiet campus is beautifully set nearby beaches of the Gulf Coast of sunny Florida. It is very environmentally friendly, built around some beautiful old trees, newer buildings being awarded LEED gold certifications, and designated smoking areas to keep the campus clean. Classrooms can be open until 2am during weekdays if you need all night to cram. The actual campus is very safe during all hours, security always patrolling and newly installed emergency call boxes in various locations. There are some very student friendly eateries within walking distance that are very forgiving to your wallet. You are also given three on campus locations to eat from if you are on a meal plan or just need a quick meal, a small but efficient gym to work out in, and lovely meeting areas for social interaction within their new Goldstein Residence Hall. It has two giant HD TVs, pool tables, and table tennis open for anyone to use. Also, I must mention taking a look at our Quidditch matches is always quite the spectacle (go armadillos!) and various student clubs.
Bang for the buck Although I think the price tag could be cheaper, the money does not go to waste. Students are provided with top of the line technology in every classroom. You are provided your own personal macbook computer within your first few weeks of being on campus which you use for your entire four years of being a student. You are provided excellent care from food to career planning. Professors are very top class professionals from various fields who love to teach. Students are provided numerous resources at their fingertips to help with any project. Various art galleries, company presentations, and high class visitors visit campus happen all throughout the school year.
Tips for prospective students Visit campus and ask a lot of questions. Look at a lot of different majors than your first choice. Live on campus for your first year and make a lot of friends. Do not skip out on all the presentations and meetings, they are very important to attend if you are serious about getting a good career. Always be working on your portfolio; make class assignments polished enough to use. Never print things before class, printers aren't always your best friend.
Great for these types of students Generally, I would say creative people who love to work with others. A willingness to put effort, a hunger to learn more, and limitless imagination will take you very far.
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2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
Alan from Bradenton, FL
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences immersion in fine art and all other arts related degrees. amazing guidance and leadership, along with the most amazing support staff any college could ever dream of having. opportunities abound for work, work study, gallery shows, sales, and scholarships and grants.
Tips for prospective students come to ringling in sunny florida, where you will learn that the starving artist is a thing of the past, and you will find your own personal path to success through learning the ins and outs of the business, from running a gallery to managing a movie to running your own business to working for a legendary company, this is the place to make it happen.
Academic Rigor i won't hide the truth here. you will work harder than you ever have in your life. but, that's what you need to learn to do in order to be successful in such a competitive business. you'll find yourself creating miracles out of nothing, and learn how to do so in a responsible, environmentally friendly way!
Dorm Life dorm life here is great. about 90% 0f the students live in the dorms their first or second year. but, with a little success, i see that many kids have earned enough money to actually live off campus by the junior or senior year. but stay close to school, because you will still have lots of extra curricular activities to do on campus and off.
Food and Dining the school itself has 3 good restaurants. one is a cafeteria style place, with excellent gourmet chef created dishes. the other is more of a cafe, with great sandwiches, hot meals, and starbucks coffee!! off campus, there are numerous good restaurants really close by: burger king, taco bell, and mcdonalds are all close by, and there are three great chinese places nearby, too. as well as a subway, an new fancy italian ($$) restaurant, and several independent gourmet places up and down us41.
What to do for fun sarasota may be a smaller town, but honestly, there is so much you can do here. from local night spots to the beaches, you will find plenty to to. heck, just on campus alone, every week you will have opportunities to go to gallery openings from great artists such a jmwturner, his work is showing here at the selby gallery this week. last month, we had henk pander, a legendary dutch artist, and the list goes on and on. we also have, almost every week, a private screening of movies before they are issued to the public. we also have had speakers such as steven spielberg, jeff katz (who's son attends here) to peter jackson, to elijah wood, who was here last week also, and martha stewart, and the list is endless! stars, directors, artists, musicians, interior designers, and more. the college just started building a new movie studio, with the help of two great hollywood directors involved, which has the agreement with many hollywood studios to bring movie projects here. it is state of the art, and every student is issued a macbook pro when they arrive, to keep the entire time you are here!
Bang for the buck you just can't find a more involved, focused group of educators and staff than we have here. plus, you get career services for the rest of your life, where they will advise on portfolio decisions, will help you write a killer resume, and will assist you in finding a job no matter how long you've been out of college.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus well, here, we have florida al around. we are on the northwestern edge of the everglades, where nature is abundant. we also have throughout the school year, excursions to do things like kayak the mangrove tunnels, explore the bayous, go on deep sea marine expeditions through mote marine, as well as the florida aquarium in tampa, which is only about an hours drive from here. also, rcad is opening the new smoa (sarasota museum of art) which used to be an old fashioned huge high school, where they will conduct classes, hold special shows, and draw in big name artists. we have sarasota international airport, or drive to tampa, one of the largest airports in the world.
