Otis College of Art and Design Top Questions

In choosing your college research the universities you are interested in so you can make an informed choice. Once you are at your chosen school invest your maximum effort into each project. Strive for excellence, never being satisfied with ?good enough,? but don?t stress yourself out seeking impossible levels of perfection. Also take advantage of the unique opportunities (guest lectures, workshops, internships, etc.) provided at or through your school.

Over time, I have gained insight into what is really important about the "college years" of life. I attend a private art college that is only one-fourth the size of a standard city block, and have compared this to the experiences of my peers at some of the largest universities in the country to find that the most important factor in finding the right school is growth. First, educational growth : What do you want to learn and what are the methods in which you want to learn it? State colleges tend to have very common majors for a conventional job market versus smaller schools for more specific or obscure majors. One is not superior to the other and your decision should consider both options. Investigate the methods of teaching within that school. Is there community involvement? Are certain labs or equiptment facilities available? Second, personal growth: How do you want to develop as a person during these years? This depends on many factors from the school's location to what extracurricular activities are available. In the end, find a place that alows you to be comfortable, while providing for you the tools necessary to gain a great education.

The most important question in the college application process isn?t the one that requires a 250 word limit, or a quote from a famous author or poet, it is the question the applicant must sincerely answer in the secret corners of his or her mind, ?Why do I want to go to college??. My advice to prospective undergraduates is first, to simply answer this question truthfully, and following, to apply their answer to the college that will best serve their reason or purpose. Choose the one that will help you fulfill your ultimate dream of perhaps becoming the next Einstein, or Van Gogh. Although it is a wise decision to weigh the differences and propositions of each institution, it is equally important to follow your heart. You must feel at ease in the campus and surroundings because you will be spending four or more years of your life within its grounds. Ultimately, one should never be discouraged by financial hindrances within the college process because there will always be a way around and out of these difficulties. College is all about willpower and making wise decisions, invest in a school that will guarantee you success in the future.

My advice for students is to go to the one that suits the type of career they want. Go to a school that will have people with similar goals, to help each other surpass difficult circumstances, and motivate each other. Having people truly understand what you're going through because they're going through the same in college is the best way to not only talk through problems you have, but also a way to make friends and possible career partners for life. For parents trying to help their kids find the college for them: direct him/her to the path where he/she may find the perfect school. Don't force them into one specific college YOU chose. Comfort them if they are stressed, and listen to what your kids have to say. Students should feel comfortable going to the college they are attending so they can have a positive outlook on their first day of school, and the years they will be attending it. To get the best college experience, be positive and open-minded, and Interact with social activities. The friends you make there may help out with something you may need while in college or afterwards.

From my personal experience I believe that when it comes to deciding the best college for your child there are many aspects you should consider. The first thing as a parent, I think you should consider your child?s needs and not what you think is best for him or her. You don?t want to pressure your child into a career that he or she in not passionate about, because ultimately in the end you are not considering your child?s happiness. If your child is undecided take the time to help him or her discover different careers they might enjoy and give them an idea of what their future might entails. Secondly, take time to visit different colleges that specialize in that specific majors, but also one that provides a wide range of academic majors. Also consider the extracurricular possibilities, the classroom size, the facilities, and the safety of living environment. I am sure that this process is hard for any parent, and even when you have carefully researched everything, there might be obstacles that they may encounter. I believe the most important thing to keep in mind is to have an open mind and be supportive.

The most imortant thing anyone can do when looking for a college, ask as many people you can about everything that is on mind about the school. Even if it seems like a stupid question, keep in mind that there is no such thing as a stupid question. Also, if the major that your planning to go into requires certain facilities or equipment, then go visit the school and make sure they has a working facility or lab. For example, I've met student who have gone to a school for sculpting and pottery just to find out after they get to their new school that all the kelms and ovens for the pottery classes have been donated to another school and the pottery work space has been converted into a cafe area. And it is just too fustrating to deal with something like that espicially if your paying for school out of your own pocket. The right tools are everything, I know the only reason I'm at my school and not some other one is because of the computer labs and equipment in the woodshop and I'm so glad I researched all that before applying to schools.

if ever your sons or daughters want to major in fashion design, be sure they really have passion to do it, because school work loads are extreme and we almost don't have social life while attending the school.

I believe that the best way to find a college that will suit your needs or your child?s needs the best is to first know what the student wants to pursue career wise. In my case, I attended an art high school, so I already knew that I wanted to attend an art college. Then, I thought about all of the art courses I had taken and decided to pursue a degree in Fashion Design since I enjoyed and felt that I had the most talent in that particular art field. Once I knew what I wanted to major in, finding the best colleges, with the best fashion curriculum was easy. After my research, I was left with three options, Otis College of Art and Design in California, Parsons Art School in New York, or Commercial Saint Martins in England. In the end, I chose to attend Otis College, primarily because it had the smallest campus, which I felt was a more conducive learning environment for my quiet personality, and was also close to home, so that I could study in a familiar environment instead of having to tackle a new home and a new school simultaneously.

Always research first-hand. Student life is almost always the strongest deciding factor in choosing a school. It is where life-long friends and career connections are made. We are always told, ?These are the people you will be working with in your future.? So don?t be shy and get to know everyone. By building a strong support group of friends, and you will always land on your feet. Never think of your classmates as competition, they?re your main support. Also never let money dictate your future. If you really want to attend a college that is expensive, but worth the education, do it. Money is not worth unhappiness if someone can?t do what he loves. My family does what little they can, but my housing, supplies, and most of my tuition I personally take out loans for. Am I freaked out about being able to pay them off? Yes. But I know that my school is preparing me to have the well paying career I need and will deserve. So when deciding your college, make sure it is a school with ample help in career services, and one that emphasizes an active and thriving student body.

The advice I would give to parents and/or students about finding the right college to attend is to narrow your search by keeping in mind what you want to major in or what career(s) you might be interested in. Research on schools that offer the program of your choice, find out everything you can about them. Once you have narrowed your search, I believe the most important thing is to physically go to the school and talk to faculty and more importantly the students that attend the college. By doing this you will get first hand experience of what to expect if and when you attend the school and it allows you to make a better choice in finding out which is the best school/program for you. This also allows you to make more of your college experience, find schools that offer activites, other than your major, that you are passionate about. When it comes to making the best of your college experience, atleast in my school, for me, I beleive the most important thing is to take advantage of the facutly and professionals in the field that we get to work with and learn from.