Choosing Animation Colleges

By Author: Nicole Swann
Total Articles: 7
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One of the most important moments in your life is when you are choosing an animation college, and at first it can seem like a daunting task. We can help you make sure your decision is a sound one and turn the process into an easy one.

Too often, prospective animation students only consider the large and famous colleges when thinking of the best animation colleges. This, however, isn’t always the case, as the programs at many of the smaller animation colleges are just as strong, if not more so, than animation programs at the larger colleges. And, there is the additional benefit of having smaller classes, which give the students more opportunities to have one-to-one attention from the animation faculty and direct communication with their instructors. Additionally, even though some students enjoy the livelier environment that larger colleges may have, many students work best in more close-knit communities at the smaller animation colleges.

As you will be living at your college of choice for a rather long time, definitely consider the location of the animation college. Consider whether you prefer a quiet, rural neighborhood ...
... or a busier urban area. For many, a simple change of setting is just what is needed for a new burst of inspiration. Living farther away from where you grew up gives can broaden your horizons and expand your perspective, truly a valuable and life-changing experience. Many animation students, however, may find that the emotional support and comfort of friends and family positively influence their success, especially in competitive animation colleges.

The quality of the animation college’s academic programs is of course very important as well. Consider your specific talents and interests in the field of animation, and then compare them to the best animation schools you are choosing between. Browse the animation faculty’s teaching credentials and animation portfolios. And, look for famous and successful animators amongst the animation college’s alumni to get an idea of the relative strengths of the animation programs.

Extracurricular activities, athletics, and other non-academic aspects are also useful to think about when choosing an animation college. Students who are active in community service may want to participate in college and give back to the nearby neighborhoods. Students who are enjoy athletics can choose animation colleges that are active in sports.

The costs of the animation program and other academic fees are other key factors you will want to consider. Prepare to apply for grants, scholarships, or work-study programs as soon as you are able to. Remember that a more costly animation college can work for those who have the means, but there are many less costly animation colleges that provide the same, or even higher, level of education!

Finally, choosing an animation college is a very personal process – what really determines the best animation college varies from student to student.

So, follow our guide, think about what the best animation college is for you, and begin your bright future in animation by taking the right step forward!