California Institute of the Arts Top Questions

What should every freshman at California Institute of the Arts know before they start?

Arica

Please do whatever you can to find scholarships. If possible, go to community college beforehand to get rid of general education units; you will be better able to focus on your major.

Andrew

Look for a school that caters to your interests, and that has an environment, faculty that nurture those interests. It is easy to get distracted while at school, so, surround yourself with like-minded peers who will help you stay focused and inspired.

Catherine

Finding the right college for you isn't about the prestige of the name, or the alma mater of a parent. It is about passion. What is your passion? What school will best develop your passion and you as an individual? If you are still unsure what your passion is: What school is the best place to find it? To inspire you. Find the school that has a breeding ground of ideas and encouragement and motivation. Whether it be in the type of students, teachers, surroundings, or facilities. When you've found it: let it take hold of you. Get excited. Get involved. Get passionate.

Melissa

i would suggest a small liberal school, who has a good reputation for great teachers.

Douglas

I would tell parents and students to thoroughly look through the program by looking at the learning goals, the curriculum, readily available faculty within the program and rubrics for the program (if available) in order to decide if the school is a right fit. If these things fall in line with what the student wishes to learn, in a conducive environment with instructors that the student feels confortable learning from and discussing with and with other like minded students, then the student has found the right school. Financially speaking, the family should look at their options of financial aid, but should also expect the price to increase and for other various unaccounted for expences. Ultimately if the student is going to be happy there, then I believe that anything is possible in finding a way to pay for school.

Kimberly

Visit every school you are considering while school is in session and ask a LOT of questions. Meet some professors in majors you are considering and try to sit in on a class or two. Check out the dorms and definitely try the food. Once you get to school, remember that you get back as much as you put in, so work as hard as you can and you'll succeed.

DANIEL

IF THE STUDENT DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THEY WANT TO PURSUE IN A COLLEGE CAREER, THE BEST THING TO DO IS TO TAKE TIME OFF. ATTEND A JUNIOR COLLEGE SO WHEN THEY DO DECIDE TO GO TO A MAJOR COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY THEY HAVE CREDITS ALREADY COMPLETED TOWARDS THEIR DEGREE. DON'T GET TOO LOST IN THE SOCIAL LIFE AND DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME. THERE IS ONLY ONE OPPORTUNITY TO GET A BACHELORS DEGREE, AND ONCE IT IS DONE YOU CAN'T GO BACK AND CORRECT YOUR MISTAKES. MOST OF ALL CHOOSE SOMETHING THAT YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT. NEVER TAKE "NO" FOR AN ANSWER.

tatenori

folor your passion

Samantha

Know that you have to love where you're going to attend. Go with your gut feeling. Don't let your parents decide for you, do what you love. Life's too short to go thru life not doing what you love and are passionate about.

Jenessa

Speak to students at the colleges you are considering first.