The internet is the best way to decide your future. [colleges]

[edibleelement]

Hey y'all. I'm currently a high school junior and I can't really decide how and which schools to apply for in the near future. I am looking for art majors with a good emphasis on (2d/3d) animation although I am open for a more liberal arts education. I will also be stuck in NYC for the most part. Why I am on the Escapist however, is because I also want to study game design. My current thoughts are:

1) Cooper Union for fine arts (no game design but its prestigious).
2) Columbia College A/S (liberal arts...keeping options open by also difficult to get into).
3) NYU A/S (liberal arts, easier to get into).
4) Tisch (animation in the film department)
*NYU also offers the minor in game design which I can get into from either school*
5) SVA (Safety art school w/ animation and game design)
6) Macaulay Honors (free tuition)

So which schools should I ED or prioritize over the other? How should I weigh my options (e.g. as free tuition vs game design vs art major...etc.). And are there other schools in NYC I should consider for similar reasons and possibly offer cheaper tuition? Schools are expensive...

 

[ThriKreen]

1) Pick up a game with a toolset or level editor (UDK, NWN, Oblivion, etc.) and make something: exploration level, deathmatch map, new game system, etc.
1a) Some toolsets might require you to learn a scripting language (NWN -> NWScript, UDK -> UnrealScript), or at least have an understanding of how computer logic works (UDK's Kismet, Source's Hammer level editor) to make advanced stuff, might have to invest in a programming tutorial.
2) Have people play test it, and give you feedback.
3) Go to #1, but factor in changes from #2.
4) Repeat until you have a better handle on what is good and what is bad for your particular design.
5) Submit good portfolio samples to game studios.