Columbus College of Art and Design Top Questions

If I was to go back in time and give myself advice about what I could expect in the future, I probably would advise myself to do the best in my academic studies and maintain as high of a G.P.A as I could. I think that most scholarships are awarded to those who stride for excellence in their studies, personal and professional life. I also believe that your G.P.A. is a reflection of how well you performed in school and how serious you were about your education. As a teacher, I stress this to my students.

In high school, I had the mistaken belief that it was my God given right for my opinions to be heard. I've learned since that this is not exactly true. The only true right I have as an individual is the right to learn from others around me. That being said, if I could go back in time to advise my younger, stubborn, and much noisier self in but one small way, I would tell myself to "sit down, shut up, and pay attention. After all, learning is free.

I didn't do very well academically in high school. I wasn't passionate about what I was learning, I didn't have many friends, and I was depressed because of this. I didn't really feel like I belonged anywhere, life was bleak at the time. When senior year was approaching it's end, I didn't feel any joy because I knew my education wasn't over and I doubted going to college was going to improve my standings. That is, until I finally got there. I was suddenly impassioned by my peers. I made friends and instead of looking down every day, I started looking forward. I felt like I found myself. If I could talk that kid just once, I would tell him about how bright his future is. I would tell him, there is hope. Life won't always be so dark and dismal. I would tell him to keep his head up, work hard, and to never under any circumstances, give up on yourself.

Being cool does not matter, no body cares who you hung out with in High Schoo or what you did at the party last weekend. Prioitize your work, get help from your teachers and students, and get it done. Draw more, paint more, learn more, expand your mind now, you'll thank me later.

When I was a senior I was terrified, about the unknown, the anticipation, whether or not I'll even be able to pull through and afford the school of my dreams. Even up to a point where I was anticipating just getting to the school, I was nervous and afraid of what to expect; being an adult is a HUGE transition, and being afraid is perfectly fine, there's no reason not to be afraid in a situation like transitioning into adulthood. I would tell myself it's okay that you're afraid, but just know that all that worry will be for something, you worked hard to get here, you didn't take the easy way out, you chose this path and you worked for it and wanted it more than anybody, don't sweat it. There are AMAZING artists here, but you are an amazing artist as well and you're already at the top of your game with your classes and even your social life; you will NOT regret taking the more challenging route to achieving what you have dreamed of your entire life; but do not take advantage of the opportunity you've been given.

Do not go to college looking for a relationship. If you happen to end up in one, stay focused on your studies, let them be your top priority, and expect the same commitment from the one you are dating. Don't party you career away, just because you are free to do whatever you choose, since you are out of your parents site. Make good choices that will benefit your future and not destroy it or make it more diffcult to reach the goal you have set before you. Finally, get a tutor if you are struggling in any class. Don't try to wing it on your own

The biggest advice that I would give to myself would be to keep on track with what is really important. In high school especially, there are many distractions such as friends, sports, jobs, and other none school related activities. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself that college is coming and that I need to be ready because this world will not wait on me. Currently I do not know if I will go to college becasue of money. I have been accepted and I have recieved some money from school, but as of right now I owe $20,000. I cannot get a loan becasue my parents do not have the best credit, so I have to personally find a way to make up for the money that I do not have. If I could go back in time I would let myself know that scholarships are important and that I must be aware of all of the financial oppurtunities that come up during the school year. I never thought that I would have to deal with the problem of not being financially ready for college, now I wish that I was more prepared.

Now that I am approaching my senior year at CCAD, I think about this pretty often. First, I would tell myself to be ready for one of the most exciting, difficult, and often scary adventures of your life. This is where you are going to discover a big part of who you really are. Prepare for the sleepless nights and assignments that may sometimes seem a little irrelevant, especially in the first two foundation years. It's OK to cry. Feel it all, but stick with it. I would warn myself that you will want to drop out more times than you can count, but keep on going because it gets better. Keep playing your guitar and writing music, along with school it is who you are. Don't be resentful that you will have to work 2 jobs and babysit, smile and be thankful to have that part time income. Managing your money is just as important as managing your time, so always plan ahead. Your two internships will also be invaluable with knowledge, so soak it all in. Finally, I would tell myself that the education that I will leave with is ultimately up to me.

