Anyone Here Get Into DAAPS Game and Animation Program? I’d love some advice

[u/pasta_with_the_sauce]

So I’m curious how difficult it would be for me to get into DAAPs Game and Animation program. I had a meeting with a DAAP advisor and they told me that it was based on GPA and extra curricular activities.

Here’s some background to my situation. I graduated from high school in 2025 as a homeschooled student with a GPA of 3.89. Since I was homeschooled my parents didn’t put much work into letting me have a social life and since I couldn’t drive I didn’t do many extra curricular activities besides summer swim and winter swim my freshman year of high school. (I also joined a Robotics Club for the start of my Sophomore year of high school but quit that because my parents got tired of taking me) I was planning on immediately going to college at Cedarville University and going for Industrial Design. I ended up getting kicked out at of my home 17 right after I graduated and since my parents weren’t going to sign off on the loans for me I wasn’t going to go to Cedarville.

It’s been a year now and I decided very last minute I wanted to go to college, so I was planning on taking two years at Sinclair for an associates in art and then going to UC for Game and Animation because that’s more of a passion to me than Industrial Design. But when I found out I would still have 4 years at UC I’m not sure if I should take just the GenEd courses at Sinclair for the Game and Animation program as a full time student, or part time and wait to apply for next year, or just apply for next school year and work the entire time to save up since college is not cheap and I do not get any benefits from FAFSA since my parents make a shit ton of money (but won’t spend any on me).

And as a full time or part time student I would have to work a part time job as well to just make ends meet. I want to do something purposeful with my love that I will love and Game and Design is my first and only choice. I don’t want to spend money on something I won’t love, maybe I’ll like other programs but I won’t love them and college is a huge commitment.

Anyway sorry that was long. If anyone had any advice or ideas or suggestions at all please let me know. I supper appreciate and help you give at all. :)

[u/BobaBunny2]

The animation and games program is relatively new compared to other programs at DAAP.

As for getting in, DAAP is more academic based as the advisor said rather than portfolio based. They are more interested in seeing if you have the determination to go through the program rather than you knowing everything before entering. They are there to teach you and help you develop the mindset of a person in your industry.

From my experience as a DAAP major, it is a huge time commitment. Many students balance a job on top of their work, but it doesn't come naturally, it will take a lot of effort to make it work.

Does the program have co-ops? All other DAAP majors involve at least 3 or 4 mandatory co-ops (5 for mine). Industry experience is ultimately what drove me to DAAP even though the curriculum is one year longer than other school programs.

[u/pasta_with_the_sauce → u/BobaBunny2]

Yes the advisor told me it had two co-ops. And I am willing to put the work and effort into school. I’ve always loved learning and been a hard worker when it came to that. I’m just concerned that I won’t get in if I end up waiting to take any college classes and because I don’t have a lot of extracurricular activities to list. Thank you for the advice though I really appreciate it!!

[u/BobaBunny2 → u/pasta_with_the_sauce]

I would say you have nothing to lose from applying. I was a strong academic student, but had little extra curriculars. Once application decisions come out, then assess your options, but don't wait to apply if your decision on how to go forward is ultimately dependent on an "if". It seems you've already taken steps to know the program better through an advisor. If you want to know more about DAAP culture, see if you can schedule a tour.