Our Visit to School of Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)

After our trip to the west coast to visit art schools, my daughter was on the fence about her second choice school. Rhode Island School of Design, where she did two summers of their pre-college program was her first choice, but very competitive to get into.

I decided to squeeze in a trip to Chicago right before school started even though we would not be able to get a school tour of SAIC. At least we would get a chance to see the school and its environs.

Labor Day weekend was not the best time to visit SAIC. Although school was in session, it was just week two. There wasn’t really art on display because it was too soon. The buildings all have security guards so you can’t wander through any buildings. Admissions is closed. Still, we wandered around the urban campus checking out the different buildings and even seeing one gallery of art.

My takeaway: SAIC is in a great part of town. It’s near the lake and walking distance to the Art Institute of Chicago. Its urban campus spreads out into various buildings with close proximity to restaurants and public transportation including the L. Chicago is a GREAT place to go to school!

Because we didn’t get to see SAIC’s presentation, we went to their event when they came to Boston. Here are some of the videos that were the most popular of their admissions presentation:

SAIC has surprisingly high test scores and grade requirements!