If I were to go back in time and give my younger self a word of advice about college I'd tell him to take more chances. The college he's going to is not one for slackers, he has to know this, its tough out there for a young artist and he has to understand that things are not going to be easy for him. He needs to focus his discipline and get it though his thick skull that sticking to what you know isn't going to work out. Broadening his horizons and exploring the world will strengthen his creativity and better prepare him for the challenge ahead. He'll be facing sleepless nights, heartache, overwhelming frustration, and brutal critiques. Its tough out there, many people will tell him to turn back and join the rest of society but he needs to take this path of hurtles. But he shouldn't avoid them. Instead he should welcome the obstacles CCAD throws at him because they will shape him into the professional videographer he one day hopes to become.

If I could go back in time to offer my younger self advice, I would start by saying the following; "Don't take life to seriously." As a senior in high school, I found myself drowning in AP courses, thus piling me with hours of homework on top of everything I had to do as the editor of the 2012-2013 yearbook. I would tell myself to take those foundation art classes that I snarked my freshman year, because they will be needed in the very near future. I would assure myself that I won't end up in the field that I thought I would be for the last three years of my life. Instead of working my way to becoming a curtator in a musuem, I would be creating great things that would one day be hung within it's halls. I would promise myself that I'd quickly make new friendships that are sure to last a lifetime. Lastly I would put all my worries at ease by saying that no matter how scared I was at the time, it'll all work out and that I am currently having the time of my life!

STAY CALM. The number one thing I could tell myself only being through one semester of college is to stay calm. The biggest fear was that I wasn't going to be good enough and that I would fail out and end up back in my parents house but with some help of some very caring and sincere teachers and advisors, I now know that I was fine the whole time and that when I want something, I will clean toilets to get it. I'm still nervous about where the money is going to come from since I'm one of eleven kids in my family. I'm on the older end so I'm not receiving help from my parents but they taught me how to work hard for what I need and what I want will come later as a reward. I will not give up on my desire to become a well accomplished individual even if it takes more out of me than I anticipate.

Knowing what I know now I would tell my past self not to panic everytime I see a low grade. The work is difrent but I can handle it and I'll get though it. Work hard stay calm you'll reach your goal.

After making a few pit stops in the space time continuum to alter the plots (and casting) of the prequels of the Star Wars saga, I would travel back to communicate with my high school senior self. The first advice I would give is to not feel so pressured by other student's skills. Seeing as how CCAD students come from different backgrounds, it is only natural that their skills will be at different levels, and the reason that I am going to school is to learn and hone my own skills. There is no magic switch that will make me better; it comes from being dedicated and working hard. Additionally, I would say to not worry about my roommate that I will have freshman year. While he ends up being a pain in the butt, it was a learning experience in understanding that some people are more mature than others, and I will have to deal with all sorts of people in life. Finally, I would tell myself to not be too engrossed in my work, and to remember to maintain a balance, and to remember the importance of sleep and exercise.

You won't be the best artist anymore, everyone is a great artist at this college. Do not skip class unless you're deathly ill, attendance matters. Freshman year will be difficult because it's a weedout year and there's very little focus on your major. Socialize, make more than four friends. Listen to your mom, dad and doctors. Don't worry about what everyone knows about you now, college is a fresh start.

Though I've only completed one year at art school now, it was still enough to change everything I thought I knew the past four years in highschool. Looking back now, my HS years consisted of staying within my comfort zone. I had the same old friends who could care less for me, and I slept for fun. I decided to become someone else in college, though. Here, I learned that every time I stepped out of my comfort zone, I had the most fun I've ever had. All I had to do was meet new people and just say YES to anthing! I became a new person! Rock climbing? Modeling for complete strangers? Punching a deserving jerk in the face? Sitting with a new stranger at lunch every day? Singing with a room full of strangers? My life was suddenly driven by impulse! Why should I hold back? I was suddenly talking to random people like I knew them, and going on adventures through a crazy and fun city. I am now this new, confident girl who isn't afraid of living outside of my comfort zone, and I wish I discoverd this freedom long ago!

Making the transition to college life will be just as easy as you think it will be. Nothing new, no surprises, no new peer pressure, just the same as high school, only you live closer to everybody. Think twice about living with your sister freshman year. You'll be fifteen minutes from campus, and you're just going to move a year later. Go to the downtown area near campus and move into one of those apartments. It will make life a lot easier for you. Also, look into getting summer jobs, or a job on campus. Senior year comes around fast and you need a way to pay for everything. Dad's not going to be able help you anymore, and you will be on your own. Take the time now and start saving up for that. You'll thank yourself later when you're not stressing about paying for your last semester of tuition. And when a guy you vaguely remember sends you a friend request on Facebook, don't even hesitate about accepting. He will be the greatest thing to happen to you since you got accepted.

