Full Sail University

Date: Dec 17 2007
Major: Other (This Major's Salary over time)
I wish I used this site when I was searching for colleges. I hope others learn from my account.

Full Sail is a

put a lot in, get a little out

technical school. So, if you want to learn, be prepared to put in a lot.

First, it was saturated with high school students/careless students. Unfortunately, most go because its cool/fun and theres little “regular school work, which means anyone can pass with flying colors. Also, like many colleges, theyre there to party. Full Sail thrived on these types. Hey, they pay too.

FS needs a screening program and a student limit. 90 or so students in my beginning class! For an accelerated program, thats too many. I was told during BTS tour that Id get a 6-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. A few labs maybe, but that's it. Thats how they market themselves overall - telling the truth but making it appear more than it really is.

“We take your dreams seriously. ought to be, “We take your dreams, seriously. They are very sly and greedy with image and public relations. I give it to them, theyve got a well-oiled machine thats churning out boocoos of profit as well as bad products (yes, I include myself as far as what they provided overall). Somehow, though, they continue bringing in more misinformed lemmings. What more could a business desire?

Those that control the school (and their lackeys) really played on my dreams and made me feel as if I was going be the next greatest thing. I knew I wasn't but when those strings are pulled, it's hard not to get sucked into the fantasy. They really strive to get to the high schoolers. Obviously, it's not illegal or anything, but it's certainly not moral. All students, esp. young ones, have those feelings and thats what FS caters to.

Basically, FS is nothing more than another business that wants more and more money. Most of the faculty waved meaningless banners and wore fake smiles. Some didnt agree with the FS way, but they rarely stood up. Some educators did what they could to help caring students got some education.

Few teachers were well-educated and actually had worthy experience. I've heard now they actually hire students who graduated only weeks before to teach. That is truly pathetic! If I knew that was happening while I attended, I would have demanded my money back before graduating. After all, thats not what I agreed to nor was told I would get.

Wanting to utilize all class time (4 hrs. each) was often frowned upon by both careless students and some educators. Many enjoyed getting out early for "other things.

The overall "spirit" of the place was a facade. They did anything and everything to overt students from the problems to all the glamour that they claimed to provide. I can see that now, but it doesnt change anything.

As a student, you don't think about the problems, even if theyre apparent, especially at a school that continuously shoves the “cool things in your face. Ill admit what they claimed to offer appeared really cool and was interesting to work with for the short time it was available. But, what they explained wasnt the whole truth. A fast food advertisement and what you actually get when you order is one of the best comparisons I have to how Full Sail is. Also, a movie trailer is a good example (ironically). You get the best in a quick preview and, when you finally see the whole thing, you realize the majority doesnt compare and the best has lost its “shine. You're there to learn and that should be your main focus. As long as youre learning something (anything) you think everythings okay. As a young, excited student, you dont really notice the difference between what you ought to get and what youre actually getting.

Think about it, monthly classes of 90+ students (and more now) trying to use and learn a few pieces of equipment at the same time - not very effective. I know its not practical to have a film camera for every student, but I dont see why they cant afford more, especially after being around for some time and raising tuition every year. I recall there only being two film cameras for both 16mm and 35mm. Additionally, one of their “selling points (aka bear claws) is always being up-to-date with technology. Unfortunately, as I learned from a caring and honest Lab Instructor and even later from jobs, the industry isnt even up-to-date with technology. I cant remember ever working with the high-tech gear that FS had. Obviously, I use regular gear and older versions, but its not the same.

And, yes, I do get work every now and then. It certainly doesnt pay enough, but I do work. I have to have a “regular job, too, though. I dont blame FS for not getting me a job - its not their responsibility. However, I wish they didnt pitch that rubbish so much. They made it seem as if Id definitely get a lasting and fairly well-paid industry job no matter what. They cant guarantee that, but they sure make it sound very likely. Once again, theyre telling the truth but embellishing it. Id like to know how many grads actually work in the industry, not just have a “regular job.

They give so many positive statistics about themselves, like any business would do. Of course, theyre not going to give negative aspects. But, where do they get them from? For example, when they state they are one of the top schools in the nation, what exactly is that based off of? Who says and what is it for “ graduating students (this would explain why so many careless students graduated with me), students who get jobs (what types of jobs “ industry-related or “other?), up-to-date equipment, etc.?

I can honestly say that I did not receive much of what they promised. They didn't even offer some of the classes by time I started. I understand things change, but that was one of their major problems “ things changed all the time. There was very, very little consistency.

I dont know why a number of the students in my class were ever allowed to graduate. I know some students failed for attendance or grades, and sometimes both, yet, they passed and graduated with hard-working students. Was there some sort of extreme extra credit? Point in case, they didnt earn their way through, they were given passage. After all, a college wants a good turn out, right? And good PR? Plus, its easier to type in a high grade than it is to care and actually fail deserving students, despite how much complaining they or their parents might do. Im not positive that that was how it always happened, but multiple students mysteriously passed. I do know, however, that there have been cases where a parents complaining has gotten a failing student through, however unfortunate. So, for all the lazy people with careless parents, keep that in mind.

Most assuredly, it was not worth the price for me… and certainly wouldnt be now since they go up every year, regardless of what the degree is.

Now, because I know the above may sound like a bashing rant, I did learn while attending. I tried hard, got good grades, and made sure I got what I could out of it. So, it is possible to learn and enjoy some of it. Basically, the schools just not what it ought to be and I would not choose it if I could go back nor would I refer anyone, esp. if theyre serious about learning.