Massachusetts College of Art and Design Top Questions

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself as a high school senior to not sweat the small stuff. I applied to Massachusetts College of Art and Design as a first time freshman the fall of 2012. I received a letter from admissions explaining that my grades were not good enough for the college, but my portfolio was. Admissions suggested that I take my freshman year at a community college. I was devastated because MassArt is my dream school. I went to UMASS Dartmouth the Fall of 2013 and later transferred to MassArt as a sophomore. I wouldn't take that back for the world. I experienced life as a freshman at UMASS and made life long friends. Although MassArt is my dream, Umass taught me many treasured life lessons. I would go back and tell my senior self to not be devastated to go to Umass. I am proud now of who I was and who I have become.

If I could speak to my high school self I would advise one thing: to take a gap year between high school and college. I would advise this to all students in the current economical situation. Post-secondary education has become extremely expensive in the USA, so it is worth it to take a year between the safety net of high school and college to clear your mind and perhaps define a clearer picture of what kind of education you'd like to pursue. Other then that, I advise myself and everyone to do as much research as they can and apply for all scholarships. Don't be lazy.

Don't wait! Even if you aren't absolutely positive about what you want to study, get in and get going. Two years of required courses puts you on your way and far better than spending those years trying to "find yourself"... you're too young to truly find yourself now anyway. Work hard, live cheaply while you can, and watch that debt. After those first two years you may, or may not, have an idea of what to do next... but those years will not be wasted and you will enormouse space to expand. Do what feels right to you and make the best choices you can, on your terms. But don't waste this time!

I would tell myself to go for it. To give it everything you have no matter what the situation. You want to play on the soccer team, you have to train really hard and be prepared to push yourself more than you are now. Join a club. You will instently have a group of friends to be with and will help you out. Don't be scared or nervous. If it's something that you are intersted in just do it even if that means going by yourself. Your going to have a great time in college but only if your not afraid to be on your own, to follow your passions, and put yourself out there. The people here are supportive and it't ok to make mistakes, thats how you learn.

Jordan, Did you apply for that scholarship your teacher told you about? Drop what you're doing. Apply. Now. No, put down that book and go apply for that scholarship. And that one. Don't stop applying. You've made this commitment to spend the next four years in a flourishing environment, and although you are about to feel the most confident you've ever felt, you will go through heartbreak and depression that will make you feel incapable of happiness. But, you know what? Just like that scholarship you applied for, you will get through it. That depression will make you find yourself as an artist, and believe it or not, it will make you understand yourself better and you will learn how to appreciate the hard times. That project you completed when you would have rather never opened your eyes again landed you the internship of a lifetime and you will become a succesful textile designer. Now, drop what you are doing and go apply for that scholarship. Future you has other plans than paying off debt. -Future Jordan (You'll be just fine)

If I went back in time to talk to myself in high school, I would tell myself to listen to my teachers. High School is the last time in life that education is free, and while there may be things that seem more important, become a sponge and absorb any information the teachers are able to give you. I would also recommend utilizing all the resources of a small school. Being in a graduating class of 96 has many shortcomings, but also many benefits. Talk to upperclassmen who have already gone to college or entered to work force. Learn from their mistakes, take their advice, and truly think about what path is right for you. Lastly, if taking a year off between going to college to decide if college is the right choice, then take the time. There is such a push in high school to get into college, but really think about what is important in your life and if college will get you closer to that goal. College will be the right choice, but take time to figure out who you are before making a decision about what you want to do with your life.

If I went back in time to see myself as a high school senior, I would tell her to not worry at all about making friends. In high school, I had a very hard time making friends, and I was very nervous going into college, where I wouldn't know anyone. Little did I know that going to MassArt would introduce me to an entirely different breed of happy, friendly people. Everyone had such diverse styles, backgrounds, sexual and gender orientations, and outlooks on life. I was surprised when I met a group of people whom I would see myself staying friends with for a very long time, people I felt like I waited all my life for, who were just like me. Now, I'm happy that I have this valuable group of loving, caring people, and can't believe I ever worried about making friends, when I've practically made a new family.

You are going to be heartbroken and you are going to be happy about it. Don't worry so much.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior, there are many things I would tell myself. The first piece of advice I would give myself is to get the best grades possible. Getting good grades enhances your chances of getting scholarships to help pay for your tuition, and most importantly it impresses the college you are interested in by giving them an accurate view as to how hard of a worker you are. Second I would tell myself to work hard the summer before and save up money. College is an eye opening once in a lifetime experience and you should be able to go to the one you think will give you the best chance at a successful future. Saving up enough money to go to the school you really want, even if it means you will work all summer, will be completely worth it in the end. Lastly I would tell myslef to follow what I really want to do. Life is short and you should believe in your dreams. If you work hard enough, and are passionate enough about what you love you will be successful no matter what.

Having the opportunity to travel back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior would be incredible. The first thing that I would say to myself would be that everything is going to be ok, and that I am making the right decision. After I was accepted into the only college I applied to, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, I made the extremely difficult decision to deffer my acceptance for one year. I was so nervous to take that year off, but now that I am able to look back, I could not have made a better choice. Now that I have finally started at MassArt, I am focused, excited, and ready to take on any assignment or situation that I might be faced with. I would also tell myself that I chose the right school, and that although I will be challenged in many different ways, Massachusetts College of Art and Design is going to help me reach my fullest potential.