Skip UAL foundation? Need advice/opinions!!!

Hi, I'm an international and I recently got into UAL Level 3 Foundation for Fashion & Textiles Pathway.

When I was first starting my application, my country's representative told me that as an international I had to apply for the foundation program and it's nearly impossible to get into the undergraduate program right away especially for what I wanted to apply to.

After receiving my acceptance, I found out that someone from the same country & my age got into LCF without a foundation year. They could've been applying for fashion business or communication courses and could apply directly, I'm not sure, but now I regret not applying to any undergraduate programs. Hearing that other people my age with same qualifications got in makes me feel like I'm behind. Also, even when I submitted my portfolio the day it was due, I heard back within 2 weeks which is feeding into my delusions that maybe my portfolio was good enough that the admissions team just let me in and maybe I had a chance of getting into the undergrad courses (it was probably cuz I was international but anyways).

If I know for sure that it's supposed to be really really rare to skip foundation and I'm not behind for having to do 4 years, I wouldn't be so stressed about this :frown:

I was thinking about applying to CSM Menswear & womenswear which are VERY competitive so foundation year makes sense, but I also wanted to apply to LCF Costume for Performance & Wimbledon Costume for Theatre and Screen. Should I have just applied to the undergrad programs despite being told to do the foundation program/could I have gotten in? Is there anything I can do now?

Currently I have offers from US art schools like Parsons, SAIC, Otis, MICA, Drexel, Pratt, VCU arts, and I'm waiting on Cornell and FIT right now. (all for fashion design/fiber). Is doing UAL foundation for 1 year and then gambling to see if I can get into the school I want worth it compared to just commiting to any of the other schools and just doing 4 years like other Americans?

PLEASE HELP!

Reply 1

cksiu

Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi, I'm an international and I recently got into UAL Level 3 Foundation for Fashion & Textiles Pathway.
When I was first starting my application, my country's representative told me that as an international I had to apply for the foundation program and it's nearly impossible to get into the undergraduate program right away especially for what I wanted to apply to.
After receiving my acceptance, I found out that someone from the same country & my age got into LCF without a foundation year. They could've been applying for fashion business or communication courses and could apply directly, I'm not sure, but now I regret not applying to any undergraduate programs. Hearing that other people my age with same qualifications got in makes me feel like I'm behind. Also, even when I submitted my portfolio the day it was due, I heard back within 2 weeks which is feeding into my delusions that maybe my portfolio was good enough that the admissions team just let me in and maybe I had a chance of getting into the undergrad courses (it was probably cuz I was international but anyways).
If I know for sure that it's supposed to be really really rare to skip foundation and I'm not behind for having to do 4 years, I wouldn't be so stressed about this :frown:

I was thinking about applying to CSM Menswear & womenswear which are VERY competitive so foundation year makes sense, but I also wanted to apply to LCF Costume for Performance & Wimbledon Costume for Theatre and Screen. Should I have just applied to the undergrad programs despite being told to do the foundation program/could I have gotten in? Is there anything I can do now?
Currently I have offers from US art schools like Parsons, SAIC, Otis, MICA, Drexel, Pratt, VCU arts, and I'm waiting on Cornell and FIT right now. (all for fashion design/fiber). Is doing UAL foundation for 1 year and then gambling to see if I can get into the school I want worth it compared to just commiting to any of the other schools and just doing 4 years like other Americans?
PLEASE HELP!

It isn't too late to start your UCAS application, act fast!

Reply 2

Anonymous #2

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi, I'm an international and I recently got into UAL Level 3 Foundation for Fashion & Textiles Pathway.
When I was first starting my application, my country's representative told me that as an international I had to apply for the foundation program and it's nearly impossible to get into the undergraduate program right away especially for what I wanted to apply to.
After receiving my acceptance, I found out that someone from the same country & my age got into LCF without a foundation year. They could've been applying for fashion business or communication courses and could apply directly, I'm not sure, but now I regret not applying to any undergraduate programs. Hearing that other people my age with same qualifications got in makes me feel like I'm behind. Also, even when I submitted my portfolio the day it was due, I heard back within 2 weeks which is feeding into my delusions that maybe my portfolio was good enough that the admissions team just let me in and maybe I had a chance of getting into the undergrad courses (it was probably cuz I was international but anyways).
If I know for sure that it's supposed to be really really rare to skip foundation and I'm not behind for having to do 4 years, I wouldn't be so stressed about this :frown:

