October 14, 2011 11:54:15 PM PDT
Hey there :) I just noticed this thread and thought I would comment. I can't say much about SCAD as I don't know much about it. I did, however, recently graduate from LCAD so I have a lot to say about it that I hope will be helpful for you and any others considering it.
I applied to CalArts 3 times. The first two times I was rejected and the third time I was wait listed. That was the year that the National Portfolio Review Day was held at LCAD. Until then I had never even heard of it. When at the review day I wasn't really interested in anything BUT CalArts. But while wandering around the school and talking with staff I became very interested. I was accepted and didnt even bother waiting to hear back from CalArts. I feel like this was the best decision I ever made.
The LCAD Character Animation department may be considered still young by some but it has plenty of experience in its staff. I studied under some of the best teachers (many of which are Disney veterans!). My teachers were always concerned with my growth and saw potential in me I could not see in myself. I worked hard and received an outstanding education and my skills grew by leaps and bounds. The summer between my junior and senior year I received 3 internship opportunities (2 of which were at Cartoon Network and I did indeed take one of them!) and at the end of my senior year I received an internship at Nickelodeon. I was out of school 2 months before I landed a job that I very much love and because of the strong contacts I developed while at school with both peers and teachers alike, I have been turning down offers right and left.
The teachers in the animation department also have very strong contacts and relations within the industry and have managed to get some top talent to stop by for lectures and student critique.
I hope this was helpful to any of you in any way :) And if anyone should have any questions feel free to message me :)