3GS Lifestyle
Full Sail Review
This was an awesome vacation, despite the main reasoning behind it was to visit a school. It’s Spring Break, and I went Orlando to visit a school??
Full Sail is an amazing place. The Behind the Scenes Tour was a pretty fast walkthrough of what the school has to offer, but I stayed the whole day in order to learn as much as I could. Full Sail has more than one degree program that I’m interested in.
Recording Arts, Show Production & Touring, and Film
My first tour was for the Film program. They have a lot of facilities outside of the main buildings that hold the classrooms and labs. Full Sail has taken over (what used to be) an entire strip mall, which is now used as studios for casting calls and more I’d assume. The students make their own sets, write scripts, and produce short films.
Some of the tour took a peek at the Digital Arts & Design program, which is aimed at people who are interested in Graphic Design, and Computer Animation. Graphics aren’t really my thing. I’m taking Photoshop and Illustrator this semester at my school. It requires sitting still for an extremely long time, and little to no movement on your computer screen. If it became my career, I’d probably have a mental breakdown sooner or later lol. If you aren’t into designing, animation, or creating still objects, it probably isn’t for you either.
After the first tour was over, I headed straight for the FREE FOOD. Just as a note, I had to walk 7 miles to Full Sail. My hotel was supposed to have a FREE shuttle to the school, but the front desk said it was “subject to availability”. Taxicabs are too expensive, so I walked.
I went on the Show Production tour next. This one was more interesting to me. I love the whole aspect of live television or productions. This program teaches you how to program lighting, set up the equipment, how to direct, and control audio during a live studio show. It doesn’t really head in the direction of television, but I saw the same types of things I’m doing in my TV class at school. The switcher in the main control room at Full Sail, is called the ROSS SWITCHER.
How ironic? lol. Anyway, this program seems to be the one that fits me the best. However, I didn’t get to see much of the Recording Arts program. I really enjoyed doing my Audio Dialog Replacement assignment last semester, which simulates some of the duties involved with audio postproduction. I currently use Garage Band, Audacity, and Soundtrack Pro for any audio related projects. Pro Tools is another program I use, and is also used by Full Sail. All of those things seem to be a target in the Recording Arts program.
As far as tuition goes for Full Sail, it is EXTREMELY expensive. The school is open 24/7, so you’ll probably have a lab at 1am sometimes. Labs are 4 hours long, and so are lectures. I suspect there will be no time to even have a part-time job and handle the school schedule. You also have to find a place to live, which isn’t cheap either.
The biggest perks about Full Sail are job placement, networking, and knowledge you’ll learn. There are a lot of controversial reviews about the school, but I think overall you have to be totally cutthroat about success in order to make it through there. It’s not for everyone. Some people find themselves in debt for the rest of their life, or accomplishing their dreams. It’s a risk, but life is full of them.
Ross
| Print article | This entry was posted by Ross on March 18, 2006 at 1:21 PM, and is filed under Life, Travels. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
about 3 years ago
Ross – I grew up in Orlando – Had many friends that Went to FS. Great School!
about 3 years ago
incredible!! and how exciting!!! wow, if this is your major and you are completely serious about it….. dude you need to apply and just go for it. This school sounds amazing! What’s their grad rate? what’s their placement rate? Students loans suck real bad, but I feel that money is not an object when it comes to an education!! Ok, i’m dropping my current masters program and going to fullsail, hahahaha. incredible!!! what’s the average age of students? and cultural diversity? do they take a pell? all things to consider I think when looking at a college education. are you considering this school, or am I way outta line?
about 3 years ago
Yeah I’d love to go there, but the tuition is steep. The ages of the students at Full Sail do vary, but they are the kind of people I need to be around. I’m not feeling the enthusiasm here at WWTC in La Crosse WI, compared to Full Sail in Orlando Florida. It’s the first time I’ve felt an extreme amount of desire coming FROM people. Here, it’s more… “Ah, class is over, lets go get drunk”. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Full Sail as far as job placement goes. You’re more likely to get a good job high up on the charts, than anywhere I can think of. It’s not always the case, but I’d rather scrub toilets in Universal Studios than run a teleprompter at a local news station here. The chance of creating a network of people are greater at Full Sail.
