Maryland Institute College of Art Top Questions

There are two words to accurately describe what I would tell myself if I could travel back to my Senior year of High School: "Time Management". The most important thing I have learned thus far in my College education, and something that became evident to me within the first few weeks of starting here at MICA is that everything is possible with the proper management of free time. Procrastinating so often in high school was a careless mistake-- I know now to budget my time and keep myself healthy so that I can accomplish everything that is needed throughout the day. And, most importantly, waiting until the last minute will never merit good results, no matter how well you can conceal your lack of time spent on studies or an assignment. Overall, I definitely stress the need to prioritize, take your studies seriously, and above all, breathe.

If I were to go back into time witht he information I have now about college, I would probably have taken my junior and senior year a bit more seriously. Even though my gpa was about 3.5, I still wish I focusesed on other aspects of high school-- such as taking more advanced placement classes to earn college credit. I came in with 12 credits but if I had taken only one more advanced placement credit and earned the credit, I would have been able to graduate a whole semester earlier. Not only would I get to graduate earlier, but it also would have saved me thousands of dollars in the long run!

I would tell myself to prepare more financially. For my entire life, my father, who is a lawyer, has always been the breadwinner in my house. However, he left our family in February 2009 to live with another woman who he had been having an affair with. In november of 2009, my parents got divorced. Everyone was completely surprised and shocked. My father is refusing to pay anything for me and family. Meanwhile, my mother is unemployed and looking for jobs in book-keeping. Since then, I have prepared myself to not graduate at MICA, because we cannot afford it. I wish I had worked more in high school. If I were to receive $5000, It would help me possibly graduate MICA.

Don't worry to much about making friends becasue you will. Also don't doubt your talet because you deserve to be were you are, you worked hard to get there.

Relax, you will make the right choice, you will be fine.

MICA is a very liberal and creative environment that has the potential to cultivate much alternative knowledge. Now I know this, but as a high school student I was ignorant to this fact. If I were to advise my former self, I would suggest to keep an open-mind and allow myself to be porous to the inspiring surroundings. To hold on to old values and discriminations in a new setting can be very constraining and ineffective to the whole college and life learning process. Also, before entering MICA, I had little knowledge about the art world and the array of styles and approaches it offers. Therefore, I would as well advise myself to attempt to delve more in the creative side rather than confine myself in the academically muted version of realistic art. This activity would definitely enhance my freshman experience at MICA and allow for a smoother transition into a radically different atmosphere!

I think I would tell myself to try and enjoy more of my overall college experience during my first year, and also to expect that my experience wasn't going to be the same as what I thought of as 'the typical college experience', or what I saw most of my other friends having at state schools and liberal arts colleges. When I first got to MICA I was so intimidated by the high level of work I saw all of my classmates doing that I was more concerned with keeping up with and competing with them than having fun. I caused myself a lot of unnecessary stress. I was also disappointed in the lack of school spirit and extracurriculars I was used to seeing from my public high school. Since I was expecting to simply pick up where I left off in high school, I wasted time that I could have spent embracing other involvement opportunities during my first semester. So, in short, I would tell myself to leave all my preconceived notions behind and that it's ok to relax and not put so much pressure on myself.

"Alright Genesis, I know you are on the right track. but here are few things. You are going to get rejected, embrass yourself, do someone you'll regret and waste a generious amount of money. It's inevitable, it will happen. So this is what you should do when each happens: Getting Rejected: Automatically go to a place (mental or physical) where you are accepted, and do some work. Accept yoursef through the work you make. Embrassing Yourself: Say 'sorry' when necessary and bring it up. It is so much better to discuss with someone and maybe even laugh. Regretable Act: Realize why you regret it and make something that you are proud of to override the regret. Wasting Money: Take an extra minute to do inventory on your supplies, know what you can afford, and keep concerts and trips to the Hookah lounge to a minimum. Well Genesis, there are more things along the way. But take it one day at a time and always look at the big picture. Of course I am not talking about the 30 X 60 drawing you did for Life Drawing Class..... Have a Good Time my friend!"

College is all about finding your niche, the right place you belong, which is why you cannot select a college sight-unseen. You need to visit the campus of the colleges you have applied, take tours, talk to current students and facility, and sit in on classes. Websites and brochures are just a window into the school, but it is not until you actually visit the campus that you will discover that it is or is not the place for you. Additionally, since you are the one going to college, do not let anyone influence your choice. Picking a school is about YOU -- think about it, it is the only four years of your life that you get to be truly selfish. You get to learn what you want to learn, experience what you want to experience, and make friends with people you want to be friends with; and if you are at a school that you do not feel great about, then what?s the point. So when it comes to picking a college, look past those fancy pictures, expensive advertising, and even the ?BIG NAME,? and choose a college that is the perfect fit for Y-O-U.

Look at a lot of different places, but don't be afraid to follow your instincts. If there is a place that seems right for you, confidnetly apply even if it appears to be a stretch. When you're at school, go out and make friends. Academics are very important, but the friends you make at school will last you a life time, so don't discount the importance of relationships.