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No doubt, law school is a major undertaking requiring a lot of hard work as you train for a challenging and rewarding career. And a key part of getting accepted into law school can be scoring well on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). What’s more, a high LSAT score can potentially increase a student’s scholarship and other funding opportunities to pay for law school.

But getting an LSAT score you’re proud of can take some planning and preparation. To help with that, this guide will break down how to study for the LSAT. In addition, you’ll learn some helpful study tips, test-taking strategies, and important dates to remember.

What Is the LSAT?

The LSAT is a standardized test that many law schools require. It is considered to be a good predictor of how well a student will perform in law school.

The test contains four sections, and test takers typically have about three hours to complete it. The LSAT score range goes from 120 to 180, with the average score currently being approximately 152.

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What Does the LSAT Cover?

The LSAT is administered in two distinct sections. One section is a multiple choice exam that is divided into categories including logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension.

There is also a writing section that is administered separately from the multiple choice portion of the LSAT. Test takers are allotted 35 minutes for each of the four sections required for the exam, and there’s a 10-minute break between sections two and three. These sections are:

•   Logical reasoning, 24 – 26 questions

•   Logic games (aka analytical reasoning), 22 – 24 questions

•   Reading comprehension, 26 – 28 questions

•   Experimental section (typically used to develop questions for future LSATs), 22 – 28 questions

•   Writing. This section is administered separately from the multiple choice portion of the exam, but test takers will still be limited to 35 minutes.

The writing section gives test takers a prompt to articulate a stance on. The written section is available to test takers eight days prior to their testing date.

It can be taken at any time during this testing window and is proctored online using secure software. Although this section is not used to calculate the score, it is still sent to law schools and used to some degree for admissions.

The experimental portion of the exam is also unscored. This section is used internally for measuring the difficulty and effectiveness of LSAT questions. However, test takers will not be aware of which section is experimental.

The LSAT can be taken in person or remotely via a proctored online portal.

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What Is a Good Score on the LSAT?

As mentioned above, the LSAT scoring system ranges from 120 to 180, with a current average of 152.

What qualifies as a good score will vary depending on your outlook and how competitive the law schools are that you plan on applying to. For instance, if you want to attend one of the top-tier law schools in America (that is, one of the top five programs), you will likely need at least a 170 on the LSAT.


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How Do I Prepare for the LSAT?

Preparing for the LSAT can involve time and energy. There are a variety of methods. Some people choose just one and stick with it. Others combine a couple of techniques. There’s not one best way to study for the LSAT; it’s a personal choice.

Preparing for the LSAT has become a full-fledged industry, with a slew of specialized tutors, study guides, and courses offering their services. Among the options:

•   LSAT preptests

•   LSAT prep books

•   Test prep companies and tutoring

•   Official LSAT Prep on Khan Academy

•   Study groups with other students/prospective test takers (such as prelaw students at your college).

Read on to learn more about a couple of the methods.

Taking Official LSAT Prep Tests

How to study for the LSAT? Get organized before you start planning your applications for postgrad education. One popular option to consider is signing up for the LSAT Prep® on LSAC’s LawHub.

LSAC stands for the Law School Admission Council, a nonprofit that supports access, equity, and fairness in law school admissions.

By signing up, you can get access to four full practice tests. If you want further practice, you can purchase a service known as LawHub Advantage. This provides one year of access to more than 75 full Official LSAT PrepTests® for $115.

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Tailoring a Study Plan To Your Needs and Goals

Following your first pretest, you now have a starting point to build from to reach your target score. In some cases, you may excel in one section and struggle in another.

Does reading comprehension have you stumped? As part of your LSAT preparation, brushing up on vocabulary and dedicating more time to related practice questions could be a better use of your time if you already have a knack for logic games.

If your GPA is on the lower end of the spectrum, you might want to set a goal for scoring higher than a law school’s median LSAT score to help improve your candidacy.

As noted above, you have an array of options in terms of how to prepare for the LSAT. For some prospective test-takers, paying a tutor or for a prep class can help keep them accountable. For others, the social aspect of joining a study group at their college can be the right fit. And still others may prefer online learning as they work towards law school admission.

Making a LSAT Study Schedule That Works For You

The amount of time you plan to study for the LSAT may be influenced by how much you’d like to improve your score, based on the pretest.

•   A general bare minimum baseline is around 120 hours. Those that are interested in a significant score boost or other factors may require more time.

•   Kaplan Test Prep generally recommends that students spend between 150 and 300 hours, spread out in 20 to 25 hour weekly increments, preparing and studying for the LSAT.

•   Many LSAT takers are also juggling other responsibilities, like finishing an undergraduate degree, working, and taking care of family.