It would be an expensive transition, which is the main thing on my mind. Plus I’m almost half way to finishing my program here. It probably makes sense to finish, and go from there.
about 3 years ago
Full Sail is an excellent school! You really do need to work hard, but it will pay off!
about 3 years ago
Oh my god… I went here for an interview in 1991 and was planning to attend school here. However I considered the possibility of the amount the tuition was and how I could spend it elsewhere. DIO was there giving a class while I was in the interview. Dammit. I still wished I had gone to that school. The guy that interviewed me was in a former 80’s band himself and told me I should at least have some musical background. Pffftttt…. whateverrr. My headphones and air guitar on a broom arent good enough?? Hahahahahahaa.
about 3 years ago
That’s crazy. You shouldn’t need any prior experience to go to Full Sail. I’m sure all the die hards that go there do have some background in whatever their going for. It seems like you’d have to, in order to survive the grueling schedule.
Still, it doesn’t sound impossible. You’re right though, the money is probably the main thing on every person’s mind that are considering going to Full Sail.
about 2 years ago
Hey Ross just read all this and i know it’s a little late to post
but i will anyway, i have no attended FullSail but plan on it later this year, I’ve heard a lot of great things and a lot of horrible things, I have visited the school as well and was extremely impressed.
Good and the bad.
I currently know one graduate from full sail who graduated recording arts course, and this is what he said (not a completely direct quote); “If you want to go to a school for education in music and film field THIS is the place, when i graduated i graduated knowing WHAT to do as soon as i stepped foot inside a studio, on the down side, carrier placement pretty much dropped me after i graduated”.
He basically said the school taught him everything he needed to know, it was very pricey and is currently still paying off student loans, he moved back to GA (where I’m from) and I’m pretty sure found his own job in a recording studio around here, he’s also in a relatively “popular/famous” band (CD’s are on shelfs at stores) I wouldn’t exactly give full sail credit for band thing
(dunno)
The only negative things I’ve heard from others are from people who have never attended or have dropped out, and who wouldn’t be angry if they spent 30,000 – 60,000 on a degree and dropped out.
As far as price goes I’d have to disagree with what others say, i mean yes it is a large sum for just 2 years… (or 1 depending on degree) but if you get your degree at a larger/more respected college, add up all of your living costs for 4 years, your schooling/books/lab equipment blablabla. At full sail all of your books, lab time, school, blabla is included in tuition and now i think you can go there by quarters, of course you still have living costs but 2 years of living is less than 4
(food and housing).
Other people say “full sail is a scam they lie they lie” in my person experience with there staff i did not see this at all, during there presentation at the college the owner even said “NOT everyone can handle this and not everyone is going to graduate with a dream job.. some people graduate and start off only making 10,000 a year… but if you have the determination for the carrier, we will give you the skills to do so”. I also talked to one of there staff online and asked for advice, they told me straight up “Look at other colleges before choosing us, we are not the right college for everyone.” she followed up with “some colleges are more easy to find a job after graduating, but personally if i had a choice I’d choose education over a name on my job resume”
Bottom line, if you are going to school for a piece of paper that people will look at and go “wow” and you can afford 30 – 60 thousand for schooling, this school might not be for you. BUT if your looking for a school with REAL world training, to get you ready for the carrier of your choice, this could be the school.
from what I’ve heard carrier placement is horrible, but the experience and “networking” you come out with is much better than most colleges.
BY the way I’m still looking into full sail and considering others but at this point full sail seems best for my needs. I’m interested in a extremely fast pace college with none stop hands on education
really sorry this was so long I’ve just been reading so many things from people who haven’t ever been nor met someone NOR visited the college.. and i just wanted to share my two cents with someone with a positive view
about 2 years ago
Full Sail is a scam. All of those people that left nice comments most likely work there.
about 2 years ago
Hi Ross & Others,
This is Vinay from India. I was searching on Google regarding reviews on FULL SAIL, since I am planning to take up my degree there. Great comments, I really enjoyed them so much. I am planning to take an Associate Degree in Graphics Design Program which they are about to unleash during July 2007.
I do agree that the pricing of their programs is high and even higher than most top Universities in USA. I have completed my High School & Under Graduation (4 Years) here, but still wanted to specialize higher in my area of interest and come up in life.
Do you suggest FULL SAIL too me? More interestingly I am still worried about the Placement Department of FULL SAIL. If someone can provide more details on this, I would be much pleased.
