To Choose a Photography Degree to pursue may at first seem daunting. After all, it is one of the most important moments in your life. We can help you make sure the choice you make is a sound one.
One of the key considerations to think about when choosing a photography college is location. If you grew up in a quiet and rural area, you may want to think about attending a college in a larger urban neighborhood – a change in environment may be just what you need! A photography college nearby where you grew up allows you to visit home more easily and less costly, and the inspiration and emotional support friends and family can provide has been shown to influence success, especially at a highly competitive photography college. However, a location farther from home will allow you to broaden your horizons, a valuable and life-changing experience.
Be sure to also think about your talents and specific interests in photography, whether you have any academic needs, and your individual financial situation. Make sure to compare these factors in choosing the photography college that’s right for you. For example, the financial costs at top photography colleges are crucial factors to consider. If you have the means, a more costly and well-known photography college can be right for you, but there are many less expensive photography colleges that offer a same level of education!
You will want to prepare and apply for scholarships and grants as early as you can if your photography college offers them. Also to consider are work-study programs. Research the faculty who will be teaching your photography classes and compare their portfolios and credentials. Additionally, look for successful designers among the photography college’s alumni: if there are many well-known photographers, it’s a good sign of a strong photography program.
Most people automatically assume the most famous and largest photography colleges are the best. However, this isn’t always the case: the programs at many smaller photography colleges are as strong, if not stronger, than those at the more well-known photography colleges. Smaller colleges also usually have smaller classes, which have the added benefit of closer connection with your instructors, and more one-to-one attention from the faculty. Moreover, although many students may prefer the more crowded environment of larger colleges, others may thrive in the more intimate atmosphere of a smaller photography college.
Non-college factors like extracurricular activities are also useful to consider. Many students may have been active in community service and may wish to continue them during their college career – not only would it be an excellent way to return to the surrounding community, but it would also increase your attractiveness to potential employers. Students who enjoy athletics would also want to choose a photography college that offers numerous sports programs.
Ultimately, what really defines the best photography college is up to the individual student – it is such a personal decision, and there is no single definition of the best photography school.
So, begin your promising future in photography by following our recommendations, researching what your preferences are, and take the right step forward!