•   Consider all of your responsibilities and demands on your time as you build your study schedule. The goal is to set a schedule that will help you prepare effectively and prevent burnout.

•   Bridging a narrower gap between your initial score and target score may require less study time to achieve, but individuals with higher LSAT scores may be more likely to secure scholarships to help pay for school.

•   If you’re still in undergrad, think about taking an elective course that is geared towards the LSAT, such as logic, to simultaneously help stay on track for graduation and preparing for the LSAT.

Simulating Actual LSAT Testing Conditions

While day-to-day studying can be broken down into shorter segments to work on logic games, vocabulary, and mastering concepts, it may be helpful to take several LSAT sample tests in full.

Creating realistic testing conditions is as simple as following the 35-minute time limit per section, sitting at a desk, and getting up on a Saturday morning to take it. Not only could this approach provide a more accurate LSAT score sampling, but also build endurance and time management skills in a test environment.

In between practice tests, allowing time for review and doing more practice problems can also help gauge growth and identify which section needs the most improvement.

LSAT Test-Taking Tips

As much as the LSAT is about mastering logic and thinking analytically, test takers can also benefit from an in-depth understanding of the LSAT itself. On top of finding and adopting the best ideas for how to prepare for the LSAT, these test-taking tips could be helpful.

Answering Every Question

Unlike the SAT, the LSAT does not deduct points for incorrect answers. That’s right: You’re not penalized for getting something wrong. Since leaving questions blank could potentially result in losing out on coveted points, it may be worth allotting the last 30 seconds of the section to fill in an answer bubble for remaining questions.

If you’re stumped by a difficult question, you might benefit from entering in your best guess and moving on to dedicate time and effort to questions you feel more confident answering.

Keep in mind that once a section ends, you are not permitted to go back and answer questions or correct responses.

Using Process of Elimination

Multiple-choice questions on the LSAT can contain similar answers that can trip up test takers, especially when rushing.

Given the test’s emphasis on logic and analytical thinking, employing a process of elimination strategy can help get rid of flawed answers one by one and avoid choosing a well-crafted, misleading answer.

Relax… It’s Okay to Retake the LSAT

Given the importance the LSAT plays in law school acceptance, it may come as no surprise that many people retake the test.

One benchmark study found that, at a given test administration, about 26% were second-time test takers. Another finding was that second-timers in a given year typically raise their score by two or three points. (Keep in mind that law school admission committees will likely receive all of your test scores.)

If you’re worried about your nerves getting the best of you, planning to take the LSAT well-ahead of admission deadlines could help alleviate some stress since you’ll have another chance or two to retest if needed.

There are limits to the number of times the LSAT can be taken within certain timeframes, including five times since 2018 and seven tests in a lifetime. It’s possible to cancel test scores if you are unhappy with how you did, but canceled scores will count towards the totals mentioned here.

Important LSAT Dates

When figuring out how to start studying for the LSAT, it might be helpful to map out a timeline of test dates and law school admission schedules. There are multiple options and locations for testing dates, as well as law school application deadlines to be aware of.

If you’re hoping to pursue your J.D. within a year or two, it may be easier to work backwards from when you actually need to apply to law school. Deadlines for law school applications can vary, with many regular-decision dates falling between February and March and early-decision ones in November or December.

Many experts recommend taking the LSAT in June so there’s time to retake it in the fall, if needed. Scores are generally sent three weeks after the exam on a pre-specified release date. The current schedule of 2024 test dates runs from January through June; for updates, visit LSAC’s site.

Paying for Law School

Education is an investment — both in time and money. Typically, law school spans three full-time academic years, and the rigorous schedule can make it challenging to work outside of summer internships. Here’s some important information about paying for law school:

•   While the payoff can be considerable for legal professionals, the upfront cost can be a heavy lift. When thinking about how to pay for law school, know this: Using the most recent data, the average total cost of law school is $220,335, according to the Education Data Initiative. The average in-state tuition for public universities was $9,610, while the average for private universities reached $53,034.

•   When law school scholarships and financial aid are not enough, students can take out federal or private student loans to help pay the difference for law school. Coming up with a plan to pay for law school early could help put you on track to tackling law school debt and focusing on your budding law career.

•   Students or graduates still paying for their law school (and potentially undergraduate) student loans could opt to refinance and combine payment under one loan. This may make payments simpler and/or more affordable, but it’s important to note that if you refinance for an extended term, you may pay more interest over the life of the loan. In addition, refinancing federal student loans means forfeiting federal borrower benefits and protections, so it won’t be the right choice for everyone.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.

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SoFi Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). SoFi Student Loan Refinance Loans are private loans and do not have the same repayment options that the federal loan program offers, or may become available, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, PAYE or SAVE. Additional terms and conditions apply. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal.

