School of Visual Concepts Seattle

Frequently Avoided Questions

Actually, we love to answer questions. And if you come up with some that aren't answered here, give us a call at 206.623.1560 or drop us an email.

• When Are Classes Held?
• What Are SVC'S Office Hours?
• What Is Your Academic Calendar?
• How Many People Attend SVC?
• How Big Are the Classes?
• Is There a Certificate or Degree Program?
• How Does the Certificate Program Work?
• Does SVC Offer Financial Aid?
• Is SVC Accredited?
• Who Teaches at SVC?
• How Do I Enroll?
• Do You Offer Assistance for Foreign Students?
• How Do I Get to SVC?
• More Questions?

When Are Classes Held?

Professional development workshops are held during the day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Most software training and portfolio classes are held in the evening; usually from 6:30 until 9:30 p.m. Classes are almost always taught at the School's facility in Seattle, just east of the Seattle Center.

What Are SVC'S Office Hours?

While classes are in session, SVC office hours are typically 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays.

Between quarters, the office is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays.

What Is Your Academic Calendar?

Although we've been known to change our minds depending on when certain holidays fall each year, here's a fairly reliable guide to when each quarter starts and ends:

QUARTER	STARTS	ENDS
Winter 2010	January 11, 2010	March 22, 2010
Spring 2010	April 5, 2010	June 14, 2010
Summer 2010	June 21, 2010	August 26, 2010
Fall 2010	September 27, 2010	December 10, 2010

How Many People Attend SVC?

Between 300 and 400 people come to SVC each quarter, which means you won't get lost here, and you'll get to know your instructors personally.

How Big Are the Classes?

Most classes and workshops have about 12-16 students. That keeps things personal and gives each person time to get their questions answered. In addition, most computer classes have a teaching assistant to help students during the class.

Is There a Degree Program?

Degree, no, but certificate, yes. With the certificate program, you petition the School to have your portfolio reviewed by a panel of top professionals. If these professionals agree that your work meets the highest standards for student portfolios, SVC will issue you a Certificate of Completion. There is no extra charge to apply for or receive a certificate.

How Does the Certificate Program Work?

Students can request that their portfolios be considered eligible for certification. If your SVC advisor agrees that your portfolio is ready for review, then it will be considered by a panel of top professionals in your particular field of study. If this panel agrees that your work meets SVC's standards, then you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion. If your portfolio falls short, then the panel of reviewers will provide you with written instructions and suggestions about how to improve your work for your next review.

Does SVC Offer Financial Aid?

No. We believe the best form of financial aid is keeping the cost of our tuition down so you don't need loans. However, we do provide scholarships for students who can demonstrate promise, commitment, and need.

Is SVC Accredited?

Although we've been offering classes since 1971, we've never felt the need to become accredited. There are two basic reasons: 1) It's an expensive process for the School and would cause us to raise our tuition, and 2) Employment in our fields is almost totally determined by your portfolio. A diploma alone, whether it's from a school that's accredited or not, won't help you get the job you're after.

Who Teaches at SVC?

All of our instructors are currently working in their fields, so they have the current knowledge, contacts, and credentials to honestly know what they're talking about.

How Do I Enroll?

Simply go to the classes page on this site and register away. While a few classes and workshops have prerequisites, you can go ahead and register and we'll check back with you to make sure you've met the requirements. While entrance interviews aren't required, we invite all prospective portfolio students to come in and meet with us so we can help place you in the appropriate classes.

Do You Offer Assistance for Foreign Students?

SVC is mainly in business to serve people residing in the Pacific Northwest. As such, we are unable to give you assistance in the following areas:

• Obtaining visas
• Setting up work-study programs
• Arranging for housing in the Seattle area
• Translation assistance; all classes are taught in English, and students must be fluent in English

How Do I Get to SVC?

Most classes and workshops are taught at the School at 500 Aurora Avenue N. near the Seattle Center. Here's a map to help you find us. And, if you'd like to take Metro Transit to SVC, Routes 28 and 26 stop one block from the School at Republican and Dexter. For timetables, visit Metro Transit's Web site.

More Questions?

If you have other specific questions that aren't answered here, please email us or give us a call at 206 623.1560.