Full Sail

[Badtz~Maru]

Alright I'm going to college next year. Where? Pfft. I need major help on that one. I'm really considering Full Sail in Florida so i can get a Bachelor of Science in Game Design & Development. Anyone know if I should go there or should is there an even better place to go. Keep in mind I don't want to be programming start menu's my whole life. I want to go to the top of design and development. Thanks for any suggestions.

(P.S. I'm new to teh forums. Hiiii I'm Brittany. How r ya?)

 

[Jackal hit]

hi, welcome to the forums. people hate me :bounce: anyways, i don't really know much about it, but some people here have talked about this Digipen place that's supposed to be really good.

 

[qckbeam]

I've looked into Fullsail, and at first I was intrigued. Then one of their students called me (he was talking courses in programming and something else, don't remember) and talked to me for twenty minutes. Sadly, the guy came off sounding like a real idiot (I actually felt bad for him). He said he had been attending regular school (in a CS program) and getting low 80's. At full sail he was scoring in the high 90's (he also mentioned how laid back it was). It was also obvious that programming wise, he knew very little (very, very little). He went on and on about how they taught him something about sprites in the original Zelda (something to do with clouds casting shadows on the ground). I asked him questions about the curriculum and he didn't give me any straight answers so I can't say what it involved exactly. I asked him if he had the chance to work with any current hardware, and he said that all he had done was 2d stuff on the PC. I asked him what types of projects he had completed and he replied with still more information about Zelda, and the cloud thing. So after 20 minutes I said goodbye. I can say I left that conversation unimpressed with the school, and after looking at it more, it seems like a gimmick.

edit: and welcome to the forums

 

[Direwolf]

I was in the same boat, and just got myself squared away to go to UCONN, but I haven't heard anything about there.

 

[RblDiver]

Yes, DigiPen is the accredited game programming university (ie if you can't handle the pressure, you can get your credits transferred to another college ). I will say that DigiPen puts out very good programmers (just fyi, the degree is called a Bachelors in Real Time Interactive Simulation. They also have an associates degree in RTIS, an associates in animation, and they're also coming out next year with a bachelors for the art program, a masters for RTIS, and a bachelors for Computer Engineering. I also know we've partnered with Nintendo for a professorship, so I think a doctorate program is coming out soon or something.

Anyhow, if you're interested, know that it is hard. I'm actually on my third day of finals, and they suck. Well, some of them do. And they say next year (when I'll be a sophmore) will be the hardest of the years :/

But if you want a great education and don't mind the workload/cost, DigiPen is a great school. If interested, you should try to visit and/or sign up for one of the summer sessions that we hold (though I don't know if it's too late by this point). Visit www.digipen.edu for more details.

*end propaganda heh*

EDIT: Oh, and an interesting fyi, while employment is not guaranteed upon graduation, in the past DigiPen has quoted figures that say 97% of their graduates have a job in the industry within the first 3 months...that was a few years ago, but the number is almost assuredly still up there.

 

[Badtz~Maru]

I'd heard about DigiPen but wasn't very impressed. Then again I didn't give it enough of a shot, so if you can please IM me on AIM so I can get more of your input. Also, I recently visited Full Sail and its nothing close to a joke. The students in Game Design graduate with two full games made by them(i don't know when or who you were talking to qckbeam). In fact, they have the best game of the month made by students on an actual arcade machine. Pretty freakin cool if you ask me. You're also guaranteed a job with their job placement program immediately after you graduate. Just stating what I've heard and seen. Anyway, keep the suggestions coming. I appreciate it so much guys.

 

[Lil' Timmy]

well, personally, depending on what offers you get, i'd suggest you go to a normal school with lots of drunk girls. not to be flippant, i'd always suggest a well-rounded education first. you can always follow your own path in a large school, and if you went to digipen, you'd definitely miss out on the whole experience. i don't know anything about fullsail though.

 

[Badtz~Maru]

Well uh I'm not looking for drunk girls..being a girl myself. I also don't drink. Yeah, yeah I'm a loser. LoL. But uh I met a lot of guys at Full Sail and they sure as hell have fun (including a lan every single sunday) and I'm sure everyone at DigiPen has a hell of a time too.

