programs general info
GENERAL INFO »

Who applies to Salt?
All kinds. Graduates, Undergrads, and some in between. Some come as a complete change of direction, others come to build upon what they've been studying or practicing elsewhere. No matter what, we find that our students are some of the most passionate, creative, and motivated people you'll ever meet. And there's no doubt about it, they're crazy about documentary.

When can I come to Salt?
We have Fall & Spring semesters.

What do students do after they graduate from Salt?
Salt attracts an eclectic student body with various academic, job, and life experiences, and we find that the career paths that students pursue following their time at Salt are just as diverse. Our alumni have entered careers in photography, journalism, radio, freelance writing and shooting, documentary film, and education to name a few. Furthermore, many students use Salt as a foundation for further graduate studies, law school, social work, midwifery, you name it!

What will my schedule be like?
BUSY. Being at Salt is definitely a full-time job. Typically, you'll spend three full days a week in class at Salt (two with your specific program and one together in Approaches & Issues) plus occasional lectures, meetings, and presentations. Radio and photography will also have evening technical classes a couple of nights a week. Otherwise, the bulk of your week will be spent either in the field with your subjects, or researching, writing, and editing your fieldwork. It's not impossible to have a part time job while you are at Salt, but it does take very organized student to pull it off.

What are the classrooms like?
Each classroom is a bright, cozy space designed specifically for your track and equipped with new iMac computers w/ all the latest software, built-in desks for work mode, common tables for conversation and class discussion, dry erase boards, lcd projectors, cubbies for all your gear, and lots of outlets to charge up. The building has wireless internet throughout, as well as many data ports to plug in to. You'll spend plenty of time cooking and hanging out in the kitchen, reading or napping in the library, and chatting about days' events in our meeting-of-the-minds room. For Documentary Perspectives, all tracks meet up in the Red Room - where you may also find a good spot to read the paper or catch up on some work.
READ MORE ABOUT THE REST OF BUILDING ›

What kind of equipment will I use at Salt?
Computers: 20 and 24 inch iMacs w/ OSX 10.5.4
Software:
  • Writing › ExpressScribe, Microsoft Word, Audacity, InDesign, Soundslides Pro, iMovie
  • Radio › Protools, ExpressScribe, WireTap,AudioHighJack, SoundSlides Pro, Microsoft Word, iMovie
  • Photography › Adobe Photoshop CS3, Aperture 2, SoundSlides, iMovie
Recording Gear: Sony Flash PCM-D50 Recorders & a variety of mics

What kind of equipment should I bring with me?
WRITING » Each writing student is designated an audio kit to use for the entire Salt semester. Although we provide a small computer lab for writing students (approx 1 computer for every 2 students), we strongly recommend you also come with your own computer equipped with Microsoft Word to use for the bulk of your work. Classroom computers are generally utilized for internet research, audio downloading, and interview transcription. You will also have unlimited access to Salt's basic laser printers, paper, and ink. In order to move your files around the building easily, we also recommend having a portable USB drive on hand. You will need to supply your own AA batteries for your recording equipment. Having a car is not required while at Salt, but it is highly recommended in order to have access to the entire state of Maine for your projects.

RADIO » Each radio student is designated a computer and audio kit to use for the entire Salt semester. Because of the nature Protools, going back and forth from your personal computer to your Salt computer isn't recommended. However, when you leave Salt, you may want to have a portable, external hard drive to take all of your files with you. You will also have unlimited access to Salt's basic laser printers, paper, and ink. In order to move your files around the building easily, we also recommend having a portable USB drive on hand. You will also need to supply your own AA batteries for your recording equipment. Having a car is not required while at Salt, but it is highly recommended.

PHOTOGRAPHY » Each photo student is designated a computer to use for the entire Salt semester. Because of the nature Aperture, going back and forth from your personal computer to your Salt computer is discouraged. Please bring a personal hard drive with at least 500gb of space to save and take your work with you. You will also be able to check out the audio gear (above) for multimedia work. From time to time, you will make a limited number of photographic prints via the Epson 4800 printer. You will also have unlimited access to Salt's basic laser printers, paper, and ink to print papers in black and white. In order to move your files around the building easily, we also recommend having a portable USB drive on hand. Having a car is not required while at Salt, but it is highly recommended. As far as photo gear goes, please follow the guidelines given by your photo instructors. In general we recommend a digital SLR at a prosumer level, fast lenses (aperture = 2.0 or less) or varying length (at least 24-70mm).

To read more about Salt's facilities, CLICK HERE!

What kind of portfolio do I need to get into Salt?
We encourage prospective students from a variety of backgrounds to apply to Salt. Specific portfolio requirements vary for each program. SEE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS ›

Do you have any kind of tuition assistance?
There are many ways to help finance your Salt education. Here are some places to start:
$5000 SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION
We've created a flexible and creative scholarship that we hope would be enticing to any of our applicants. The kicker is that you have to apply EARLY DECISION for our program in order to be eligible. But you're ready, aren't you?
SALT NEED-BASED FINANCIAL AID
Salt offers need based financial aid to students who qualify. Applications are submitted with your Program Application. Assistance is generally anywhere from to 5% to 25% of the cost of tuition, dependent solely upon your need.
LOAN INFO
Students often apply for alternative loans through a bank or lending institution often referred to as a "continuing education," "career training," or "professional skills training" loan, but there are other creative options. Check out the LOAN INFO.

→ Questions about applying? » SEE ADMISSIONS FAQS

→ Important Dates » ADMISSIONS CALENDAR