***This review is intended for those considering Parsons The New School for Design for their…read moreundergraduate studies.*** 1. The TL;DR version for those who have already made the decision to go: - Do shop designer sample sales to look just as chic as the daughters of the Middle Eastern elite and Asian jetset, but for 50-75% off retail price. (Download the Sample Closet app to get alerts on all ongoing and forthcoming sample sales.) - Do take advantage of classes offered by other New School programs. - Do apply to be an RA (Resident Advisor in the dorms) for the chance to get FREE HOUSING IN NYC. I REPEAT, FREE HOUSING. NO RENT, PEOPLE. (Also, your federal loans accrue less interest.) - Don't turn into one of those "Can't-Live-Without-NYC" New Yorkers. (Please refer to the excellent metaphor of self-imposed concentration camp victim and prison guard in the 1981 Louis Malle film, My Dinner With André.) 2. For those who may be on the fence about going: As a prospective undergrad, what attracted me most about Parsons --- besides its location in New York --- was its affiliation with The New School. This is one great advantage that Parsons has over other design schools that do not operate under the umbrella of a larger institution. Experimentation and crossing disciplines is an important part of the undergraduate learning experience. For my part, I took writing classes at Lang, filmmaking classes at the General Studies school, and had a bit part in a Lang theater production (SO much fun!). I also, with my team, won an award with LVMH and took advantage of the internship listings available exclusively to Parsons students, resulting in three years at a prestigious publications house. I humblebrag to make a point, which is that the possibilities and opportunities are endless IF YOU SEEK THEM. Otherwise, unlike a campus college, no one is going to reach out to you to offer you options, options that could turn into distractions that take you away from your studies. The Parsons experience is the city experience; you are very much a part of the fabric of New York, commuting and working and being broken into the crazy-busy life of a New Yorker just like the rest of its inhabitants. However, if you think that you need to study at Parsons --- or in the city, for that matter --- to get internships that will lead to jobs, that is not always the case. My first job out of college had nothing to do with my internships. And interestingly enough, my friends who went to schools in the city had more circuitous routes to their current jobs than friends who went to school out-of-state. These out-of-state friends didn't have any connections in high places; except for the ones in finance who were recruited at campus job fairs, the rest just applied persistently for their opportunities. The biggest con in my perception of The New School as an alumna is that it seems to operate more as a business and less as a school committed to the quality of its education. There are more adjunct and part-time instructors than full-time and many of them, I'm sorry to say, are incompetent and far too busy with their own careers aside from teaching to bother with their classes. (This would be marketed by the school as, "Learn from professionals who are connected to the real world," or something to that effect.) I suspect that whatever profit is being made is invested into its makeover in order to attract more students, and thus more money. As soon as I'd graduated, the school started calling me and MY PARENTS asking for donations! What gall! I assume selectivity rates are generally low, esp for international students who pay twice the already exorbitant tuition. If there's anything that my senior portfolio class taught me, it's that four years of design instruction does NOT drive good taste or basic design sensibilities into some students' heads. Even for a "to each, her own" kind of person like me, some of these final presentations were just downright embarrassing and did not justify the price tag on their education. I believe that true talent will find its way to opportunity, no matter which school you're coming from. You should consider Parsons only if you can afford it without taking from your middle-class parents' savings or from your future. Otherwise, consider a campus school where you can dedicate yourself wholly to your craft and enjoy being a kid for a little longer. You can apply for summer internships in the city and relish New York that way, without feeling burnt out.

To parents whose children are looking at Parsons and The New School: this is the most unorganized…read moreinstitution I've dealt with and that includes directv and the DMV. This week I attended the graduations of two of my children who went through four years of both schools. From start to finish the school has consistently disappointed in their communication with both students and parents. As I type I have been waiting in line for an hour for a fashion show for graduating seniors. Scheduled opening 3pm start time 4pm. It's after 4pm and They haven't opened the doors yet. My fashion design student has gotten zero support from The school in forging relationships with the fashion industry. And Eugene Lang at the New School is just as bad. Save your money. This place is the worst.

The Art Students League will always have a special place in my heart. I can't speak to how they are…read morecurrently but I attended from 2015-2019 and made many friends here, and it was a great environment to create, whether I was learning wood sculpture or refining my vision as a painter. Most of the instructors were wonderful, offering guidance when I asked and space when I needed it. It is very reasonably priced and remains a true NYC institution. The only instructor I would caution against is Pat Lipsky. I found her conceited and negative, even spiteful at times. If your aesthetics do not align with Immanuel Kant or Clement Greenberg, you may not feel welcome in her class. After she asked me to help set up her studio for a visiting curator, I left the class. From that point on, she refused to acknowledge me when we crossed paths. Still, the overall experience was deeply meaningful. I am grateful for the time I spent here and the ways it shaped my work and friendships.

I left because too many cliques, too much ganging up on other artists. Management too weak (or…read moreafraid) to clean it up. Much better places for artists: . NY Studio School . NY School of the Arts

Students here are hugely talented. Generally their work far exceeds what passes for student work…read moreat other schools I've seen. So there is a lot of inspiration here. Housed in a historic building filled with nooks and passageways that are beyond cool. You are fully immersed in an authentic artistic experience. I've taken art classes on both coasts, and NYSS has my highest recommendation by far.

