Pratt Institute

There’s a prestige to attending Pratt Institute, a design-oriented school with unique teaching methods located right in the heart of Brooklyn. Known among the art world as “one of the best art schools in the country,” students here enjoy the reputation and quality of a major art school, with “a slightly more affordable tuition than other prestigious art schools, due to its scholarships.”

This mix of kids come together from all over the world to hone their craft and make connections, all while “surrounded by encouraging mentors and an environment that inspires creativity.” All are—duh—“artsy,” but since everyone’s really into the same thing, “it’s easy to make friends.” “If you try to be sociable in the least bit, you’re bound to fit in,” says a student. Yet, “they all have their quirks, so it doesn’t get boring.” Most of the students are “very liberal,” and there are “clearly a lot of rich kids here,” but in the end, “differences are completely normal here, and that’s almost how people fit in.”

Students here enjoy being in New York City and yet somewhat removed from it, and “there is never a boring night here, unless you choose to have one.” The city offers “an incredible variety of opportunities and allows us to learn more about culture and art,” says a student. “A group of friends going to see the latest exhibits at any one of the hundreds of museums is normal.” Art shows and readings “tend to disperse into full-on parties,” but the real fun is in the work: talking about everyone’s work, and “existing in a creative community.”

The campus grounds in Brooklyn are “beautiful” and “it doesn’t feel like a campus, more like a park, which is a great environment.” A lot of everyone’s time is spent “in the studio, in class, or at an internship,” but “fun activities can be endless if you can spare the time away from your work.” Also, the school tends to skew female with a high LGBT quotient, so “if you are a straight male it is a paradise.”