 

[Korgoth]

I'm seriously thinking about full sail next year myself... I have heard some good and some bad so its been a real toss up. I'm going to dig some more and see what I come up with, but jeez its freakin expensive.

 

[FictiousWill]

You can have lans at any school. Fullsail is a gimmick as said before, plus it's rediculously expensive. I would not reccommend it. Get a real education and then choose to go into game production, if that's what you want. Fullsail only goes for 2 years, if i'm correct.

Game dev studios are far far far more likely to consider a graduate of a reputable computer science program from a good university than a lazy rich fullsail "grad".

Stick with the classic route.

 

[MrWhite]

My guidance counselor kept pushing full sail on me, but i completely dropped graphic design and went to journalism... anyway, welcome to the forums, and Sgt. Fic is right, the classic route is what they consider more, though you have to work harder

 

[ductonius]

Dont go for a specialty degree. Its not as versatile as a degree in a particular field. If you want to get into games take Comp Sci at the best univeristy you can get to.

Just so you know: comp-sci is very difficult and cold. If you can do it, its pretty much the most easy-going group of people you can ever hope to meet. If you cant hack it, dont expect much sympathy. There is a great deal of talk about "weeder" and "filter" cources in Comp Sci.

In addition, you will also be taking quite a bit of math. This year I had to take Calculus I, Calculus II, Discreet math I and Discreet Math II. I still have four more math cources to go as well as a couple of Physics cources.

Brace yourself.

Degrees arnt easy, and any one that is isnt worth much. Just remember, as soon as you get one, statistically, you will live longer, be happier and have more money.

 

[Lil' Timmy]

Well uh I'm not looking for drunk girls..being a girl myself. I also don't drink.

all the more reason! you have a leg-up on them!! :cheers:

 

[not28]

Go to Duquesne.

 

[Pressure]

I live in Florida and I have looked up Full Sail and all I can say is it is GARBAGE. If you want to get a job as a computer programmer, for games or otherwise, go to a real college and major in Computer Sciences. I picked UCF even over UF because their CS program is better. Get out there and check out real colleges not garbage like Full Sail, because you'll never get a job if you go there. Full Sail pretty much a place for kids who can't handle real college and know nothing about programming except how to make games. In real college you can major in CS and by adding a couple more classes to the required ones minor in Math or Physics. Check UCF out if you're around that area.

 

[Badtz~Maru]

Wel no offense or anything but that's all I want to do. I just want to make games my whole life. Also, I know full well that its hard. That's a given. I'm not some stupid, slutty girl that knows nothing about computers and is deciding on this major on a whim. I'm in Calculus this year and trying to prepare myself as much as possible. I'll be looking up all of those colleges tonight, IM me if you have any more suggestions or anything. Especially if you feel strongly about it.

 

[qckbeam]

Wel no offense or anything but that's all I want to do. I just want to make games my whole life. Also, I know full well that its hard. That's a given. I'm not some stupid, slutty girl that knows nothing about computers and is deciding on this major on a whim. I'm in Calculus this year and trying to prepare myself as much as possible. I'll be looking up all of those colleges tonight, IM me if you have any more suggestions or anything. Especially if you feel strongly about it.

If you really feel that strongly about programming, and you really are positive you want to make games with your skills, you'll need more than what they are going to give you at Fullsail. There is a lot more to writing code for games than most people know, a whole lot more. A CS degree from a traditional college (preferably one with a really good CS program) will give you the background. It will introduce you to a wide range of topics which you'll probably find very useful later on. It really does pays to have a wide background here. The best advice for you though, if you really want to make games, is to get yourself a book on a programming language (perhaps C++), and begin creating on your own. You don't need a college to teach you all of this. It certainly helps, but really, your own drive is what has got to get you there.

 

[Javert]

FYI, DigiPen is very competitive, moreso than most universities. You need to be very proficient in calculus, physical sciences, and computer science including already knowing fundamental programming.
Full Sail's not for everyone. I recommend doing research and visiting the campus if possible or talk to a representative.
Full Sail Website
I personally recommend a degree at a four-year university. Many of them have Graphic Design, Computer Programming, and other fields related to the Interactive Entertainment Industry. Interestingly enough, Stanford University has a Video Game class all on its own, complete with a game-making competition.
Competition
Course Outline

 

[Pressure]

Wel no offense or anything but that's all I want to do. I just want to make games my whole life. Also, I know full well that its hard. That's a given. I'm not some stupid, slutty girl that knows nothing about computers and is deciding on this major on a whim. I'm in Calculus this year and trying to prepare myself as much as possible. I'll be looking up all of those colleges tonight, IM me if you have any more suggestions or anything. Especially if you feel strongly about it.