@Ross, if possible I want to read more such REAL TIME REVIEWS of FULL SAIL, I hope you can answer me!
@Mike, excellent comment!!
!!
Cheers,
Vinay
about 2 years ago
@Vinay: There are tons of Full Sail Reviews. I wrote mine right when I got back. I know Full Sail has added new things since then. I still receive emails from the admissions office. My biggest setback is the money, otherwise I’d still consider attending.
When you contact the school, talk to Cindy Baer. She’s one of the admissions counselors. SUPER SUPER nice person.
Ross
about 2 years ago
I went to the behind scense tour as well and was completely at aww with the campus and the atmosphere most colleges arent like full sail and require more time to attend and require more living expense as well. With that said I do however feel the money to be the biggest issue about this school. I would like some feedback about what to do in my current situation being a 19yr old with no credit and no money at all and who would prefer not having my mom(bad credit) co-sign a loan to attend this school. What should be done
about 2 years ago
all i have to say is go to yahoo and type : ‘fullsail scam’ and read on
about 2 years ago
Good thing I came to this site, because I think I can help you Izzy! I am a 31 year old that will be starting the film program at fullsail in about 1 week. It has been a long road for me since my original start date was sept. of 2004. I was denied a student loan for poor credit and I had no co-signer. I have spent the last three and a half years rebuilding my credit. Now for you it will be easier than it was for me, as I just assume you have no credit as oppose to bad credit, which is what I had. Okay now if you are serious about going it might take a bit of time to get approved for a student loan without co-signer, but it will certainly be quicker than me. First get a starter credit card, that will help tremendously. I recommend First Premier Credit Card. They will give a card to anyone and they report to all three credit agencies every single month. Second start spending just a little bit every other month, and pay off what you spend at the end of that month. Groceries, gas ,etc. They start you out with a 250.00 limit so you cant do to much damage anyway, but be very responsible. Next ask your parents too add you on their credit card as an athorized user. You dont need a card but it you are on their account it will help you as well. It too gets reported to the agencies. Just get as many credit cards as you can and alternate between which ones you use each month, Just use money you know you have, so you can pay off after each month. Never NEVER pay late! One time with a late payment null and voids all your efforts and you might as well get a college education somewhere else. Last apply for finacial aid, and get on a computer and find as many scholarship money you can from anyone and everyone willing to give it. I myself wrote in many schlarship contests, lost all but one, but that one gave me an extra 5000. twards my tuition. So hope this helps, if not , well at least the arthritis in my fingers is kickin in. Three and a half years later I finally get to fullfill my dream of trying to become a filmmakker, or at least learning about the art. Wish me luck and great page !!!
about 2 years ago
Randy, I’d be interested to hear more about your story about going to full sail and all the stuff you’ve been through. please email me at hackerzc “at” gmail “dot” com if you would.
See I actually went down to Orlando in October of ‘04 to take the tour. I remember sleeping (or at least trying to) on those nice soft seats in the food lobby at Orlando International lol. At any rate after I saw the place I decided that’s where I wanted to go. I have to say I wasn’t as impressed as everyone else seems to have been (I went in expecting a sales pitch, and knew when someone was trying to “sell” me), but I still realized it provided what was likely my best option at the time.
Anyway I went through the process of procuring financial aid, dealing with FAFSA (at the time I was 23 and still considered a dependent by the government so I still needed a parent to fill out a section of the FAFSA, and my mom was bing a pain about it due to her ignorance about what it was). In the end I had the money I needed for tuition. All $42k of it (I had NOTHING saved, no education fund, etc), and I was one signature away from going. Hell I was even on the list of people looking for a roomate (and even got a call from someone).
Well, turns out I had nothing for living expenses, which I estimated at $10k a year. So last minute I took my moms advise and didn’t go. Just canceled everything.
Well after that happened I pretty much mopped around the house for a while, and was generally very depressed. So I did the only thing I could do to make myself feel better. I bought stuff! got a nice 50″ widescreen HDTV, Alienware Notebook, Put a new desktop PC, etc. I just spent money until I had enough stuff to do at home that I totally forgot about ever wanting to go to full sail.
Before I knew it I had bought my way into about $18k of credit card debt, but at least I was happy.
