Unless your family doesn't mind blowing $15000 a year, and you have a couple of years to spare, do not go to this school. I wish someone had given me this advice in the beginning. You do not need to go to school to become a photographer. You are much better off working (and getting paid) as an assistant learning from the pros, take workshops from the Photographic Center NW, follow your passion by taking lots of photos, and gain experience by starting with small assignments and build your reputation. I realized this after a year when I started working part time in a studio. AIS is a trade school to make money for investors, who have higher priority than students' well interest. It does not train you to be an artist. If you want to be an artist then DEFINITELY don't go there, they will squelch your creativity since they have a strong commercial emplasis.
If you really want to go to school, go to a 4-year college and get a BA in something else, and minor in photography. If you don't want to do the 4-year route, and want to be only a photographer, take some business classes from a community college instead and follow my recommendation above. 90% of professional photography is managing the business. Trust me, there is no point in paying someone else so much $$$$ to learn, when you can get paid to learn from the pros.
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