School Help

[Guy]

Hey guys, I'm not too sure about college, grants, and all that, so I'm asking for some help here.

I've been putting this off for a while, and it's about time i get a little more serious about it. I'd like to go to college/school, for something in game design...but I'll be damned if schools these days aren't ridiculously expensive.
I'm really not sure what kinda grants, if any, would be able to help me with the expenses, but I'd like to know if you guys know anything about this, or have been through similar experiences.

I'm pretty much interested in computers, mechanics, 3D modeling, programming, math, and digital art.....but I'm sure a lot of other people are too. I finished high school two years ago, if that's of any relevance.

I'd just like to have some help to guide me in the right direction, and tSR seemed like the best place to ask.

[Altrez]

Well in Canada, my area specifically, we have government loans and grants, with special considerations when it comes to things like your income, grades, minorities, physical/mental disabilities, etc.

So because I came from a low income family I received more, because I had no job at the time I received more, and in addition to that because I was honours (3.5 + GPA) I got about four or five small grants anywhere from 50 - 100 dollars each that I didn't have to repay. (Spread out over the semesters)

My advice is to look up your province/state government loan/grant agencies and see what their policies are, because it varies.

And also make sure this is what you want to do, and look into the niches of the particular job you want - make sure you can find work afterwards, and make sure the course provides you with what you actually need to do the job.

[TreeStar]

Personally, I'd recommend going to a community college and apply to another one that suits your needs.

Cheaper than directly applying to a college right away, I'm also sure financial aid can help you too.

[Guy]

Thanks guys, I figure the best way to get any work in game design and whatnot is to show I'm competent enough to do so, that and have the skill to back me...looking to go to a "school for gaming" seems like a waste of money and time, as everything i need to learn is right here on the net, which is where I've learned most everything i know about spriting/3D/programming.

The comments are appreciated, seems like some pretty solid advice, I actually did graduate with honours as well, so i guess that could help me later on down the road.

For now, I'm gonna get my shit together and start working on building up a portfolio, and continue to save up money while i check out schools.

[Asther]

(12-28-2011 03:55 AM)Guy Wrote:  Thanks guys, I figure the best way to get any work in game design and whatnot is to show I'm competent enough to do so, that and have the skill to back me...looking to go to a "school for gaming" seems like a waste of money and time, as everything i need to learn is right here on the net, which is where I've learned most everything i know about spriting/3D/programming.

The comments are appreciated, seems like some pretty solid advice, I actually did graduate with honours as well, so i guess that could help me later on down the road.

For now, I'm gonna get my shit together and start working on building up a portfolio, and continue to save up money while i check out schools.

one thing a game design school would give you just like an art school is contacts. get dat network, meet ppl