What's the laptop requirement in the Park School?
All students entering the Park School either as freshmen or transfer students are required to purchase a MacBook Pro. There are several models of the MacBook Pro available; any model will meet the requirement.
What kind of discount will Park students receive on the MacBook Pro?
Apple provides an educational discount for all computers sold to college students. Park students will receive an additional $200 discount off the already-discounted educational rate on purchases of $1799.00 or more.
How do I get the Park School MacBook Pro discount?
After you enroll in the Park School and make your deposit to Ithaca College, you will be sent a coupon code that can be used at checkout when purchasing your computer. A user guide link is also being provided to walk you through the purchasing process. The discount code is specifically for online purchases and may not be valid for in-store purchases.
Please note: when purchasing your computer, if any other items in your shopping cart are already discounted, your Park School coupon code will not work. Please remove discounted items from your cart, purchase your computer with your coupon code, and then make a separate purchase for the discounted item.
Why has the Park School adopted a Mac laptop as its standard?
The media and graphics capabilities of the MacBook Pro computer make it uniquely suited to the intensively digital nature of the Park School curriculum. In addition, our teaching, learning, and technical support environments are both simplified and enhanced when every student owns the same type of system.
Another reason that Park has chosen the MacBook Pro as its standard is that it will allow all of our students to have access to a bundle of very good multimedia software, including iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, GarageBand, and iWeb.
What software programs will students be required to purchase?
The only software the incoming students will be required to purchase that is not preinstalled on the MacBook Pro is the Office 2008 for Mac suite.
Like a textbook, software is a teaching and learning tool, and different degree programs and curricula require different kinds of software. Faculty may include particular kinds of software as required "texts" in their courses, just as they would require a textbook, camera, or other learning tools specific to the needs of the course. (The Park School will work with software vendors and with our campus bookstore to achieve the best discounts possible on high-end software.)
What if a family simply cannot afford the financial burden of a laptop computer?
Park provides a loaner program, on a semester-by-semester basis, to those families whose documented financial need makes it difficult for them to purchase a laptop; please contact the dean of the Park School directly to discuss the program.
Where do I get a laptop?
You can purchase a MacBook Pro through any walk-in or online store, including www.apple.com. As stated above, the additional Park School discount is for online purchases and may or may not be honored at retail stores.
Should I purchase the Apple Care Warranty?
Yes. The Park School strongly recommends that you purchase the warranty for your new computer. This service allows you to access support at our on-campus repair shop. You will also be eligible to receive a loaner if your computer needs to be sent out for repairs. The Apple Care Warranty also covers the cost of most repairs.
What if my student needs a PC laptop for his/her work in another degree program?
The MacBook Pro will run the Windows OS through a software program called Boot Camp. Visit Apple's Boot Camp page for more details.