Well after a while I started getting these emails from SF (you know the newsletters I’m talking about) and kept reading about everyone who was doing something with their life. I even started to meet people that were either thinking of going, and one who actually did (and is doing what he went to school for BTW). And I decided that no matter what it takes, no matter how expensive, or difficult it is, I was going to go there. I was going to pay off those damn cards and get to where I wanted to be.
That was over 2 years ago, and here I am pretty much in the same place I was. Old credit cards were paid off and accounts closed, but new ones took their place in the form of motorcycle payments and a new credit card (having at least one actually helps your score). So I’m still in the “once I pay things off” boat.
Thing is the boat started to spring a leak as of late. I started to give into the idea that maybe I’d never get there. Never do what I want… what I really WANT to do. So here I am 26 years old, no college or anything under my belt, doing the same thing for 7 years. I started looking at similar (yet not as prestigious) courses in my area (Baltimore Washington Metropolitan Area), hoping to do SOMETHING with my life. I did find two hopefuls, but one may not be quite what they claim to be, and the other may be just as expensive as FS, but without the benefit of the name and networking. As of right now I am honestly very down about the entire process and just don’t know what’s going to happen.
Not sure why I do it, but I have a knack for torturing myself by looking at all the success of FS grads, thinking to myself… “if I went back in 2005 that could be me right now”… you know, if life didn’t suck and all.
Luckily I found this review and saw your post about starting at SF at 31, and I have to say you’ve given me new inspiration. I was so afraid that I was just getting too old to start there… that it was for young kids. When I went in 2004 I was likely the oldest person there. someone asked me what high school I go to and when I graduate…. it was funny trying to explain how I graduated 4 years ago and that I was 23, not 18.
But like I was saying, if you can do it at 31, then hell, that gives me plenty of time to get myself in order and make another attempt. I’m lucky that credit is not a problem. I’ve had enough cards, with high enough limits that I can get a loan no problem. But I can’t simply pick up and move to Florida for 2 years without first getting things here in order. No idea how I’ll do it, but you’ve given me a new reason to try at least. So thanks!
about 2 years ago
DONT LISTEN TO ANYTHING ON THIS BLOG SITE IT WAS SET UP BY FULL SAIL AND ALL COMMENTS AND DESCRIPTIONS OF LIFE AT FULL SAIL ARE BEING TOLD IN FALSE CONTEXT. FULL SAIL IS NOTHING BUT A MONEY MAKING SCHEME DIRECTED AT VULNERABLE YOUTH WITH THE HOPES OF BECOMING SOMEBODY IN THE “INDUSTRY” THE ONLY INDUSTRY YOU’LL BE IN IS THE UNEMPLOYMENT LINE. 80% OF STUDENTS GO TO FULL SAIL BY TAKING OUT LOANS THAT TAKE 10-20-LIFE TO PAYBACK. TERE ARE ALSO GANGS OF WANNA BE STUDENT THUGS THAT RUN AROUND ROBBIN OTHER STUDENTS ON PROPERTY AS WELL AS IN THE APARTMENT COMPLEXES AROUND THE SCHOOL. EVEN THOUGH THESE GUYS ARE WANNA BEEZ THEY USE REAL GUNS IN THEIR ROBBERIES. i EVEN KNOW OF A COUPLE STUDENTS THAT WERE SHOT OUTSIDE OF CAMPUS BY OTHER STUDENTS. UNFORTUNATELY THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN A FEW STUDENTS KILLED DURING THOSE ROBBERIES AND FOR WHAT ALOT OF TIMES FOR MUSIC EQUIPTMENT! IF U DO DECIDE TO IGNORE ALL YOU’VE HEARD AND STILL DECIDE TO ENROLL TRUST NOONE WHEN YOU GET THERE. DONT LISTEN TO THA HOOK LINE N SINKER THEY THROW AT YOU. YOURMUCH BETTER OFF AT A REGULAR COLLEGE OR COMMUNITY COLLEGE. THERES LIKE 3 OR 4 MAJOR INVESTORS THAT STARTED FULL SAIL WITH ONE GOAL IN MIND, TO GET MONEY, NOT TO EDUCATE! NO COMPANY IN THE INDUSTRY APPEARS TO RESPECT THOSE THAT COME FROM FS AND ANY STUDENT THAT GETS A JOB USUALLY