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If you, like many students, have taken out loans, it’s important to know the answer to, “Do student loans accrue interest while you are still in school?” The answer is often yes. The main exception to this rule is for those who hold Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans. While a student is taking classes, the interest on these loans is covered by the US government.

It can be important to understand exactly what type of student loan you have to make sure you understand the terms of the loan and when interest accrues. This, as you might guess, impacts how much you will be paying back.

Read on for a guide to how student loan interest works while you are still in school.

Understanding How Federal Student Loan Interest Works

Do federal student loans accrue interest in school? In many, but not all, cases, the answer is yes. The first step of understanding how student loan interest works is to know what type of student loan you have exactly, because interest may accrue differently, depending on the type of loan it is.

Subsidized vs. Unsubsidized Loans

Federal student loans may be subsidized or unsubsidized. The accrued interest on Direct Subsidized loans is covered by the government while a student is enrolled at least half-time. Direct Subsidized loans are only available to undergraduate students.

For Direct Unsubsidized Loans, students are responsible for paying the interest that accrues on their student loans. Interest begins accruing as soon as the loan is disbursed, or paid out to the borrower.

You won’t be required to make payments while in-school, but be aware that if you don’t, you may graduate with a higher balance than when you started. That’s because the accrued interest is capitalized on the original balance of the loan. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students.

Direct PLUS Loans are available for graduate students or their parents. The interest on these loans begins accruing when the loan is disbursed and continues accruing while the student is enrolled in school.

How Does the Grace Period Impact Interest Accrual?

Both Direct Unsubsidized and Subsidized Loans have a six-month grace period after the borrower graduates. On subsidized loans, the borrower is not responsible for paying interest during the grace period. On an unsubsidized loan, interest continues to accrue during the six-month grace period.

Direct PLUS Loans do not have a grace period. Graduate students do receive an automatic deferment after graduation and interest does accrue during this time period.

How Does Capitalized Interest Work?

While payments are not required on most federal student loans while the student is enrolled in school, students with Direct Unsubsidized or PLUS loans have the option of making interest-only payments. This can be helpful because, as mentioned previously, after the grace period, and at the end of periods of deferment or forbearance, the accrued interest is capitalized on the loan.

Capitalized interest on student loans occurs when the accrued interest is added to the principal balance of the loan (the amount that was originally borrowed). This becomes the new balance of the loan, and interest will continue to accrue based on that new balance.

Think of all that accumulating interest like a snowball rolling down a mountain. You might be able to stay ahead of it for a while, but it also might catch up with you.


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Understanding How Private Student Loan Interest Works

When thinking about private vs. federal student loans, know that private loans are not subject to the same rules as federal student loans. They’re offered by private companies, and each lender will likely have its own terms and conditions.

Wondering, “Do private student loans accrue interest while still in school?” Yes, the majority of private student loans will accrue interest while the student is enrolled in school. Some lenders may allow borrowers to defer payments until after they graduate. In this case, the accrued interest from while the borrower was in school will likely be capitalized on the loan. To be sure of the terms on your loan, review the loan agreement or check in with the lender directly.

Keep in mind that, as mentioned, private student loans don’t always offer the same benefits or borrower protections (things like income-driven repayment options) that federal loans do. Because of this, they are generally considered after all other sources of financing, including federal student loans, have been exhausted.

This table provides an overview of how interest accrues on the various types of loans discussed in this article.

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Can You Minimize Student Loan Interest Accrual While in School?

One way to limit accrued interest is to limit what you borrow in the first place. When it comes to student loans, aim to borrow only what you really need.

Work-Study or a Part-Time Job

A work-study, for those eligible, or part-time job in another way to help take the sting out of student loan payments. You may have the best intentions when it comes to getting a job to help make those loan payments, but it can be tough to manage when you’re busy with academics, extracurriculars, internships, and more.

Make Interest Only Payments

Do you need to pay student loans while in school? That isn’t likely to be a requirement, but as mentioned earlier, many loans allow borrowers to make interest-only payments while they’re in school. While this won’t really eliminate accrued interest, it may help minimize the amount of interest paid over the life of the loan, because the interest is paid as it accrues instead of being capitalized onto the loan.

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The Takeaway

Interest on many types of student loans accrues while the student is in school. Federal Direct Subsidized Loans are an exception, as the accrued interest is paid for by the government while the student is enrolled in school and during the grace period.

Generally speaking, interest other types of student loans, including Direct Unsubsidized and PLUS Loans, begin accruing interest when they are disbursed, and continue accruing interest while the student is enrolled. For private student loans, each lender will likely have its own terms and conditions. The surest way to confirm how interest accrues on a private student loan is to check directly with the lender.

