Maryland Institute College of Art Top Questions

I would advise students and parents beginning the search for the right college to look at what the alumni of the school is doing and what programs of study are strongest. If you are interested in a specialized field of study, make sure it is all you need in your education and visit the school, talk to the students, and attend a class or two. Really investigate the cost of the school in context of where it will lead you when you graduate. If programs like Study Abroad and Internships are important to you, ask students that have taken part in them what they were like to see if everything matches up to what you expect. Another important aspect of choosing a college is the lifestyle that it promotes. If you want an active or athletic lifestyle, urban or rural, experience the campus to see if it provides a living environment that you will enjoy the next four years. Check out the communities it creates and find out how the seniors and graduates felt about their time there. Remember that college should set you out on the right career path, but learning about yourself as a person is equally important.

First, I would say what is most important is the program offered for the type of degree sought. If you basically know what you want to go to school for, it is most important to know what the structure of that program is, and if it will or will not be beneficial for you. For example, some of my friends are photography majors, and while some of them love the photography department at MICA, a few do not like it, and prefer Corcoran (which is known for it's photography program). But that does not mean it is the best for you. The other major college component I believe is the campus life. If you don't like to party then do not go to a school that has a lot of fraternities/ sororities or is known for its parties. Also consider the environment surrounding the campus and whether you think you would enjoy it or not. To make the most, go to the free guest lectures and shows. The whole point of college is to furthur your education and if you are not learning then it is not the right school for you.

It might sound cheesy, but truly follow your heart and not your wallet. I personaly come from a poor family where my dad is the only bread bearer for five. When I knew I wanted to persue art as a career it was hard to tell my parents the price tag, especially because my parents didn't know that art was even an option for a profession. I however, knew from early on that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life and was willing to apply for any and all financial aid as possible to make it happen. My dad had agreed to help me pay for school because he had obtained a degree in accounting when he was younger and never used it, so he had experienced what I was avoiding to do with my future. I take to heart what my father told me, "the obsticle is not money, but the unwillingness to take risk is". This not only helped me throught the applycation process but so far through my years at school where I'm constantly challenging my beliefs, and confort zone to broaden my horizon thus enriching my college experience.

I had thought college was mandatory , the next step after high school I knew I would go but I was afraid a University would be a chore like highschool. So I took a shot in the dark, wentwith my gut, thought about my talents and my intersts and applied to an art school mixed in with the local universities I tried my luck with. I got in to MICA , and with little art training out side of the classes offered at my public highschool I started my art school career. I was nervous, and messed up a few times, but slowly I gained new skills and improved on the talents I had from the get go. Ultimately I am quite pleased with me choice, and I would say to to thoose chosing schools to relax, don't force yourself to be or to do something you really don't enjoy, if your unsure about your intrests lokk for a school with a variety of classes to try. I would also say to parents to be supportive,give advice and suggestions but don't be overbearing this is the student's decion solely.

Never let any opportunity slip away. It is better to regret after trying than not trying anything and regreting. Looking into different options is truely important. College is a huge stepping stone into the real world. It is important to find the college that can best fit your interests and career goals. The experience you receive from college life is so much different from high school life. One starts to learn about taking care of oneself and dealing with his or her social life. It is never too late to think about what you want to accomplish after college, so make sure you have a goal you can look forward to. Education is a never ending process. It is important to remind oneself to look beyond what is normally expected!

First, make sure you know what you're getting into. Don't enroll yourself into a school that specializes in art, or science, or anything, unless you know that you want to do something related to that field for the rest of your life; ESPECIALLY if you are going to be paying through the nose to go there. It's not worth paying fifty thousand or more a year if you suddenly decide to transfer out after one year, and chances are you may decide to study something completely different. This can be a problem if you are trying to transfer credits from your first year in art or dance to something like pre-med, or vice-versa. Secondly; once you get there, and you KNOW it's where you want to be, why not make the most of it? You're paying good money to be at your school, and to study what you want. Choose classes that excite you, and choose passion and enthusiasm, not boredom, when dealing with assignments. The more effort put in, the better your grades, and the more you get out of your education; which can lead to a whole number of future opportunities.

My best advice for a student looking for the right college is be true to what you are passionate about, for if you have even a speckle of talent in your passion that is what you should go to college for. I think this is the key to finding the right school, for if it offers classes you are interested in, there is no way boredom or difficulty of a class can ruin your college experience. Besides finding and taking interest in your true passion, I think that being open-minded is not only a way to make the most out of your college experience but to also enlighten youself as a fervent and compassionate human being. If you are open about your feelings and able to be an impetuous person, you will make friends that respect you for your inspiring personality rather than the clothes and style you wear. Overall, go to a college that offers career opportunities and classes for what you really want to do and study; and be real for you will find life long friends who enjoy your true inner zest!