About the University
Established in 1896, for more than a century, Parsons’ groundbreaking approach to design education and change-making community has transformed creativity, culture, and commerce.
For more than a century, Parsons has been inspired by the transformative potential of design. Today, the school’s groundbreaking academic programs carry forward that mission, making Parsons the number one design school in the U.S. and among the top three globally. At the heart of a comprehensive university — The New School — Parsons draws on a range of academic fields to deliver a unique interdisciplinary education enriched by the resources of its home in New York City and a branch campus in Paris. Here, the next generation of creative leaders engage in real-world learning and develop as critical thinkers and makers grappling with the pressing issues of our time.
The group of 6 colleges and programs offers a space designed for critical inquiry, creativity, and experimentation that defy convention and help create a more just, more beautiful, and better-designed world. The following are the 6 colleges:
Parsons School of Design
Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts
College of Performing Arts
The New School for Social Research
Schools of Public Engagement
Parsons Paris
Overview
Location: New York, United States
Type: Private Art and Design School
Founded: 1896
Fun Facts
The Pioneers
From 1904 to 1910, the school launched the world’s first study programs in fashion design (Costume Design), graphic design (Advertising or Commercial Design), and interior design (Interior Decoration). By 1919, Parsons started offering summer sessions, classes in textile design, and courses for teachers, youth, and World War I servicemen.
First International Branch
Frank Alvah Parsons and alumnus William Odom initiate a satellite school in Paris — the Paris Ateliers — which became the first international branch for an American school. The school offered courses in architecture, decorative arts, and costume design. However, the school remained closed from the fall of 1939 until 1948 because of the War.
The first school to offer a full degree program in Strategic Design
Parsons was also the first school to offer a degree program teaching the tenants of design thinking: the MS in Strategic Design and Management. The Stanford D.School has taught this curriculum longer but does not offer full degree programs.
Going Beyond Design
Parsons also has a better focus on interaction design and content strategy than other design schools (from what I've heard from people who attended different schools). One other benefit of Parsons is that because it is within the New School you are able to take some non-design courses that could broaden your views and allow you to think in more interesting ways.
Project Runway
The school of Fashion was the stage for the popular TV show Project Runway since 2004. It’s where the workroom and the runway were located. However, when Parsons moved its fashion school to Greenwich Village to join the rest of The New School campus, the university no longer had the facilities to accommodate the program.
Academics
Graduation Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 86%
Student-to-faculty ratio: 13:1
Admissions
Average SAT | NA |
Average ACT | NA |
Average TOEFL | 92 (iBT) |
Average IELTS | 7 |
College Board Code | 2638 |
Application Deadline | January (Fall) and October (Spring) |
Application Requirements
Academic transcripts
Standardized Testing Scores (optional)
English Language Proficiency Scores
Letters of Recommendation
Essays
Portfolio
The Parsons Challenge
Rankings
Parsons School of Design at The New School is one of the top private universities in New York City, United States. It is ranked #3 in QS WUR Ranking By Subject 2021.
Essay Prompts Breakdown
Prompt 1:
What social issue or construct would you choose to affect change through your study or work at The New School? (200-400 words)
The New School wants to welcome students to campus who not only know how to lead but also feel passionate about making the world a better place. While addressing this prompt, make sure the issue you choose to talk about is close to your heart and connect the social issue you’re passionate about to your vision of life at The New School. You should be able to point to specific examples of their offerings that will help you to make a difference, whether they be classes, networking opportunities, research, etc.
Prompt 2:
What specific aspects of The New School's academic programs or community drew you to apply? Please pay particular attention to the college and program that you have applied to in your essay. (200-400 words)
This is a standard “Why Us?” essay that allows you to choose your line of focus – academic or community. Admission officers want to know what has been your inspiration behind applying to their university. Just as you would address any other essay, take time to do your research. Scour the university’s website for information about classes, professors, unique opportunities, and notable alumni.
What caught your eye? What inspires you? How does it connect to an interest you have? How does The New School’s unique curriculum satisfy your needs in a way no other school could?
This is your opportunity to impress admissions with your knowledge of what The New School has to offer, your vision for your future, and why those two things are aligned.
Majors Available
A
Architecture
Art History, Criticism, and Conservation
D
F
G
I
P
Famous Alumni
Tom Ford: Designer and filmmaker
Marc Jacobs: Fashion Designer
Alexander Wang: Fashion Designer
Paul Rand: Creative director and designer
Van Day Truex: Advertising designer and former head of Tiffany & Co.
Betty Stevens Sherrill: Designer and chair of McMillen, Inc.
Ryan Germick: Designer and Google Doodle lead
Kevin Kwan: Author of Crazy Rich Asians
Marc Thorpe: Architect and industrial designer
Richard Avedon: Photographer
The Headmaster Student Experience
“My experience at Parson’s has been incredible. The first-year curriculum allowed students from all degrees to take the same core classes, which opened doors to communication with people from different majors and backgrounds. The professors and really skilled and passionate, which makes learning a really nice experience.”
- Headmaster Student
Sources
"Parsons School of Design." Parsons School of Design | The New School. Web. 1 Nov. 2022.
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