Depending on your situation, student loan refinancing might lower your monthly payment. However, it’s important to note that if you refinance for an extended term, you may pay more interest over the life of the loan. Also, when you refinance federal loans, you forfeit federal loan protections. Refinancing may not be the right decision depending on your particular needs.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
SoFi Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). SoFi Student Loan Refinance Loans are private loans and do not have the same repayment options that the federal loan program offers, or may become available, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, PAYE or SAVE. Additional terms and conditions apply. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal.

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To help boost the chances that you’ll get into the college of your dreams, it’s important to write a great college essay. The big question is, what should you write about?

When brainstorming ideas for topics, keep in mind that you want your college essay to make you look good and also help you stand out from other applicants. Toward that end, it helps to know what not to write about in a college essay.

Themes that consistently make the “worst college essay topics” list include cliches, stories that college admissions officers have read some version of countless times before, and any topic that reflects negatively on your personality.

Here’s a closer look at the college essay topics you’ll want to avoid, plus insights into the type of writing that can give you a leg up in the admissions process.

What Do Colleges Look for in Essays?

Colleges are looking for several things in your admissions essay. They want you to demonstrate strong writing, authenticity, and a unique perspective. Admissions officers are also looking to get a sense of who you are as an individual so they can better determine whether you’re a good fit for the rigors of academic life and school culture.

A good essay demonstrates this through vivid storytelling that illustrates your points rather than simply telling the reader what you want them to think and how you want them to feel.

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Why Should You Avoid Certain Topics for College Entrance Essays?

Generally, you want to avoid essay topics that could give admissions readers the wrong impression of who you are. It’s also wise to steer clear of essay topics that are cliches. A cliche is an idea (or phrase) that is overused and, as a result, has lost its meaning and potency. At best, cliche college essays can make you look unoriginal, and at worst they can make you look lazy.

Rather than lean on cliches, you’ll want to dig deep into what makes you and your thoughts original. Ideally, you want to choose an essay topic that demonstrates vulnerability and reveals your unique perspective and voice.

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College Essay Topics to Avoid

What follows are some topics you may want to avoid when choosing what to write about in your college essay.

Restating Your Resume

Your college application already includes school transcripts and information about your activities and awards. Rehashing this information is unlikely to translate into a compelling narrative, and it doesn’t teach college admissions officers anything new about you.

If you want to write about a specific extracurricular activity, consider choosing just one, and exploring it in depth to give your reader a better sense of who you are as a person.

Sports Challenges

Sports challenge stories tend to fall into the cliche category of college essay topics. They’re overused, and they tend to be predictable. For example, you may have scored a goal at the last moment, pulling ahead against all odds.

That’s not to say you can’t write about sports in your essay. Original and authentic sports stories that steer clear of cliches can be highly successful. For example, you could focus on how the skills you learned as part of a team translated to another unrelated challenge.

Your Big Performance

As with sports challenges, stories about big performances — music solos, starring roles in plays, speeches — often follow similar plots. The performance goes well, or poorly, and the writer discovers the value of preparation or how they had the inner strength to move past a major disappointment. However, you can use a performance story to tell an original and engaging tale.

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Your Hero

It may be tempting to write about a person who has inspired you. But college essays are short. And if you’re not careful, you may spend too much time writing about someone other than the person who should be the star of the essay — you. Remember admissions officers want to know what makes you stand out, not what makes your heroes special.

Romantic Heartbreak

Breaking up is hard to do — even more so when it’s young love. Yet the trials and tribulations of teen romance may not be the best topic for a college essay. Much like writing about your heroes, you may pay too much lip service to someone else, while neglecting to convey enough of your own story.

Illegal or Unethical Activities

If you’ve ever gotten tangled in ethically questionable or illegal activities, your college essay is generally not the right time to mention them, even if it makes for a great story. If you do, even in passing, admissions may worry about the types of behavior you’ll engage in once on campus.

Service Trips

A trip to help serve others in the U.S. or abroad might seem like a great topic for a college essay. Unfortunately, that means a lot of students write about these opportunities, making it one of the most common essay topics. What’s more, these essays tend to follow the same beats. As a result, choosing this topic doesn’t always help you stand apart from the crowd.

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Things That Happened Before High School

Writing about events that took place before high school may not give admissions a good sense of what you are like now. The kid who won a spelling bee in seventh grade may bear little resemblance to the high school senior applying for schools. Consider writing about recent events, or be careful to relate events from your past to high school and your current self.

Moving to a Different Part of the Country

Moving is always challenging. But countless students move across the country and switch schools each year. As a result, essays that focus on moves are relatively common. If you decide to write about a move, shift the focus of the essay to how it changed you as a person, pushing you to pursue new interests. It could work if it’s not a story college admissions officers haven’t heard many times before.

