Art Academy of Cincinnati Top Questions

The biggest piece of advice I would have given to me as a high school senior would be to challenge yourself harder and don't give in to procrastination. Also, don't be afraid to be completely isolated from a social life--you are preparing yourself for the next step in your life--acquiring the knowledge and skills that will take you through the rest of your life. Learn how to be independent and a self-starter. It's also very important to stand up for yourself and be your own advocate--with your teachers, your counselors, your peers. Another important reminder is to learn how to save and manage your money. With the independence you will have during your first year away from home, you may feel invincible--like you will always have enough time, money, and friends; a place to live; transportation, etc. But always plan for the unforeseen and if you do, you will never have to worry about tomorrow.

I would suggests to all incoming college students to not be nervous. This is one of the most exciting times of your life. College is nothing like high school. At every college I've attended, the students are really down-to-earth and everyone is there for the same reason, to get higher education and go for their dreams. I have never seen bullying in a mature college environment. Everyone accepts you for who you are and embraces your diversity. When choosing the school you want to attend, remember to always visit the campus before you apply. You can't experience what your school will be like through pictures on a website, you need to actually visit and meet others like yourself that you can relate to and ask a million questions. There are no "dumb" questions in college. Also, don't go to a school where all your friends are going. That school might be right for them, but it might not always be right for you. Also, consider your class sizes. Would it be more comfortable sitting in huge lecture classes or would it be more comfortable to have one on one time with your professors.

College has changed my life and when I say that I mean for the better. In college I have had to learn to organize my time to get papers and projects due on time. I've learned real responsiblity from all the paperwork that must be done just to get into school all the way down to paying bills to live on my own. College has also exposed me to many new viewpoints on so many different topics, I have been around peers and professors and I have just read so much more. I have become more interested in the world around me as well as the people around me. I am interested in what goes on in the world locally and globally. I have met some of the most interesting people and I have made some of the best friends. From being in college I have traveled a lot more too because I make friends from out of town or that know people from out of town. College also gave me the opportunity to go half way across the world and tour Italy. If I had never enrolled in further education after high school, Life would be a drag.

Think about going to a less specialized college in a less urban area. Cinci seems like a good idea now, but you'll hate living there in about a year.