The New York Studio School unfortunately relies way too much on it's past esteem. I would highly…read morerecommend participating in one of the many "Marathon's" the school is known for and offers each semester however I would discourage anyone contemplating the MFA or Certificate Program from doing so. Expensive and still not nationally accredited, this school has less than par studio conditions. Bad ventilation in many of the overcrowded work studios and several abusive long time staff members detract from any positive experience. Another problem is the atelier teaching method with few expceptions often corrupts individual talent resulting in work that looks very similar. If you are seeking studio space in NYC there are cheaper options and better MFA programs in the area. Despite all of this there are some extrordinary artists who teach there -- but in my opinion -- definitely not worth the price of admission.

I took a class here to make sure I was on the right track. Turns out I was doing better than the…read moreteacher. They were even more impressed with my work gear than they even had at the school. Far too advanced. The teacher kept talking about politics so I just stopped coming. It felt like a waste of time. I saw the curriculum and knew I'd already achieved far beyond what the class could teach me. I'd have kept returning to the class if the teacher actually taught instead of blabbed about their opinion on current events.

Teacher has good skills (he loved to talk about his successes, in jewelry making and music) but is…read morea poor instructor for beginners. I know he is a former drinker and that may be part of the problem. Some days he would just roll his eyes when asked a question. Other days, it seemed he could not hear at all. On the first class meeting, he told us all the bad habits past students had, warning us not to try his patience or ask for too much help (have him do our work for us) and one never knew how he was going to act/react on a given day. It was a class in the Continuing Education department, and he favored the returning students. Perhaps he thinks his position is beneath him. I will never return. At some point I will continue elsewhere. He did not hand out an evaluation.

I went to the Student Union. The wifi is okay. I've been sitting here for three hours pretending to…read morework on assignments I haven't touched since February. The chairs are uncomfortable but not uncomfortable enough to make me leave. Recommended for those who need to feel like they're trying.

Sorry didn't see other reviews but mine is very negative. They promised my daughter Prratt was a…read moreschool where everybody fit in. Instead it was a school of very wealthy, spoiled, snobby girls. My daughter was very alone and depressed. Plus it was so expensive to go there. Unfortunately our daughter dropped out eventually.

Ashcan is definitely one of the best art studios of NYC. Very nice and talented teachers there…read morehelping me to prepare my portfolio and finally I got accepted by Parsons. A lot of thanks to them and great time spending there.

Going to Ashcan was the best decision I could have made. I learned so much and was guided every…read morestep of the way to make the best art portafolio for the university. If it was not for them I would have not been able to create such great work and get accepted to my dream school.

Stopped in to view a show of new graduates and also one of the teachers. Amazing to say the least…read more So glad my daughter picked this school for her Masters. Can wait to see what in store the next two years

Full Disclosure: my girlfriend goes to school here so I'll try to rate the school based on my…read moreexperience and not the curricula. So far I have been to two art exhibitions here. Deck the Walls and The Ones. Deck the Walls is a holiday event where you can buy students' work fro $200, $300, or $400. It is a opportunity to take home some smaller pieces from budding artists just taking off in their careers, plus it was sponsored by Heineken this year so it was quite the party. More recently I went to "TheOnes" which is an exhibition feature alumni from the classes of 1991, 2001, 2011. Obviously so of the artists here are more established than others. Pieces were selling from around $500 - over $15,000 so there was pretty much something for everyone. The Wilkinson Gallery is a fantastic space for viewing art. The school is in TriBeCa so it is a neat place to see some art, grab a bit of something yummy, and get some drinks. I can't wait to check out TriBeCa Ball!

This is THE place on the Upper East Side for art classes, art summer camp, and art birthday…read moreparties! NYC families may have lots of options when it comes to creative activities for kids, but The Art Center is in a class by itself. Staffed by professional artists who find true joy in teaching kids, The Art Center builds real art skills while making learning fun. Just check out the display window at 423 E 75th...then imagine YOUR kid producing something that astonishing for your living room wall. The Art Center can make it happen!

It's a lovely way for kids to explore art. My daughter has attended for several semesters. That…read morebeing said, when COVID shut them down in March and we had just paid for a full semester which began in February, they weren't willing to work with us to find a fair agreement. Our daughter loves this place so our intention was to use our unused classes in the Fall when they re-opened but they were only willing to honor unused classes at 50% so we would have had to write them another large check with the risk of them getting closed again in the event of a second COVID wave. They said that they were struggling and not liquid enough and I feel for them I do but families are struggling too. These classes have always been a stretch for us. They said that they offered a summer option which was to cover unused classes but that didn't work for us schedule-wise. The Art Center a great place for kids but don't expect them to meet you halfway if an emergency pops up.

NO, they botched my registration, and shifted the blame to me -- cancelled a class I registered for…read moreon the SAME day; yet allowed registration though emails showed their fumble. NOW DONT WANT TO REFUND

We loved it here would definitely come back and I recommend it so much so much love and so much…read morechoice. Thank you.

Have taken many painting courses over the last few years in particular with the school director…read more The encouragement from instructor and fellow students alike makes for a great experience in the classes.

One of the top art schools in the city. Friendly, helpful…read moreenvironment - terrific instructors. (A refreshing change from "The League" which is a mob scene). Lots of options - from draw-the-model to going down to the river to paint. I also like the historic location close to the river.