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Immigrant Stories

If you’ve moved from abroad, be aware that many students in the U.S. have immigrant stories. As a result, stories about making the move, struggling to learn new languages, and trying to fit into a new culture are common essay topics. If you choose to write about this topic, consider narrowing your focus on one aspect of your story that illustrates how you’ve grown and changed.

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How You Were Challenged by a Bad Grade

How you overcame a challenge is often one of the essay prompts on the Common App. You might think that writing about what you did after getting a low grade fits the bill, but it’s generally not a good idea to delve into this topic. For one, it highlights the fact that you got a bad grade to admissions’ officers. Another problem is that other applicants will likely have more serious hardships and challenges they have had to overcome, which could make your essay topic appear less consequential.

Tragedies

In and of themselves, tragedies are not necessarily a bad topic for college essays. However, it can be easy to fall into cliched writing as you tell these stories. Hackneyed themes and phrases include “life is short,” “time heals all wounds,” and “seize the day.” If you write about a tragedy you have known or experienced, be sure to make it personal, honest, and specific to you.

Sensitive Topics

Generally speaking, if a topic is one you would avoid bringing up at the holiday dinner table, you’ll likely want to avoid it in your essay as well. It can be tricky to discuss things like politics or religion in a way that is original and personal to your experience. What’s more, essays on these topics may trigger unconscious bias in the admissions staff reading your essay, which can color how they view you and your fit at the school.

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Your Privilege

If you’ve been lucky enough to grow up with a lot of resources at your disposal, discussing them may not be a strong strategy. It can make it seem like you haven’t had to work through any challenges. Instead you might consider essay topics that demonstrate vulnerability and grit in the face of adversity.

Attempts to Break the Essay Mold

You may be tempted to try to make yourself stand out with a creative essay that breaks traditional forms. For example, you might try to write a poem instead. You’re likely not the only one who has had this idea, and you may rob yourself of the chance to demonstrate your creativity through prose. The traditional essay is what admissions has asked for, and it may give you the most opportunity to demonstrate who you really are.


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The Takeaway

The best college essays tend to focus on specific moments when a student has learned something important, changed, and grown as a person. Ideally, you want your college essay to give readers a sense of your character, and how you may continue to change as you pursue your academic career. Avoiding cliches and other tricky topics can help you successfully reveal your true self.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

What are the most common essay topics?

Some of the most common essay topics include:

•   A meaningful interest or talent

•   Something meaningful in your background/identity

•   Lessons you’ve learned from obstacles you’ve encountered

•   Times when your beliefs have been challenged

•   Something someone has done for you that’s made you grateful in a surprising way

What Do College Essays Look for?

Admissions offers are looking for essays that demonstrate strong writing skills, original thinking, and a unique perspective that sets you apart from other applicants.

How Much Does Your College Essay Matter?

Your college essay generally accounts for about 25% of your application. In terms of weight, it’s less important than your extracurriculars (30%) but more important than your grades and coursework (20%), test scores (15%), and recommendations/interviews (10%).

Photo credit: iStock/Delmaine Donson

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Turn your passion for playing video games into a career by attending one of the top game design colleges in the country.

Game design is an in-demand industry, with new video games for gaming systems, tablets, and phones continually being developed and released. Here, we’re exploring 20 of the best gaming development programs you might want to consider.

What to Look for in a Game Design School

If you’re looking into colleges for video game design, you’ll quickly realize that not all programs are created equally. Some schools only offer a class or two in game design, while others go deep into the field, offering internships and hands-on experiences.

If you’re interested in attending a game design school, it’s important to research schools and programs prior to making your decision. Make sure to look into the specific type of degree you want (undergraduate degree or certificate, for example), the length and commitment of the program, what current and former students have to say about the program, the helpfulness of the faculty and staff, and more.

Luckily, we’ve done the work for you and have narrowed down the top colleges offering game design programs.

The Top 20 Best Colleges for Game Design

There are several video game design colleges and programs in the United States. Here, we’ve created a list starting with the most affordable game design colleges all the way up to those with higher tuition expenses.

1. Shawnee State University

Shawnee’s Game Design School has made it on The Princeton Review’s Top Undergraduate Schools for Game Design list for 13 consecutive years, and with such low tuition, it might be a great bargain. Located in Portsmouth, OH, you can elect to study Game Programming or Game & Simulation Arts.

•   1 year of tuition: In-state $9,621.52; Out-of-state $16,156

2. University of Silicon Valley

USV is available on-campus in the heart of Silicon Valley or 100% online. The university offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Game Design and Game Art, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Game Engineering. After graduating, students are qualified for roles including animator, modeler, game writer, computer programmer, and more.