GETS IT WITHOUT HELP FROM THE SO CALLED PLACEMENT DEPARTMENT. THE ONLY GOOD THING i CAN SAY ABOUT THE SCHOOL IS THAT IF UYOU CANT FIND WORK IN YOUR RERSPECTED FIELD THEY(FULL SAIL) WILL ALWAYS HIRE YOU FOR $9/HR TO TEACH OTHER VICTIMS OF THEIR SCHEME… ATLEAST YOUR STILL GETTING THE REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE AND YOU’LL BE ABLETO PAY OFF YOUR STUDENT LOANS BY THE TIME YOUR GREAT GRANDKIDS GRADUATE. LISTEN UP PEOPLE FULL SAIL IS NOT ACCREDITED EXCEPT WITH ITSELF OR OTHER GIMMICK PROGRAMS LIKE IT. SAVE YOUR MONEY, TIME, STRESS, AND LIFE BY NOT GOING TO THIS PLACE. AND YES I AM AN ALUMNI WHO GRADUATED 7 YEARS AGO. I WAS GIVEN SOME BS INTERNSHIPS IN BOOTLEG RECORDING STUDIOS WITH LESS EQUIPMENT THAN I HAVE AND I ALSO INTERNED FOR A RADIO STATION WHICH WAS ACHIEVED ON MY OWN BUT FULL SAIL STILL TOOK CREDIT FOR IT.FORGETTHA NUMBERS NUMBERS LIE BECAUSE THEY CAN BE MANIPULATED! AND I CHALLENGE ANYBODY THAT SAYS IM LYING ABOUT ANY INFO I JUST BLOGGED FROM THE ROBBERIES TO FINDING A DECENT JOB BECAUSE THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING AND I’VE GOT THE PUDDING. ALL THE GOOD REVIEWS YOU HEAR ABOUT THE ESTABLISHMENT ARE FALSIFIED TRUST ME PEOPLE WITH THE MONEY THESE PEOPLE MAKE OFF US THEY CAN PAY OTHER PEOPLE A FEW CRUMBS TO WRITE A FEW FAKE GOOD SOUNDING REVIEWS. IM ONLY DOING THIS BECAUSE I DONT WANT ANYBODY ELSES LIFE OR DREAM TO BE RUINED BECAUSE OF THE GREED OF OTHERS!
about 2 years ago
Graduated from Full Sail EB program in ‘05 Graduated from the Digital Media Program in ‘04, Full Sail is not the typical school, university, college we all know of. 24/7 classes. Teachers come straight from their respective industries. While there we got to meet important people from the entertainment industry that are so enthusiastic about coming to full Sail and many time depending on how far you are in your program they recruit on the spot.
Full Sail is the best when it comes to the Entertainment industry. Nothing to complain about except for the fact that there are so many guys compared to girls. they are outnumbered 10/4.
about 8 months ago
As a former instructor at FS (for many years), I can tell you first-hand that the school (at least the film program) is a joke. Not only is it extremely expensive, as most people here have already said, but the majority of the instructors are recent graduates with no real-world experience. Basically, they're just regurgitating what they just learned themselves without any industry application.
Yes, FS has impressive facilities and great, mostly up-to-date equipment, but good luck getting enough time on any one piece of equipment in which you're most interested. With the skyrocketing admission rate, class sizes are constantly ballooning, leaving less time for each student to use the impressive equipment that they paid for. Additionally, those amazing facilities that they wowed you with during the Behind the Scenes Tour…good luck getting to use those too.
If you enjoy being treated like a number, then FS is the place for you. Yes, they challenge you schedule-wise. But their lack of academics and their subjective grading of projects and participation do not challenge the true artist or inspire one to succeed or grow beyond themselves. Unfortunately, those few students who do strive for more usually encounter brick walls when lazy teachers and administrators do not want to flinch from the status-quo or take the time to invest in a student's future.
If you have the money to attend this school and your ultimate goal is to work in the film or TV industry in some production capacity, let me give you a piece of advice: use the money for your living expenses and go intern in whatever capacity or at whatever company you desire. Ultimately, you will learn more in a shorter period of time, and most likely, you will have a paying job by the end of it. Honestly, does it make sense to attend a film school in a city with no film industry?