I was thinking about applying to CSM Menswear & womenswear which are VERY competitive so foundation year makes sense, but I also wanted to apply to LCF Costume for Performance & Wimbledon Costume for Theatre and Screen. Should I have just applied to the undergrad programs despite being told to do the foundation program/could I have gotten in? Is there anything I can do now?
Currently I have offers from US art schools like Parsons, SAIC, Otis, MICA, Drexel, Pratt, VCU arts, and I'm waiting on Cornell and FIT right now. (all for fashion design/fiber). Is doing UAL foundation for 1 year and then gambling to see if I can get into the school I want worth it compared to just commiting to any of the other schools and just doing 4 years like other Americans?
PLEASE HELP!

hey just wondering what you ended up deciding as I am kind of in a similar position to you

Reply 3

H4llows

Original post

by Anonymous

hey just wondering what you ended up deciding as I am kind of in a similar position to you

I just went with the foundation! I felt like despite my interest in costume design, I didn't have to major in it to get in the industry. Also I learned that despite the courses being labeled "menswear" and "womenswear" it can take a more androgynous approach. Because I really wanted to go to CSM, doing the foundation felt essentional- not only for the guaranteed spot in ual undergrad, but also being able to feel how the school environment is like with the teachers & schedule. Because I'm an international student, I was more anxious about not being comfortable my first year that I wasn't able to focus on my artworks. And I feel like doing the foundation kinda sets you up for the undergrad- even if you are 100% sure what you want to do, the extra year might give you the time to work on your discipline and time management(?). Since my other options were 4 year schools anyways I wasn't to bummed about being "behind" other students in the UK. I'm trying to focus on quality and experience and not just how fast I graduate😸 maybe I'll make more friends or connections this way! Hope this helps🙏

Reply 4

UAL PG Rep Anais

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi, I'm an international and I recently got into UAL Level 3 Foundation for Fashion & Textiles Pathway.
When I was first starting my application, my country's representative told me that as an international I had to apply for the foundation program and it's nearly impossible to get into the undergraduate program right away especially for what I wanted to apply to.
After receiving my acceptance, I found out that someone from the same country & my age got into LCF without a foundation year. They could've been applying for fashion business or communication courses and could apply directly, I'm not sure, but now I regret not applying to any undergraduate programs. Hearing that other people my age with same qualifications got in makes me feel like I'm behind. Also, even when I submitted my portfolio the day it was due, I heard back within 2 weeks which is feeding into my delusions that maybe my portfolio was good enough that the admissions team just let me in and maybe I had a chance of getting into the undergrad courses (it was probably cuz I was international but anyways).
If I know for sure that it's supposed to be really really rare to skip foundation and I'm not behind for having to do 4 years, I wouldn't be so stressed about this :frown:

I was thinking about applying to CSM Menswear & womenswear which are VERY competitive so foundation year makes sense, but I also wanted to apply to LCF Costume for Performance & Wimbledon Costume for Theatre and Screen. Should I have just applied to the undergrad programs despite being told to do the foundation program/could I have gotten in? Is there anything I can do now?
Currently I have offers from US art schools like Parsons, SAIC, Otis, MICA, Drexel, Pratt, VCU arts, and I'm waiting on Cornell and FIT right now. (all for fashion design/fiber). Is doing UAL foundation for 1 year and then gambling to see if I can get into the school I want worth it compared to just commiting to any of the other schools and just doing 4 years like other Americans?
PLEASE HELP!

Hi @anoymous #1

I did both a BA and MA in Illustration at UAL: LCC. So I can't speak from any experience on a fashion course. But I decided against doing a foundation. I did a UAL insights course, and it helped me to realise that this was the course and uni I was set on.

I know lots of UAL students on a multitude of courses (including fashion) who did a foundation, and also who didn't do a foundation. Ultimately, I think it's up to you to decide if you know what course and uni you're most interested in. If you're undecided, then a foundation year can give you some time to figure it out and is great preparation for university, especially if the course you're eyeing is competitive!!

Everyone I've met at UAL has a different path to getting here, so don't worry about feeling behind!!
Best of luck!! 🙂