Maryland Institute College of Art Top Questions

I've learned so much about the dedication it takes to be an artist and work creatively each and every day. I've learned quickly about what exactly my strengths and weaknesses are and which pursuits will be the best for me to follow in the future. I have learned how to actively talk about the process of artmaking as well and how to make truly solid pieces. I have grown tremendously through my participation and adapting to a completely unknown cirriculum. Every piece of advice and wisdom offered to me has been something that I have found valuable both for now and for my future.

What I have received out of my college experience was the opportunity to take my skill to the next level. Attending MICA has given me the opportunity to embrace new ideas, techniques, and see the world in ways I never thought I would. The faculty is is a great team and they are there to help. They go beyond any way possibe to mkae sure you receive the best out of your educational experience. The students are from all over the world and the relationships you build with them are incredible. Attending MICA has made me think of new directions that I would like to take and that my art can impact my community for the better.

I have gotten way better time management skills,better study skills,and became a more mature person.It is very valuable to ttend college for anyone because it is a form of investment in one's self.The wisest decision i have made ever.

I've been out of highschool and in the college of my dreams for only a year and a half now. Within that year and a half I've slept for about an hour, but accomplished many great things that I can honesty say that I would have never even imagined. I hear so many people from back home endlessly complain about how much they hate college, and how much of a pain it is. This is such a mind boggling concept to me, to hate the college that you chose to go to. From the very beginning of my educational career I had the choice of where I wanted to end up, how hard I wanted to work in order to end up in the school of my choice. I chose to go to a school in which I would recieve the education I want, and to pay the amount of ridiculous money it takes to get that education. I appreciate all that I have, and am striving to learn as much as I can in the short amount I have to make my life richer in meaning and have a greater impact on the world in the end.

What i have gotten out of college so far is that i had to break my high school habits and create new one. I learned that teachers do not baby sit you or chase after you for your work like they did in high school. My communicating skills have improved greatly, so that i could communicate easily with others around me and meet new people. Another thing that has improved in me are my studying skills. I now prepare ahead of time and get my work done and turned in. College has been a very valuable experience to me because i am the first in my family to attend college and set the example. I value my education and want to pursue my dreams in order to improve my life and help others in my family reach the same goal as me.

Many times I have heard in the past from friends or acquaintances that college doesn't matter. They have said things like, "Why pay for college when I can just go directly into doing what I want to do? I can learn the technical aspects as they come along or as needed." I go over and over with them the significance of a degree, the college experience, the networking opportunities, the new skills acquired, and the overall sense of accomplishment one feels after each completed semester. My college experience so far has been this monumental journey for me. I remember being seventeen and dreaming about being in art shows, going to New York and participating in the art scene. All of it seemed so out of my reach. Pursuing (art) school has made so many things a possibility. It has opened new doorways, it has made me aware of so many opportunities beyond which I ever knew about before. On top of this, of course, is the technical knowledge I have gained through my courses. I have refined my skill in many different crafts and find that I can use them in such a vast number of applications.

Montgomery County Community College is an excellent school. I decides to get a degree in Biotechnology 20 years after graduating from high school. This school has been great in helping me make the adjustment. The price is reasonable. The professors are excellent. I am preparing to make a huge career change and the last three years have made a huge positive impact on my skills at every level. I have so much confidence from my college experience. This school is great for nontraditional student. I will be happy to graduate and move forward but I will miss going there for sure.

The best way for me to answer this question is to explain what I miss most about my experience now that I have graduated. Firstly and foremost I miss a strong sense of belonging. While at MICA I felt a part of an intelligent and positive community of like-minded people. This instilled an immense feeling of validation, one I have yet to find since graduation. This same community also provided diverse and poignant resources in terms of feedback, development of skill, and ideation. If I had to ability and resources to return for graduate school I would do so in a heartbeat.

Going to college helped me to build a strong design portfolio and gain valuable internship experience. I wouldn't have had these opportunities had I not gone to school. I was able to get a job as a graphic designer two months before my graduation date because of the work I did at MICA and because of the internship I had with NBC. I was also able to secure several freelance cartooning jobs because of my degree. I really enjoy what I do, but I wouldn't be able to do it without a college degree from a good arts college. Many people think a degree is not necessary for a career in the arts, but it truly is. Companies that have hired me see my college's name on my resume and know that to graduate I had to work hard and prove myself with good art. College also taught me to set high goals for myself. That is why I am going back to school to pursue a second degree. I have achieved a lot since graduation, but I believe I can do more.

Ok Sidney, although this might be tough for you to accept, the following is the best advice i can give you about college life and making the transition. The List: Start applying for all available scholarships Start saving all monies. Learn to cook before you get to college. Learn how to wash your clothes before you get to college. Try to minimize what you pack for college. Learn how to manage your time. Be organized (including study materials, as well as room and personal objects). Try to take small trips and slowly learn to seperate from your parents, family as well as your local friends. Don't sweat the small stuff. Whenever you face a difficulty, deal with it in a calm and mature manner and seek help when needed. Exercise, eat right and get adequate amounts of sleep. Have fun. If you plan your time wisely, you will always have some free time to unwind. Keep it balanced. Listen to your parents. You may not always like what you here, but in the end they are always looking out for your best interest and know more than you do! Be confidant and positive about yourself and your abilities. Smile!!!!