What's the best college for graphic design?

I'm planning to major in graphic design after graduation and want to know which colleges are considered the best for this field. How competitive is the admission process, and what should I focus on to increase my chances of getting accepted?

There are multiple colleges renowned for their programs in graphic design. Here are few you might want to explore:

1. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

2. Pratt Institute

3. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)

4. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)

5. Parsons School of Design at The New School

Each of these schools has a highly competitive admissions process, with acceptance rates for Rhode Island School of Design and Pratt Institute being around 20%, while CalArts, CMU, and Parsons have acceptance rates between 20% and 60%. This indicates a high level of selectivity and, consequently, high standards for incoming students.

To increase your chances of admission, focusing on creating an impressive portfolio is crucial. Admissions committees often place more emphasis on a candidate's creative portfolio than on other aspects of their application because it directly showcases your skill set and potential as a graphic designer. So, spend significant time developing and refining a portfolio that showcases your unique style and technical capability in wide array of mediums and methods.

Additionally, like any top university, maintaining strong academic performance (especially in art-related coursework if available) and getting involved in design-related extracurriculars can demonstrate your dedication and passion for the field. Ideally, you would occupy leadership roles or initiate projects that align with graphic design. Examples might include starting a design club at your school, creating logos for a local business, or even freelance work to build your resume.

Remember, however, to not only consider the ranking of the program but also how well it aligns with your personal style, interests, and career aspirations. Talk to alumni, faculty, or visit if possible to get a sense for the community and culture of the department and see if it might be the right fit for you. After all, the "best" school is highly individual and contingent on personal fit rather than just prestige.