Look at it this way, if two people apply for a job at some gaming company I know right now who they're going to choose. They are gonna choose the person with the BS or MS in Computer Sciences at real College over a person who got an AS or BS in Computer Gaming Design at Full Sail. The CS gives you a better understanding of multiple languages rather than just C++. Also when you go to real college and get a CS degree you can get a job programming for some company to get the experience gaming companies require. UCF's CS program ranked 2nd in the United States and 11th in the world. Matrin takes people who get BS or MS degrees right after you graduate if you want because UCF's program is that good. I'm talkin mad money at this company. Not only that but you'll be getting your foot in the door for the experience part. You can't get a job at a company like that with a game design degree because they don't care they can make a game. Gaming companies do however, but the question you ahve to ask is how am I going to get experience programming for a company if all I can do is make a games? Its just better overall if you want to become Game Programmer to go to traditional college, because more doors will open for you and you will more likely get a better job at a better gaming company.

 

[Pressure]

To drop in my own thoughts (mostly garnered from IGDA folks): It's not nearly as much about what college you go to, or what courses they offer as what you make of it--a guy who goes to Full Sail or Carnegie Mellon and gets a degree in CompSci isn't going to do as well (or will at least be matched by) a guy who goes to the community college and pushes himself and his education to the limits.

You gotta remember the degree you get at Full Sail is NOT considered a Computer Science degree. It won't get you far at all.

 

[Badtz~Maru]

No its not a computer science degree. Its better. Its specific to what jobs I'm going to be applying for. I'm also guaranteed a job, job-placement program for life with connections to gaming companies. I've been told by many people that it is more of how you apply yourself after college, not the piece of paper. I got to thinking last night and I looked at Valve's website. It gives a short description of serveral of their employees. Most of them hadn't even gone to school for what their job required. They just tinkered with things and proved themselves. I am willing to be that person that goes the extra mile..though I am going to keep checking out a few other schools to be sure I pick the right one for me. I've looked more into DigiPen and I don't think I would be happy there. Too cold for one, but that main reason is you need too much experience entering. I haven't gotten far enough yet, I need to start from the beginning. Anyway, thanks for everyone's opinion. I welcome any rebuttals. =D


P.S. Anyone going to CPL??

 

[Lil' Timmy]

I got to thinking last night and I looked at Valve's website. It gives a short description of serveral of their employees. Most of them hadn't even gone to school for what their job required.

what does that tell you?
anyway, no offense, but generally the more certain you are that you know what you want to do before you go to college, the more wrong you are. personally, i just think you'll be missing out on a lot ogf the real college experience, and i don't think you'll really be getting a big advantage out of so focused an education anyway, as you're valve example testifies too..

 

[Badtz~Maru]

what "real college experience"? Should I be getting piss ass drunk, high as hell, and have sex with every guy I can find? College isn't supposed to be all that crap, college is supposed to prepare you for the kickass job you'll be getting when you grow up. This college isn't work, work, work, work. As I said before they have lans every sunday, you take two subjects every four weeks, and you're right by Orlando (Disney World, Universal, concerts, always something to do). Yes you do have to work hard but there's also enough time to do what you want. I don't see anything wrong with bypassing the sororities, frats, and self-absorbed jocks and replacing it with the type of place I'd like to live.

 

[not28]

UCF's CS program ranked 2nd in the United States and 11th in the world. Matrin takes people who get BS or MS degrees right after you graduate if you want because UCF's program is that good.

I'm just curious. Who ranked first in the nation? My guess would be CMU.

 

[FictiousWill]

what "real college experience"? Should I be getting piss ass drunk, high as hell, and have sex with every guy I can find? College isn't supposed to be all that crap, college is supposed to prepare you for the kickass job you'll be getting when you grow up. This college isn't work, work, work, work. As I said before they have lans every sunday, you take two subjects every four weeks, and you're right by Orlando (Disney World, Universal, concerts, always something to do). Yes you do have to work hard but there's also enough time to do what you want. I don't see anything wrong with bypassing the sororities, frats, and self-absorbed jocks and replacing it with the type of place I'd like to live.

