Massachusetts College of Art and Design Top Questions

Don't settle for second best. Find the school that fits you best, and sort out all the kinks later.

Don't worry about not getting it right the first time, college is all about exploration. If you decide that the major or even the school isn't right for you, it is okay to transfer.

its best to find a school that offers the best options for the career you are considering, and if you are not sure, than the place you feel you would fit in best

My best advice to someone looking for the right college is to go with your instinct. I spent a year at the University of Rhode Island and ended up transferring because I was unhappy there. If I had spent more time finding out what I wanted in a school, I might have chosen MassArt the first time around. It is important to consider the school's size, location, available majors, offered clubs and activities and overall friendliness of the students and faculty. I thought I wanted to attend URI because it was a beautiful campus and I was not fully convinced that I wanted to be an art major. It turns out I became very depressed after feeling so lost in such a big crowd and never finding another academic area that I was passionate about. It is important to visit as many schools as possible to see which feels like the right one. To make the most out of the college experience, get as involved as possible. This allows you to meet new people and make a difference in your community. Push yourself to work as hard as possible; you might be surprised at what you accomplish.

I would say pick the college that makes you feel comfortable! If you get a good feeling walking around the campus, and interacting with your tour guide, or faculty, have that weigh heavily on your decision. Decide what is most important to you-is it high job placement after graduation? Top notch facilities? Great financial aid? Answering these questions will make the decision easier, and your college experience that much better. It's also important to get a feel for the surrounding area. You might find the best school, but hate the city it is located in. That will make apartment hunting your sophomore year a drag. Imagine yourself an enrolled student....and see how it feels! Just remember...your education is what you make it. If you're comfortable and happy, your experience will be rewarding and unforgettable.

To determine the right college, parents and students should consider some basic choices: Does the student want the busy, expansive atmosphere of the city? Or does he/she want the calm, secluded atmosphere of the country or a "college town"? Does the student want to attend a college that has a variety of flexible choices for majors, or a college that is specialized in a few areas of study (A college for art, a college for business, etc.)? Lastly, determining the right college involves visiting and touring the campus more than once! Making the most of the college experience can be difficult because students when they begin college, students are usually aware of college stereotypes, like constant partying and socializing. It is helpful take the tuition rate and use it to calculate the approximate dollar amount per class. This helps motivate students to spend their time wisely on campus. Students should be encouraged to use all the college's resources while they can, because four years is a short period of time. Resources include research guidelines and online libraries, the technology of the computer lab, and opportunities to show off their hard work throughout campus.

The most important factor to a successful and enjoyable college experience is to find a college that is the right fit for you. It is very important to visit each campus several times before picking one, and to try to experience the social setting and talk to upperclassmen that have similar goals and interests as you. During my freshman year of college I attended Colby-Sawyer, which was an absolutely awful experience and I made the right decision by transferring. Many of the students there did not have the same interests or goals as I did, and therefore it was very difficult to feel accepted, make friends, or even to find the classes enjoyable. Once I transferred to MassArt, I found myself surrounded by people who are very motivated and passionate about their work, like I am, and who are all very accepting of individuals. It was very easy to find a place on campus where I could be myself because being outgoing and original is praised here. By finding a school that fulfilled my needs and desires, I also found a community along with it where I could fit in and could grow as an individual.

Plan ahead. Apply for FAFSA on time and go somewhere you really love.