•   1 year of tuition: $27,850 for both in-state and out-of-state students

3. Arizona State University

ASU’s Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies offers a concentration in Computer Gaming with three tracks to choose from: Programming, Art, or Education. Located in stunning Tempe, AZ, courses in the program include Introduction to Graphics and Game Development, Fundamentals of Game Art, Game Engine Architecture, and 3D Modeling and Texturing.

•   1 year of tuition: In-state $12,051; Out-of-state $32,193

4. University of Utah

The Utah Division of Games, located in Salt Lake City, is a college for game designing that combines art, humanities, social science, and computational research and practice to prepare students for careers in the field. Students can choose from multiple gaming bachelor’s degrees, a master’s degree, and even a minor in gaming. The Bachelor of Science in Games includes courses like Survey of Games, Ethics in Games, and Alternative Game Development.

•   1 year of tuition: In-state $9400; Out-of-state $31,104


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5. University of Southern California

USC’s Interactive Media & Games program offers three undergraduate options: a BFA in Themed Entertainment, a BFA in Game Development and Interaction, and a BFA in Game Art. Located in sunny Los Angeles, the program also offers four graduate degrees and nine minors.

•   1 year of tuition: $33,320 for both in-state and out-of-state students

6. Laguna College of Art and Design

Laguna College of Art and Design Game Art program, located in Laguna Beach, CA, prepares students for employment in any studio or software environment. Students learn the fundamentals of storytelling at every phase of the creation process, how to use a workflow methodology, and how to solve problems in concept challenges.

•   1 year of tuition: $37,500 for both in-state and out-of-state students

7. Full Sail University

Full Sail’s Interactive Technology Bachelor of Science Completion Program in Winter Park, FL offers a Game Design concentration that includes high-level game design and production courses that prepare students to work in game studios after graduation. Recognized as a Top Game Designs Schools by The Princeton Review, the program offers multiple start dates throughout the year and has an accelerated schedule for students looking to finish early.

•   1 year of tuition: $38,750 for both in-state and out-of-state students

8. Drexel University

Drexel University in Philadelphia offers a Bachelor of Science in Game Design & Production, and is recognized as one of the country’s top undergraduate game design programs. Students learn skills like scripting and storytelling, computer programming, computer graphics, animation, motion capture, and more.

•   1 year of tuition: $38,862 for both in-state and out-of-state students

9. Bradley University

Bradley University in Peoria, IL offers both a BA and a BS in Game Design. During your studies, you’ll have the opportunity to intern for a design company, participate in competitions, and show your work at an annual exhibit.

•   1 year of tuition: $39,248 for both in-state and out-of-state students

10. Savannah College of Art and Design

SCAD’s Interactive Design and Game Development degrees offer locations in Atlanta and Savannah, GA with the option to study abroad in Lacoste, France. Students can study at any of the three locations each semester, with the option to switch locations during their time in the program. Courses in the program include Digital Communication, Visual Culture in Context: Pre-Modern Global Perspectives, Aesthetics, and Core Principles: Game Art.

•   1 year of tuition: $41,130 for both in-state and out-of-state students

11. Michigan State University

MSU offers a Game Design and Development Program, a Top 10 Ranked program by The Princeton Review, that was founded in 2005. Students can choose from a Bachelor of Arts in Games and Interactive Media, a Minor in Game Design and Development, or a Serious Games Graduate Certificate. All students get the opportunity to design prototypes and conduct research on the effects of gaming.

•   1 year of tuition: In-state $16,051; Out-of-state $43,435

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12. University of California – Irvine

The Bachelor of Science degree in Game Design & Interactive Media at UC Irvine includes coursework in game programming, game design and development, visual design, interactive storytelling, data science, and game studies. Students graduate the program well-prepared for a career as a designer, developer, and industry leader. Students also get access to well-respected industry mentors.

•   1 year of tuition: In-state $17.205.74; Out-of-state $32,574

13. Champlain College

Champlain’s Bachelor of Science in Game Programming provides hands-on experience, with students collaborating to create and complete game projects. Located in gorgeous Burlington, VT, Champlain was named a “Most Innovative School” by U.S. News & World Report in 2022. Upon graduation, students are well-prepared to work in gaming studios.

•   1 year of tuition: $47,400

14. Quinnipiac University

Level up your creativity with Quinnipiac University’s Game Design & Development Program. Ranked as one of The Princeton Review’s Top Game Design Programs, students can choose a concentration to focus on, including programming, technology, design process, art, game studies, and more. Located in Hamden, CT, the program also gives students the chance to collaborate with partners both within and outside the community.

•   1 year of tuition: $50,400

Recommended: Financial Benefits of Community College

15. Rochester Institute of Technology

The Game Design, Development, and Arts program at RIT has been rated one of the best programs in this field of study by many organizations, including U.S. News & World Report. Degree options include 3D Digital Design, Film & Animation, Illustration, New Media Interactive Development, and more.

