Massachusetts College of Art and Design Top Questions

I would tell my past high school self to stop worrying about how people might act at art school; everyone is a lot nicer and more down to earth than you assumed they would be. I would tell my past self to keep working just as hard but to get off your high horse and relax a little bit, it's ok. Be accepting of alternative lifestyles and don't be focused on boys and relationships past self, you've got time to worry about that later. You don't have to worry about making friends, because you will be surrounded by great people your first year, and leaving home isn't as tough as you thought, but visiting is always nice. Sometimes it can be frustrating living with so many people but you will get through it. And past self, don't take critiques too seriously, we only have them to better our art work, they're nothing personal. Have fun! (I know you will).

It is difficult to know, beforehand, which school you will feel most comfortable at. Visit the school, more than once. You will get a "feeling" from the school, it will help your decision making process. Knowing what you want from the community around you. Motivation is key. Whichever college you choose, only you decide whether to learn or not. Be thirsty for knowledge. Don't waste your first few years thirsty for something else. Its a waste of time, and money. As much as you will learn inclass, its not enough. Use the internet, explore interests, go outside, look around. Dont take a class because it sounds "easy." It will bore you; you''ll fail. Choose classes that will help with your career, that will stimulate you. Only measure your success by your own progress. Everyone works at a different pace. Disregard the "stereotypes" associated with the school. People are variables, everyone is different, everywhere. You will meet good nad bad people; whether its at the supermarket or in your dorms. Don't be scared you won't fit in, someone else feels that way too. meet people and show them who you are. Remember: everything happens for a reason.

I would tell myself not to worry work so much through school and to really enjoy the experience. Although I was putting myself through school on my own, and I did extremely well in my studies, I did not take the time to really enjoy being an undergraduate college student. College is a time in a young person's life where they are exposed to so many new ideas, places, and people; so much diversity. This is a time when a college student should really soak all of this in and experience as much as they can!

I would tell myself to work harder in that Sociology class that I took at BCC senior year because that would've eliminated one of my requirements at MassArt. I would've told myself to enjoy senior year because it was great! I would've told myself that I didn't have to worry about my anxiety because I never really got nervous my freshman year of college. I also would've told myself that I shouldn't expect to get any sleep, especially when I entered my major sophomore year. And most importantly I would've told myself that I shouldn't have doubted whether or not I had the skills to be in art school because I'm doing a really good job.

Focus all your energy on your art making. It's easy to feel a bit down and out because the future is always foggy, but stick with it! Take every assignment that the teachers give you and turn it into something that is personal to you, because if you are not in the work you are making then work is all it is. Keep an open mind and enjoy everything you do. You are such a privilaged individual, don't let it go to waste. Finally, do everything in your power to make the lives of the people around you as enjoyable as possible, because life's so short, you don't want any regrets when it's up.

Don't pidgeon hole yourself into fashion design, because you aren't going to major in it. You rock.

Don't lose sight of why you decided to go to college, don't get lazy and push forward despite problems. Don't make up excuses that will hold back your desire to learn.

If I could come back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to find the time to explore myself and try to find out what it is that I want. I would say not to be afraid to aim high. I would tell myself to be free thinking and believe that anything is possible if you really want it. I would add that it?s OK to make mistakes but it?s not good to repeat them -learn from them. Go to college with very open mind, without judgement on people or yourself. I would say to let go of what it was always holding me back and let myself be true to who I really am. Never be afraid to ask for help, and be helpful to others .Missing home is hard so make sure to make friends. Believe, dream and work hard and you are going to be OK.

If I could go back in time and talk to my High School self I would probably not believe how much I've changed and how completely different my life is since starting college. I would tell myself not to do anything differently because I wouldn't change a second of it. I'd make sure to tell myself to just hold on and get through the application process and not to worry, to remember that it would all be ok. I'd tell myself to put aside my nerves and fears, be as friendly and outgoing as possible and to give all types of people a chance. Going to an art school you meet alot of unique people and I'd tell myself that it'll finally be ok to stand out and be a little weird. I'd remind myself to stay open to new experiences and opportunities. I'd make sure I definitely lived on campus and tell myself that even though work is important, you still have to make time for fun and for yourself.

Make the most of what college has to offer. It will aid you in developing real -world concrete skills and will allow you to investigate all facets of your abilities. Dont let cost prevent you from choosing the right school either. The right school will cater to your interests and challenge you at the same time.