FullSail?
by Josiah Wang · in Torque in Education · 12/12/2004 (12:51 pm) · 8 replies
I just started doing research on colleges and universities I wish to attend (I'm a sophomore in high school). I'm basically looking for an education that will give me a solid education, although I do wish to focus more on skills that will help me suceed in the game industry
So anyways, I just started researching, and I came across Full Sail, which from my understanding is a school which has its own Game Design section. So I explored the site a little bit, watched the movie clip in the gallery (lol, caught a glimpse of Torque in it, with the crossbow and all)...
So anyways, do you guys have an insight/recommendations? I'd really appreciate it!
So anyways, I just started researching, and I came across Full Sail, which from my understanding is a school which has its own Game Design section. So I explored the site a little bit, watched the movie clip in the gallery (lol, caught a glimpse of Torque in it, with the crossbow and all)...
So anyways, do you guys have an insight/recommendations? I'd really appreciate it!
#2
We don't endorse programs so much as support those that have instructors teaching using Torque. Gama Sutra tries to cover all the schools with game dev. programs - some are stronger on programming and others on art and design.
12/13/2004 (6:41 pm)
Full Sail lets students chose the tools for their final game projects, Torque has been used many times. Going into the game industry takes talent and skills - if your a proactive learner most dedicated game design schools can help you build your portfolio, but only those that really have the passion will hit the level needed to succeed. We don't endorse programs so much as support those that have instructors teaching using Torque. Gama Sutra tries to cover all the schools with game dev. programs - some are stronger on programming and others on art and design.
#3
04/13/2005 (7:27 am)
I've been to both 'real' college (university) and 'fake school' a specilized institute. Personally I love the Illinois Institute of Art's program way better than the univeristy I attended. Your school choice will depend on a lot namely money and geographics (where do you live now how far are you willing to move from home) etc. But If you want a more 'traditional' university environment then pick a school that has a game design program or at the very least classes. But full sail's not bad from what i here. But wherever you go, you won't get a job upon graduating just by going there. Put the work in while you're in school.
#4
Its not simply what you do for the course that will get you a job. Its what you do AS WELL. Doing a university course should equip you to learn and give you time to pursue your interests.
A good university will allow you to formulate your own learning to a great extent (as long as you show you are capable of doing so) and will generally try and accept the work you as part of your credit.
The students I've had that really have impressed me, have all been ones that work VERY hard outside of thier normal classwork. Doing programming, extra modules, or just interesting work outside the curriculum.
So whilst the university isnt going to land you a job, what you CAN do, is look for one thats going to offer you an enjoyable time whilst working hard. If you can combine a place with
1) Interesting lecturers who care about thier subjects
2) An interesting environment
Then I dont think you could ask for much more.
Its YOU that gets you the job, not the university.
04/13/2005 (10:04 am)
I will mirror what people here have said.Its not simply what you do for the course that will get you a job. Its what you do AS WELL. Doing a university course should equip you to learn and give you time to pursue your interests.
A good university will allow you to formulate your own learning to a great extent (as long as you show you are capable of doing so) and will generally try and accept the work you as part of your credit.
The students I've had that really have impressed me, have all been ones that work VERY hard outside of thier normal classwork. Doing programming, extra modules, or just interesting work outside the curriculum.
So whilst the university isnt going to land you a job, what you CAN do, is look for one thats going to offer you an enjoyable time whilst working hard. If you can combine a place with
1) Interesting lecturers who care about thier subjects
2) An interesting environment
Then I dont think you could ask for much more.
Its YOU that gets you the job, not the university.
#5
Yes, but I think a major concern for many students is that they want to make sure that they're investing their chips in the right place. 40 hours of work in one environment may yield better results than 100 hours in another.
The decision to go to a school like Full Sail vs. a traditional , accredited University is a huge decision. There are several implications involved. I believe more universities should be like Full Sail. But at the same time, those places don't get respect, so there is a political issue here with non traditional degree programs.
07/29/2005 (4:14 am)
Quote:
Its YOU that gets you the job, not the university.
Yes, but I think a major concern for many students is that they want to make sure that they're investing their chips in the right place. 40 hours of work in one environment may yield better results than 100 hours in another.