•   1 year of tuition: $56,136


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16. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

The Interactive Media and Game Development (IMGD) program at WPI dives into different aspects of gaming design, including digital painting, 3D modeling, writing for games, game audio, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality. Located in Worcester, MA, the program is recognized as one of the oldest gaming programs in the country.

•   1 year of tuition: $57,960

17. New York University

New York University’s BFA in Game Design has three primary areas of study: Game Studies, Game Design, and Game Development. You can also choose from one the following Production Areas: Programming, Video Design, Audio Design, and Game Business. Though tuition here is a bit higher than at some of the other schools, you can pay for it with a federal or private student loan.

•   1 year of tuition: $60,438

18. Carnegie Mellon

The Game Design undergraduate program at Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh, PA will give you a solid foundation in game systems and mechanics design, interactive narrative and character development, visual and audio asset creation, game programming, interface design and user testing, and collaboration and the iterative design process.

•   1 year of tuition: $62,260

19. University of California – Santa Cruz

In USC Santa Cruz’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: Computer Game Design, you’ll learn about the construction and design of interactive computer games. In your final year of study, you’ll be immersed in an intensive year-long game project sequence.

•   1 year of tuition: In-state: $30,567; Out-of-state: $65,148

Recommended: Student Debt Guide

20. Cornell University

Cornell, another of the best game design colleges located in Ithaca, NY, offers a minor in Game Design that includes classes like Intro to Computer Game Architecture, Advanced Computer Game Architecture, Analytics-Driven Game Design, Graphics and Art, the Psychology of Gaming, and Human-Computer Interaction.

•   1 year of tuition: $65,204

The Takeaway

With so many game design colleges available, it might be hard to make a decision. Factors to keep in mind include the type of program, the location, the faculty and staff, and the cost.

However, don’t let cost deter you from going to the school of your choice. To pay for school, you can look into federal student loans, scholarships, and grants.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

What’s the most affordable game design program?

Shawnee State University offers a nationally acclaimed game design program with low tuition. Tuition for in-state residents is $16,156 per year.

What’s the most expensive game design program?

Cornell University has one of the most expensive game design programs in the U.S. at over $65,000 per year.

How much does game design school cost?

Game design schools can range from $16,000 per year all the way up to more than $65,000 per year.

Photo credit: iStock/fizkes

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Whether you recently graduated school or are just seeking a new job, work interviews are increasingly conducted online, via video. This can be especially true as more companies take on remote hires and millions are working from home.

With this rapid rise in digital job interviews, you may wonder, What are some ways to ace a video interview? Do I need a fancy lighting set-up? What should I wear?

To help you make a good impression, read on for seven video interview tips, from practicing ahead of time to tweaking your background. They can help you make a great impression.

Get the Details Right

Video interviews could lead to a rewarding job. So it can be a smart first step to confirm the logistics of the video interview in advance to make sure there’s not a last-minute panic. Some questions to wrangle could include:

•   Will you get a calendar invite or event link for the interview?

•   What time zone will the interviewer be calling in from?

•   Which video conferencing platform will be used?

•   Will you need to download software to be able join the interview?
Knowing the answers to logistics can help bring more confidence to the video interview.


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Dress for the Video Interview

Whether you are applying for an on-premises, fully remote, or part-time remote job, certain interview expectations stay the same — namely, presenting yourself with professionalism and dressing for the job. Even when (especially when) you’re interviewing from home.

Even if you’re applying for a fully remote job and you’d likely wear a hoodie and leggings every day, this is a moment to look professional. Business casual is a good bet, and remember the adage to dress for the job you want, not the role you have. Going a notch more formal is typically better than too relaxed.

Do check out how you look on camera in your interview outfit in advance. A shirt that looks fine in real life could wind up looking odd when cropped on camera.

Now, the seven tips to help you ace a video interview as you move forward with job applications.

1. Practice to Make Perfect

Different companies or organizations may use different platforms to host the interview — from Zoom to Google Hangouts to other programs. Don’t worry: You don’t need to become a pro at all the expert features. Still, it’s a good idea to become comfortable with:

•   Dialing into scheduled calls

•   Checking the audio and the camera

•   Understanding what the interviewer can see

•   Ensuring the WiFi signal is strong enough for the video interview and doesn’t lead to lag.

If you’re scheduled for a video job interview via a program you’ve never used, it’s advisable to download and try it out well before the actual call. Opening up an unfamiliar program just before the interview only to realize it’s not compatible with your technology might not create a positive first impression. Also make sure you double-check that you have all logins or passwords for the call.

