i mean obvioulsy you've got to pass your classes, etc. But once you get close to graduating/do graduate and are showing your portfolio etc, do people actually look at what your GPA was in school and how you did in various classes? I would THINK it would all just be based on what your portfolio looks like(for the most part).

Basically i'm just curious since i have a class now that i've learned a lot from and want to move on but its one of those classes that requires a lot of time consuming drafting etc. Just wondering if its worth doing even MORE SO to get the A in the class or if me simply having learned what i can from the class matters.. I figure there will be several classes like this in my educational experience. So ya do grades matter a LOT or is it more so what you take with you from the class?

thanks for reading all that and for your responses

obviously your portfolio is the key, but your grades does make a follow up, which does matter. people wants to see your work and how you worked.

im telling you.
do the least you can on your grades.

and get your a** back to the drawing board.

now.

fsdf

anyone care to second that...?

i dunno man. it just seems to me that all art center care about are portfolios. i might be completely wrong, but if i were to put a ratio on what the admission committee criteria looks at, it would be about 30 academics, SAT's and other stuff like essays, and 70 portfolio. i havent been able to sketch recently because of so much damn homework but during summer i will be sketching mad so thats just my opinion. hope it helps!

i doubt SCHOOLS give a **** about grades
i'm talkin about once you're there.. like required courses.. the grades you get.. as long as you pass and end up having a kick ass portfolio.. do design studio's care about what your gpa was...

In todays competitive job environment, grades might make the difference in many hiring situations. No one wants to hire a DUMB designer. Posters here who put down grades have nevered actually hired anybody for anything so ignore them.

quote:

Originally posted by LiGHTWORKEr:
i doubt SCHOOLS give a **** about grades
i'm talkin about once you're there.. like required courses.. the grades you get.. as long as you pass and end up having a kick ass portfolio.. do design studio's care about what your gpa was...

just to let you know if you're not sure with the grading situation at accd or ccs, grades does matter. as a matter of fact, it matters most when you're near graduation. because thats what different you from your mates in getting a better job, because when the time comes, nearly everyone has a kick ass portfolio, but does everyone has both portfolio and grades to show without hesitation? dont limit yourself by giving excuses towards your future.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: FRANK.W,

I have to agree with alfo. True your portfolio is important but the liberal arts and high school classes are required for a reason. Lots of people blow off their non-studio classes and it comes back to get them when they fail a class and get held back from graduation, or have spelling errors on their final boards, portfolios or resumes, and employers do take this seriously this when making hiring decisions.

Also I personally feel you need a wide range of experience and context to draw inspiration from otherwise you can be limited in you ability to solve problems creatively.
Entirely to many projects in design schools are nicely drawn rehashes of problem solutions that have been done countless times before. To be original you need talent and skill but you also need knowledge. The ability to become expert at anything, to get you head within whatever problem you are presented with. For this even excelling in your basic required classes at design school and having a good GPA might not be enough