The decision to go to a school like Full Sail vs. a traditional , accredited University is a huge decision. There are several implications involved. I believe more universities should be like Full Sail. But at the same time, those places don't get respect, so there is a political issue here with non traditional degree programs.
#6
One thing that I did notice was that I had a better handle on programming then they did. They understood a lot more theory then I did but I was hands down a better programmer just because that is all i did for 6 hours and day, 5 days a week for two years.
The only problem is that I have always had a harder time being taken seriously by a job. I have gotten most of the jobs that I have ever really applied for but it took a lot of effort on my behalf.
A lot of places are leary of tecnical programs and some for good reason. If you are good at what you do, then everything else should fall into place.
Plus, if it isn't hard, whats the point?
12/31/2005 (2:29 am)
I can tell you that i went to a tech school at the same time as a few of my friends went the more conventional route.One thing that I did notice was that I had a better handle on programming then they did. They understood a lot more theory then I did but I was hands down a better programmer just because that is all i did for 6 hours and day, 5 days a week for two years.
The only problem is that I have always had a harder time being taken seriously by a job. I have gotten most of the jobs that I have ever really applied for but it took a lot of effort on my behalf.
A lot of places are leary of tecnical programs and some for good reason. If you are good at what you do, then everything else should fall into place.
Plus, if it isn't hard, whats the point?
#7
01/18/2007 (11:50 am)
I've also looked into fullsail myself, i noticed that the cost of the school is way more then anyother school that offers Game Design. You might get a more hands on with teachers at fullsail, but i for cost wise, im sure you could find a school with the same concept. 
#8
The Game Design program is rough, but you definitely get the education and tools you need to hold down a job once you land it. I entered into the Associate degree and later went back for my Bach. degree (completion program). Due to their placement program (and my experience with using Torque during the Assoc. Degree), I landed a job here in Orlando.
The companies here are eager to hire Full Sail grads, particular EA. I went the route of Serious Games and have been working in the simulation industry for 6 months.
Anyone who says the school is not a "real school", is full of manure. A school is a facility that provides education for your chosen field, and Full Sail's Game Design program achieves that. You don't get the dorm experience, or the traditional pacing, but you are on your own in a rough city learning one of the hardest professions out there.
If you, or anyone else, has specific questions about the program, you can email me using the address listed in my profile.
*NOTE*- Speaking of Full Sail, TIG: Orlando will be hosting our next meeting at the school this coming Monday (2/26/07). We'll be talking about TorqueX, Serious Games, Torque stuff in general, and Davey Jackson will be on hand to talk to everyone. I highly encourage anyone who can make it to do so. The event is free, so shoot me an email if you need more details.
02/20/2007 (7:01 pm)
I actually attended Full Sail for its Game Design degrees. Yes, the school is over priced, and there is no denying that. The standards for entry are quite low, as well. You need only a GED and the competence to fill out the paper work to get in. Finishing, however, is a different story.The Game Design program is rough, but you definitely get the education and tools you need to hold down a job once you land it. I entered into the Associate degree and later went back for my Bach. degree (completion program). Due to their placement program (and my experience with using Torque during the Assoc. Degree), I landed a job here in Orlando.
The companies here are eager to hire Full Sail grads, particular EA. I went the route of Serious Games and have been working in the simulation industry for 6 months.
Anyone who says the school is not a "real school", is full of manure. A school is a facility that provides education for your chosen field, and Full Sail's Game Design program achieves that. You don't get the dorm experience, or the traditional pacing, but you are on your own in a rough city learning one of the hardest professions out there.
If you, or anyone else, has specific questions about the program, you can email me using the address listed in my profile.
*NOTE*- Speaking of Full Sail, TIG: Orlando will be hosting our next meeting at the school this coming Monday (2/26/07). We'll be talking about TorqueX, Serious Games, Torque stuff in general, and Davey Jackson will be on hand to talk to everyone. I highly encourage anyone who can make it to do so. The event is free, so shoot me an email if you need more details.
Torque 3D Owner Chris "Had Chris First"
"I really enjoy the school, and while some may say it isnt a real school, I can tell you that the teachers know their stuff, and it is extremely challenging."