Recommended: How to Get Out of Student Loan Debt: 6 Options

2. Set the Surroundings

Here’s the next video interview tip: Generally, it’s a good idea to do a test call on the planned video-interview platform. This could help you assess how you and your surroundings appear via video. You may even want an extra set of eyes and ears: Ask a friend or family member to do a “mock” call to ensure the audio and visuals are clear.

When prepping for a video interview, put yourself in the position of whoever will be interviewing you. Some questions to chew on:

•   What can the interviewer see of your space? Are you too far from or close to the camera?

•   Are you easily visible or is more light needed? Or is the setting too bright and full of glare?

•   Are there any distractions in the camera frame? Are you able to make eye contact as you talk, or are you looking sideways into the camera?

Some digital platforms allow users to record sessions. So, interviewees may want to record themselves talking and then watch and listen. You could run through the main things you want to say in the real video interview. Talking aloud on camera can help some people to become more aware of their own body language and improve it, if needed.

These steps can be a good way to finetune your online interviewing skills and hopefully get you on your way to accepting a job offer.

3. Take Brief Notes Beforehand

With job interviews, researching the company beforehand could give you ideas of how to connect previous work experience with the brand’s values or role’s responsibilities. One of the benefits of a video interview is that you can make these research notes quite literal.

Write out key points on a big piece of paper near your computer. Or, jot down a couple of accomplishments (say, an in-demand internship) on a sticky note next to your camera. It’s likely that the employer conducting the video interview will have no idea you’re looking at those pre-prepared notes. Just make sure you keep your notes short, so you can naturally weave in key points while maintaining good eye contact with your interviewer.


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4. Minimize Off-Screen Distractions

Another important online video tip is to keep your on-screen image distraction-free. It’s worth remembering that the only person the interviewer wants to interact with is you…not your adorable pets, lovely roommates, or kid sister. You ask the folks you share a living space with to keep quiet or stay in their rooms during your interview. Plan ahead so the conversation isn’t distractingly interrupted by unexpected visitors. (If your dog does somehow come bounding in and sits on your lap, own the situation, apologize, and remedy it as quickly and calmly as you can.)

And, on this topic, it’s a smart idea to turn off notifications for texts and emails during the interview time slot. Otherwise, a funny group chat could make your phone blow up with the distracting sound of alerts flooding in.

Also, as part of how to prepare for a video interview, check your background. Not everyone has a camera-ready home office. Do you have a messy shelf behind your head? Or your roommate’s horror-movie poster hanging there? Style your space so it doesn’t distract your interviewer from you and all you can offer a company.

Recommended: When Do Student Loans Start Accruing Interest?

5. Show up Early

Just as with an in-person interview, it’s wise to show up early. This can communicate that, yes, you’re punctual, but also that you are organized, dependable, and eager for the job.

Also remember that with video calls, there can be issues. Perhaps your passcode doesn’t work, or your video camera won’t turn on (despite having tested it the day before). If you aim to be online and logged in early, you can troubleshoot as needed. Just keep your posture and demeanor professional while you are in any digital waiting rooms before the call starts.

6. Go Outside for a Breather

It’s hard to feel energetic and friendly if you’re cooped inside all day. A good way to minimize nerves is to get fresh air. Don’t just open up a window. Take a quick walk around the block to get a jolt of sunlight and catch a breeze. They can help reset the mind. It can also be a great idea to do these between video interviews, if you have more than one scheduled on a given day.

7. Remember to Be Yourself

After preparing for the logistics of video job interviews, it can be easy to forget one simple thing: Be yourself. While a strong WiFi signal and well-lit space won’t hurt your chances during a video interview, it’s helpful to recall that interviews are conversations between two or more people. You’re not being grilled on a TV news report. Sure, you want to be prepared, but also relax, and share who you are.

Ways to help communicate across the digital divide: Aim to make good eye contact, have your voice show energy, and try out a signal to show that you are done speaking and ready for the next question. A nod might work well in this case.

Getting to Work

How to prepare for a video interview and ace it is just one part of navigating life after college. Being ready for a video interview is just one new way to get noticed these days.

On top of looking for a full-time or better-paying job, some grads also want to find ways to reduce their outstanding debt balances. That can include long-term bills, like student loan repayments. Some borrowers decide to refinance their student loans with a private lender.

Refinancing student loans could reduce monthly bill payments, though it’s important to note that you may pay more interest over the life of the loan if you refinance with an extended term. In addition, if you refinance federal student loans, you will forfeit certain federal benefits and protections. If you are curious to learn more about refinancing student loans, it can be a good idea to research different offers.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
SoFi Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). SoFi Student Loan Refinance Loans are private loans and do not have the same repayment options that the federal loan program offers, or may become available, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, PAYE or SAVE. Additional terms and conditions apply. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal.

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