Foundation at Chelsea, BA at CSM?

Hi everyone, I am applying to either Chelsea College of Art or Central Saint Martins for a foundation year, with the intention of going into either illustration or graphic design for BA. I visited both schools on an open day and liked both, favouring Chelsea slightly. However, I'm scared that if I apply for foundation at Chelsea but then decide to go onto illustration (which isnt available at Chelsea), I will not be able to get into CSM for BA Illustration. How high are my chances (if I get into Chelsea) of switching to CSM after foundation?

Thanks a lot!

Reply 1

Aiko

Telekasi

Regarding you undergo the foundation within the UAL (which you are), you will receive the opportunity to apply earlier to your undergraduate than those outside the university. However, to answer your question, each college within the university are known to place a slight preference on their own students, if only because the foundation team have direct contact with the undergraduate team(s), but not enough to lessen your chances noticeably, if at all. I wouldn't worry, regarding your portfolio is demonstrative that you can meet the demand of the course, you'll be fine. I studied my undergraduate degree at CSM and there were quite a few that came from Chelsea.

On a side note, I'm assuming you're referring to the pathway on the Graphic Design course at CSM? If so, the Chelsea equivalent will give you the opportunity to specialise in that area during the second year, although it's less explicit (I had a friend on the Chelsea course). Furthermore, I would also consider looking into Camberwell. Their Illustration course is particularly noteworthy.

Hope this helps. :smile:

Reply 2

Telekasi

thanks a lot, your answer really helps. i was wondering if you also knew a little about the statement needed for CSM: I've written a full personal statement including things such as hobbies and sports (i somehow managed to relate them to art), but a representative for CSM visited our school and said that we would be considered for interview only if our statement was good and "not talking about sports or unnecessary things". Should i now change it or leave it as it is? Thanks again!

Reply 3

maryemmabrooks

I was having trouble with this as well, I'm just putting the final touches to mine but I had awful trouble keeping it under 200 words like it said on the form. I had enough trouble fitting in the essential things :s-smilie:

I'd be interested in any advice anyone has also :smile:

Reply 4

Telekasi

Under 200 words?? we were told at school to keep it under 4000 characters including spaces so I now have 680 words..... help?

Reply 5

Aiko

I would advise mentioning any exhibitions, galleries and lectures/seminars you may have attended, detailing what you gained from them. I know the Tate Modern and the Royal Academy of the Arts come to mind, not only because they have exhibitions, but also because they offer free talks and lectures too. Furthermore, any artists and designers that you like the work of, detailing why. Lastly, any websites (I've listed quite a few in my portfolio advice thread at the bottom) or publications (books or magazines) that you like to view/read (Magma Books would be good for this).

Reply 6

Aiko

Telekasi

Under 200 words?? we were told at school to keep it under 4000 characters including spaces so I now have 680 words..... help?

I'll be more than happy to look at your personal statement:

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=241

The above forum is PS Help. I assist in providing help to those pursuing the arts and humanities, particularly the creative arts. Feel free to create a thread, enclosing your personal statement. It's private, so only you and myself (including the remaining PS Helpers) can view it. :smile:

Reply 7

maryemmabrooks

I dont know :s-smilie:

it was just what it said on the personal statement section of the application form I got at the open day. it said "maximum 200 words". I did think it was unusual because a normal personal statement is 4000 characters like you said, if you apply through ucas. But I dont think foundation studies ever is?

Thank you Aiko! I might post one when I've done a bit more work on it.

Reply 8

Telekasi

I posted my personal statement in the section you mentioned, titled "CSM, ECA, Kingston PS". I would really appreciate it if you could give some feedback! Thanks alot! :smile:

Reply 9

cheskip

i'm currently on the foundation at chelsea and i'm loving it so far
i am just at the stage where i am applying to go onto BA level, we were told that apart from getting an earlier interview for UAL courses you get no other priorties
so there is no more chance we get into a ual course than someone applying outside of ual
so if you want to change to csm after your foundation you will not have any less chance of getting in because you went to chelsea before seeing as you have just as much chance as someone who didn't go to any of the ual colleges