Great for these types of students art, graphic design, illustration, motion graphics, interactive design, digital film (the biggest draw right now,) interior design, tv and movie productions students, sound design students, fine art students, and students how may be creative, but undecided.
Clubs and Activities lots of clubs and activities to do, such as quiddich, which rcad is the most recent (2011) champion, sga, volunteer services (something rcad is big on!) and a lot more.
Greek Life seems art students aren't really into greek life here, although i think there are a few greek groups here.
Campus Safety campus safety is excellent here. at night, there are at least 8 or 10 guys who do nothing but cruise around campus, and keep an eye on things. we also have, in every parking lot and public space, large blue lighted emergency phones. these large blue light poles aso have cameras, which are monitored 24/7. although i am not sure of the number of employees our safety and security has, i know they are always everywhere i go, anytime i go there.
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2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
james from Land O Lakes, FL
Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
Categories Rating Comments Will learn a lot Its a typical art school so they first year have art related classes very different from a traditional school where you take loads of Englishes and Math/ science classes. Your second year you drive right into your major in some case I believe you take classes related to you major your freshmen year.
Will enjoy being here The school is big on what the students want. They're are tons of events and guess speakers. So believe me you won't be bored.
Bang for the buck Its pretty pricey, but they seem to have develop projects that immures them into the work world. Tons of companies visit every year to see students and offer internships. Some students even acquire work before graduating. Talk about work placement. LOL
Tips for prospective students If your in high school and want to attend. Focus on your portfolio. Take art classes that interest you and work on your craft (Skill).
Great for these types of students Students who love art and are self motivated. The school prides them selves on creating a learning environment that simulates the real world. There's constant projects and deadlines and group projects.
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2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
Nery from Pembroke Pines, FL
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot This is a highly demanding school, but I have learned a great deal, and all is important and relevant for my professional development as an artist.
Am enjoying being here Although I am to poor to enjoy Sarasota, I enjoy the college, its teachers and the other students. Everyone is very serious about their studies. It is a very diverse population and I really feel at home.
Bang for the buck A rather expensive school for my means, but you get what you pay for. Most graduates go to work for some of the best illustration and graphic arts companies in the world.
Tips for prospective students 1. Work hard.
2. Work hard.
3. Work hard.
4. Work very hard.Great for these types of students Students for a passion for art!!
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Natasha from St.Petersburg, FL
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences Ringling is unlike any other art school I had applied to or visited. Under NASA we are the most wired and electronically equipped base around. Ringling is known for is exceptional art and very interesting and eclectic students and professors.
Tips for prospective students Know exactly what you want to go into, and what you want to study because you dive straight into it. Study as much about programs prior to entrance. Really question your art ability, Ringling is no joke-- you do not want to waste your time and money if you are not 100% sure you want to do this all your life. Also plan out your finances in advance it will make your life so much easier, and less stressful.
Academic Rigor Ringling is known for two things; technology and professors. We as students are fortunate enough to have professor's who have all worked in their area of expertise and continue to do so along side their teaching careers. We have an incredible set of instructors who are both knowledgeable and practical, knowing exactly how to guide our courses; it's not straight textbook curriculum.
Dorm Life Dorm living is nice. There are brand new complexes for incoming freshman; you can either live alone or with 1-2 more people. Upperclassmen housing varies from apartment style living to houses, and some individual dorming options for those people who prefer to be alone.
Food and Dining The Brickman Cafe and Outtakes are the most enjoyable places on campus, its fast and accessible to where most classes are located. The school does have a cafeteria with moderately good food but it is certainly not the preferred choice of many students. Outtakes and the Cafe both provide quick on the go beverages and coffees along with snacks, sandwiches and fruit.
What to do for fun Ringling is very focused on school, and academics and students give up a lot of their free time to perfecting their craft. The school does have a gym, along with a quidditch team and various recreational sports teams. The school also provides various events throughout the year such as the giant foam party, and various dances such as the Drag Prom.
Bang for the buck Ringling is extremely expensive, and it is a nice school with plenty of educational value, you get what you pay for and then some.
Great for these types of students Artistic oddballs; artists who always felt like outsiders, are now in flocks and seem to find comfort amongst many of their own kind.
Clubs and Activities Theres not a lot going on at Ringling, everyone is very focused on their art. We have a few recreational sports teams such as soccer and flag football along with a quidditch team. The school provides yoga, karate and several other class but not much else. They are always encouraging students to start up clubs.
Campus Safety Ringling is fully equipped with security round the clock. They have state of the art security cameras everywhere, emergency call boxes, and local police monitoring campus life alongside school security. Most buildings run off of a fob system that allows only students and designated faculty etc. into certain buildings and areas.
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Francheska from Groveland, FL
Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences It is a good school with state of the art technology. The professors are educated and very friendly, and so are the students. However, the location is uninspiring for an art school.