1.) you say you don't want to mess around in college, but you don't want to work either. Then you say you want to work. Do you know what work is?

2.) College is not supposed to prepare you for a job, its supposed to prepare you for a field, giving you the option of a whole spectrum of potential jobs in varying areas.

3.) Every college has lans.

4.) If you think standard colleges are frat parties, you're wrong. Look up some CS departments.

5.) You're not going to college to live there, you're going there for an education. Preferably a good one.

6.) Game design is not hard. Buy a programming book. Go to gamedev.net. That's about all the fullsail can offer you.

7.) Name one person that's graduated from fullsail and has worked on a non-shitty game.

 

[ductonius]

what "real college experience"? Should I be getting piss ass drunk, high as hell, and have sex with every guy I can find?

No. Its working your ass off for jerk-wad professors, jumping through hoops, spewing thier bull-s**t back at them, wondering why you are putting yourself through this crap and generally lowering your expectations for life.

In other words. You gain a great knowledge of the subject you study while practicing specific skills to proficency, learining how to deal with other peoples opinions, developing a good work ethic and learning that you have to earn your keep in life.

College isn't supposed to be all that crap, college is supposed to prepare you for the kickass job you'll be getting when you grow up.

AAAAAAAAAAAA ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!! Bwa ha h ha ha ha .. ...oh. ho, he he .... oh God. Thats a good one.

This college isn't work, work, work, work.

Which is why it sucks, sucks, sucks, sucks.

College is about work and pain and sacrifice, not fun or parties or good times.

As I said before they have lans every sunday, you take two subjects every four weeks, and you're right by Orlando (Disney World, Universal, concerts, always something to do). Yes you do have to work hard but there's also enough time to do what you want.

Which happens in Uni anyway.

5 cources and 2 labs per semester = 21 hours of class time.

The rest of the time is YOURS.

I don't see anything wrong with bypassing the sororities, frats, and self-absorbed jocks and replacing it with the type of place I'd like to live.

Once again. University is not about living. Its about working. Dull, tedious, boring, work.

I dont mean to be rude, but if you dont hear it from me right now, you'll be hearing it from someone else, some other time.

Oh, and check your PM's

 

[RblDiver]

Well, TECHNICALLY you don't need any experience getting into DigiPen (I had like 1 year of Visual Basic, but that doesn't mean anything). But experience really helps (well, I just took my last finals for freshman year and boy do I feel stupid in CS170 :/ lol).

As for the issue of developing games, if you come to the 4 year course at dP, you will "publish" 4 games (I use the quotes, because while it's not like you will be selling them (although dP DOES say that's a possibility if you really have a good game), you do go through the entire development process each year, and if you're really ambitious you can create a game over the summer and submit it to the Independent Games Festival or whatever it's called that goes on at GDC. In fact, one game (Bontago I believe is its name) won the award for most creative or something. Note that this is competing versus real developers (not major ones, but independents), so winning something like that is pretty spiffy).

I like dP. I may suck at some of the classes, but on a whole I like it here. And we do have some fun events...not as many as it sounds like Full Sail does, but we do have our moments (mostly people are either working on their games or doing lans and whatnot at each others apartments, not at the school...or at least that's been my experience as a freshman :/).

...Oh, and when you said you visited Valve's page, did you happen to notice they have a few dP grads lol

 

[gh0st]

you could always go to a university, then go to digipen, or another technical school like that. that might be better, as you may get a scholarship to expensive ass schools like full sail.

 

[Lil' Timmy]

well, i'm not sure why you're so jaded about a normal college/university, they're not all florida state. besides even there you have a huge range of choices for classes/friends/environment/activities; you don't have to be a drunken slut or something...

to great degree american undergrad is about exposing yourself to new things. but whatever, i mean if you've already made up your mind, why are you bothering to ask the forumites for their opinions? nearly everyone that's responded has given you good cause to not go to fullsail or digipen, instead a normal college/university. sound advice, but take it or leave it, it's your life.

 

[Pressure]

I'm just curious. Who ranked first in the nation? My guess would be CMU.

Some college in California.