UAL CSM foundation or Parsons

Hi there! I'm very stressed because I've been debating between Parsons bfa fashion, FIT fashion aas, and csm diagnostic foundation. I don't know where I'll get the most out of it. As of right now, I am very interested in incorporating some fine art installations/technologies into fashion, but I want to do this under a wearable framework. Therefore, I'm looking for a school that teaches technical skills that would allow me to create what I'm envisioning (FIT is the best for garment construction) while pushing the boundaries of fashion (csm, more experimental) but commerciable (parsons, valuing creativity+marketing).

However, FIT's curriculum seems a bit too rigid for me, and its emphasis on constructing will somehow kill creativity. For Parsons, I'm worried about the rich kid's vibe. I'm not totally positive about the self-taught style at CSM because I still wish I could get support from professors.

Do any of you have suggestions? All comments appreciated.

I don't have advice. I happen to be in a similar situation. I have offers from both UAL foundations and Goldsmiths and I've been accepted to RISD. I pretty much feel exactly as you describe about my choices.

Fine art. IDK. I haven’t seen any of the UK schools. I’m trying to do that next month but no one seems to have open days. I don’t think I can decide without at least seeing a place. HBU?

I’m also in the same boat. I am currently deciding between Parsons and CSM foundation. It’s kinda come down to how likely I get into CSM’s undergrad from the foundation program. I’ve heard you’re guaranteed a spot at UAL but not CSM. Do any of you know how it works in terms of getting a spot in the undergrad program at CSM?

OMG one of the major cons of csm for me is also the competition for undergrad! what's ur major? My parents are worried if I couldn't get into undergrad if I choose csm. I think the chances of getting in really depends on your major and the school. For example it would be challenging to get into csm womenswear, but it wouldn't be as bad for the textile program.

I would be applying for menswear. So it would not be an easy application.

Oh..so which school are you leaning towards?

I’m honestly still leaning towards CSM. I’ve been told that American schools are not the way to go if you want to be a successful designer and really make a statement. So I’m probably going to do the foundation course and really try and take advantage of the resources at CSM to get into their undergrad.

I'm still in a panic. Anyway, I wish you the best no matter where you end up!

What did you decide?

Ughhh, I'm super frustrated about this problem too! On one hand, an ambitious part of me is telling me to just gun for CSM and work my ass off to get into the undergrad but another part is so afraid that I won't get in especially since I was admitted into the diagnostic foundation instead of f&t plus, I read on another thread that we'll be spending about 3 months in diagnostic and then have to make our BA applications 4-5 months after the school year starts, so f&t students portfolios definitely will have an edge since they'll be catered towards fashion. But maybe having exposure to a bunch of different disciplines and mediums can make my work more experimental? Maybe the independent curriculum will be beneficial to me? I've been having this internal debate for like the past week lol. It sucks even more because of the rocky reputation csm foundation has, but the undergrad is seriously my dream

Exactly! Although I will definitely take advantage to experience other design areas in diagnostic, I’m very concerned about my chances of getting into the ba. I think it’s even more competitive as an international student

Have you ever thought about deferring the foundation for a year to better prepare for it and the BA? I've also heard that the fashion specialism is a lot harder to get into after diagnostic compared to the other specialisms so that is a whole other concern for me. Thing is, I'm not so sure how my parents would think of that option as they don't really understand how the UK schooling system works since I'm also an international student

I wouldn't spend another year just to prepare for the foundation...Can we chat in insta since it's more convenient? mine is @atentative___