Savannah College of Art and Design Top Questions

What should every freshman at Savannah College of Art and Design know before they start?

lakamri

I would go back and tell myelf that you should do your best and keep striving to exceed in your skills. You don't need to mess around because it could jeopardize your opportunities in life. Do not let people get you down about what it is you want to do with your life, just believe that God is going to make a way and he will. Do not take any advice that you dont believe will help you and don't let not having material objects bother you. stick with God and your mother because they have always been there for you. They believed you when nobody else did and they will continue believe in you. Just continue to believe that the best is yet to come.

Jessica

If there was one thing in life that I could do over it would be my preparation for college and higher learning. I didn’t do enough to secure funding for college therefore; I am now struggling to go back to school because I didn’t do the necessary steps to secure for my future financially. If I could have a do over I would started looking and applying for scholarships earlier and I would map out a concrete plan and an agenda to follow. I would seek out all types of financial options that would be beneficial such as loans, grants, scholarships, and foundations. I have learned to take advantage of all opportunities and not procrastinate or expect for things to come to you but take the initiative for the future. I know now that I would have done things differently and even though I don’t have the opportunity for a do-over I still have a chance to make a difference in my life and become more proactive in everything I do.

Kersten

Dear High School me, I know how excited you are and how ready you are to face the world and solve all of the problems in it. I know you believe that this is your only chance to leave this dusty old town and run as fast as you can away. I know that you honestly believe that your parents are out dated and out of touch. I know that if you could see us three years ago you would be ashamed at the way our life was going. I know. Even though I know all of these things I know you will not listen to any warnings or suggestions on how to do better. We can be stubborn at times. However please slow down high school me, please stop rushing. Life is long and you will figure out what you want to do and you will see the world, its just going to take a little longer than most. So show up, be present and be resilient. Do not let cattiness get you down. Younger you was on the right track with art and dance. Do not forget your passions. Pay attention to the world around you. Love, me

Elizabeth

I wouldtell myself to do better than my best in high school. I would want myself to really over achieve and get all A's. I would also try to take more art classes and grow in my art. So that when the time came to apply for the college I am at now I would have outstanding grades and a good portfolio to present so that I could recieve better scholarships. I think as a high school student a lot is taken as granted. In high school I didn't even know if I was going to go to college so I started doing everything so late. I am a first generation hispanic college student and I didn't really know anything about college. I had to learn a lot on my own and am glad to be where I am now. I just wish I was more prepared financially.

Alexis

The advice I would give myself as a high school senior is make sure the price is afforable to be able to achieve your dreams, but no matter what college I choose, I will be successful in the career that I choose.

Alexandra

Dear Alex, I’m sitting in my dorm room, wondering, “Did I make the right choice, choosing SCAD? Am I happy?” Mostly yes, but when choosing a college I was so focused on the educational aspect, I neglected to consider what helps me thrive and where I wanted to live for the next four years. Some of my passions, like snowboarding and other outdoor activities I enjoyed home in Oregon, are seriously lacking in Savannah! Maybe with more research, you could find an excellent school that has the geography and the education you are looking for. Once you make a choice don’t question it! When you get homesick and doubts creep in, focus on the reasons you made your decision and on aspects you can enjoy now. Be happy in the moment, knowing that even though some of your favorite things are not surrounding you – you are adaptable. Who knows what new pastimes you’ll find to be passionate about. Whatever you do, don’t make comparisons: high school to college, old friends to new friends, being home to being away. College is all new and different, it is what it is - enjoy.Love, A more knowledgeable you

Kari

Don't fall behind in the textbook readings, and don't procrastinate homework that's not due until the end of the semester. Stay on top of your homework, and manage your time wisely. Always allow enough time to properly study for upcoming quizzes and exams. High school is a breeze, college can be both easy and hard. Challenge yourseld as much as possible, but don't overstress yourself. Have fun, and good luck!

Eric

Self, I want you to stay excited about the college you will be going to for the next few years - there will be plenty of time to catch up with Animation after you've graduated, and SCAD nor Ringling nor CalArts will be going anywhere. Instead, spend this time exploring: explore the campus, explore your relationships, explore the majors and the student groups, but most importantly, explore yourself. They never tell you that there is so much more to the self than which career would suit you best. Take as many classes as you can across all the majors (except, maybe, stay away from taking 21 units in a quarter - that was a mistake, even if the failure turned out to be pretty funny), take feminist studies and film studies and computer science. Create a niche for yourself to grow into, and for whatever you want to do, know that tenacity and a willingness to show up in person at the administration's workplace will always put you miles ahead. Most importantly, remember that you can always take a break - your mental health and academic self-confidence are so, so important. Graduation will still be there for you.

Angela

Knowing what I know now, if I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self, I would try to save myself. College is nothing like the public schooling, you've had in the past. For starters, it is extremely expensive and your family doesn't have money to waste. That's why losing focus would be hazardous to commencing your college education. Although you are smart, studying and asking the professor for assistance WILL make the difference between a pass or fail. Do not for one second assume that you don't need help. You will be given so many oppurtunities to form study groups or meet with a professor. Do not pass them up! Lastly, understand who you are. Understand your limits. You've always been an A and B student, but college is different. A high GPA isn't just something to boast about. It is essential to receiving certain aid and many benefits. Once it drops it is so hard to bring up. So stay focused. Know who you are. Know what you want. If you do these things, you can NOT fail!

Raven

"Hey, kid! I know you're excited about attending SCAD but just because you're accepted does not mean you can completely ignore the fact that the school is incredibly expensive. Do a ton of scholarships! Even the small ones that do not pay much because in all actuality those small ones will only add up and help you with tuition, books, and supplies. Also, I know you will probably go looking for a part time job in the meantime. Look into working on campus instead. They may pay you minimum wage and they might not even give you a lot of hours but I promise you you will appreciate the extra time to focus on your work and personal projects to better your portfolio. If you feel the urge to apply outside of school campus, don't. You will hate and regret it. Instead, do more commissions, get those commissions done in a timely manner, and look into internships instead. Again, you will only appreciate it. Most importantly, save your money, pay back loans during school, and continue on applying for more scholarships on a daily basis. If you take heed to my words you will come out flawless."