Tips for prospective students As all art schools do, they love still life and figure sketches to be put into your portfolio. However, I got accepted into the Graphic & Interactive Communication department and a majority of my portfolio was graphics. While they do like still lives, try to put things that are more with the major you're going to pursue.
Academic Rigor It is one of the top art schools in the U.S., so you must expect to be challenged, especially during freshman year with the foundation courses. They want to weed out those who simply can't keep up with the demands of an artistic environment.
Dorm Life I didn't visit the dorms, but from what I've read, seem nice.
Food and Dining In my acceptance package, Ringling gave me a guide to Sarasota with all the best dining places, shopping, etc. They have a lot of nice cafes in Sarasota, but very expensive. They have a Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, so can't complain there.
What to do for fun There is nothing here - this is Sarasota. Besides the beach, most of it is just art museums and a lot of old people. Its not a bustling city, its a resort town for retirees really and tourists looking to spend a quiet Spring Break. Don't expect a lot to be happening, I visited and I was bored out of my mind after a day or two. The beach can only be fun for so long.
Bang for the buck If you feel this is the school for you, go for it. However, they're not as generous as other schools - they only offer one scholarship to one person in each major. Meaning out of all the Graphic & Interactive Communication acceptees, only one actually gets a merit aid scholarship. Prepare to take out some loans, unless you can afford it, of course.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus They have a place called The Cove, sounds cool, right?
Great for these types of students This college is best for the 3D Animation, Illustration types. They boast about their alumni's work in films with Pixar, and the recent Oscar winner animated short film, yet little from any other majors.
Campus Safety Sarasota is mostly old people, so not a lot of crime here, from what I saw.
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1 out of 2 people found this review useful.
Amanda from Cape Coral, FL
Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
Categories Rating Comments Login to rate or flag the reviews
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Breanna from Lauderhill, FL
Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences Great for students really interested in the programs they offer. Easy to understand website. Great prices and financial availability.
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Veronica from Miami, FL
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences Ringling life is unique. Education is exceptional and amazing. Tuition is incredibly expensive and hard to afford for most students.
Tips for prospective students Get financial aid done early look for plenty of scholarships try and stay away from private loans if you can and be sure to visit career services as early on as you can. Enjoy your time at Ringling! You will miss it when it's gone.
Academic Rigor I think Ringling is pretty laid back. It can still be strict but generally it's fine.
Dorm Life Really great, fun, and educational. You're always around your peers and this helps you grow as a student too. Not to mention rolling out of bed in your PJs to go to class.
Food and Dining It's alright, not really great not really terrible. I wish there was more variety.
Bang for the buck What you learn here is worth the money you're paying. It may be pricey but the college's connections and the education are amazing and def worth it.
Clubs and Activities There is something for everyone.. we even have a quiditch team!
Greek Life None, sorry bros.
Campus Safety Located near a bad neighborhood. Occasional robbery. Best to walk in groups of three or more at night or get public safety to give you a lift back to your car or dorm.
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Angela from Sarasota, FL
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences No matter what, Ringling College will get you somewhere. The faculty are amazing and care for their students dearly. The top computer animation programs!
Tips for prospective students Be confident with your work. Ringling doesn't only want to see your personality in your art, they want to see that you can do art.
What to do for fun ART!
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Veronica from Miami, FL
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot Maybe you won't be the best in the business but I guarantee that you will succeed in the field if you put the effort in. It's not a free ride, it's hard work, and this college gives you the tools and shows you how to become a successful and professional artist.
Am enjoying being here The atmosphere is wonderful and you are surrounded by students with similar interests. It's hard to get work done when you're having so much fun!
Bang for the buck While Ringling is really great it's very expensive and I think too expensive. If they spent less time building to please donors and parents and more time cutting back maybe we could see less of a tuition cost..? It's very VERY expensive.
Tips for prospective students Look into scholarships and loans should be your last resort. Trust me, get on it, get your scholarships.
Great for these types of students Artists obviously. You will enjoy it here no matter who you are there are people here just like you!
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anonymous
Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
Categories Rating Comments Will learn a lot After attending Ringling's Precollege Perspective Program, I came away with a better understanding and application of the tools I learned in the Graphic Design and Illustration classes (the two I signed up for). Besides the two main classes, you will also be attending several foundations classes that strengthen your core understanding of draftmanship and idea generation. This program is a very rewarding experience, insightful and challenging, yet fun at the same time.
Will enjoy being here Ringling's campus is beautiful and the weather is always warm.
Bang for the buck I would have to take loans in order to go full time and am simply not willing to put myself through years of slavery to the bank after graduation.
Tips for prospective students Draw from life. The more you draw from life, the more you can pull from your memories and experience to draw from imagination. Be open to criticism and work hard to improve, the teachers will notice the extra effort.
Great for these types of students If you've finished your work early, there is always somewhere fun to hang out, and if you want to study hard, the college's computer labs and study rooms are the places to go. I met so many people there and still have friends I keep in touch with, so its social community is well developed.
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