College life will not be difficult if you keep yourself prepared. Overall, you will connect with more people, and getting used to your new home will take surprisingly little time. It is vastly different from highschool, and you will find that the students and faculty are more relatable, more aware of your interests, and more positive.

Being a 20-year-old Junior in college I know I still have plenty to learn in life, and I most certainly don't believe I've got it all figured out, but what knowledge I do have has allowed me to effectively reflect on my life in high school. As I look back on my four years at Kenston High School I often find myself thinking "If I knew it wouldn't kill me, I wouldn't have worried so much." Understandably, when you're a high school senior, applying to colleges is most likely the biggest milestone thus far in your life. Of course it's a signficiant process that should be taken seriously, but being a perfectionist that I am I seemed to think that this was a life or death decision. If I didn't find the right college for me and have it all lined up as soon as I graduated from high school, I thought I was going to fall behind my graduating class and ultimately fall behind in life. This is why I wish I could have told my high-school-senior self to relax and enjoy this process into adulthood.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self, I would give her a shaking! During high school I had no intention of attending college. I figured I could manage without it. I longed to attend college, but was worried about finances. After two years of working and trying to fill the void within myself, I discovered Columbus College of Art & Design. Art is my passion, but I never felt I was good enough to pursue it as a career. I gave CCAD a shot, because I finally realized that you are only given one life, and it is what you make of it. I could be graduationg from my dream school this coming year, but because I was so stubborn I still have three years to go. So, if I could speak to my high school senior self, I would tell her to just go for it, don't let finances hold you back. You only live once, so it is not worth it to struggle through life, living in fear of failure. After all, you cannot succeed unless you try.

I would encourage my high school self to try to get out more early in the year and get to know people. Even though it would be hard, it's better to make friends early on than later.

Even though I'm only a freshman at CCAD, I've gotten a lot out of my experience as a college undergraduate; I'm now that ramen noodle-eating-never-sleeping art kid who is always covered in paint. Though rough, it's defintely been an experience I'll never regret. The professors all know what they're doing and they each have a great amount of talent so you know you're being taught by the masters, and it's also a great student to teacher ratio so you get the attention you need to understand the lessons and get through the classes without feeling incredibly overwhelmed. The classes are just enough to push you to your limit so you can be the best you possibly can, and the students are diverse in that everyone will find a friend to get through the homework with, not to mention the campus pretty and with a divine view of Columbus!

I will be attending Unverisity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the Fall of 2011 for the American Sign Language interpreting program. I believe that the education I receive there will one of things I value most in my life. I hope to use my education to better serve the deaf population and help them become an integral part of their communities. I hope to get out of my college experience a sense of hard work, dedication to my studies and friendships that last a life-time.

Although a school can have great facilities, teachers, reputations, and futures, I am the one doing the learning. It is my future that I hold in my own hands, and am thusly responsible for it. CCAD has its problems, but my instructors have taught me, in both good and bad ways, that I am the only one making my art. I will live my life according to the example I must set for myself.

In the pass year, ive been enrolled in this 4 year program college, and everything i have learned so far has been extremely important for my development as a proffesional artist and into a bright artistic career. My drawing skills have improved tremdously since i started here, and ive developed new painting skills, new ways to work with different mediums, and to be able to complete assignments in a limited period of time regarding due dates and such. the proffecionalism in this place is very good and it has helped me see how difficult it is out there in the real worl for artist like me, for that reason i really want to continue my major in this college to be well prepared and ready to take on the world. All this experiences has been very valuable to me, because without it i would not strive to become a sucessful artist like felllow artists who has graduated from CCAD like famous cover illustrator C.F. Payne and Eric Fortune. I have learned things in here that i would have never known in my own, and for that i am very thankful.

In Fall 2010, I was accepted into nursing school at CSUS. I graduated high school in 1995 and dropped out of college in 2000. To go back to school ten years later was very intimidating but every job I applied for wanted a college degree; experience was no longer as desirable as the diploma. My husband and I knew that going back to college after starting a family and buying a home would be a huge financial burden, however, we also knew that in the long run we would be happier and more stable. I just finished my first semester of nursing school, with all A's, and could not be happier with the decision to pursue my nursing dream. I am more self-confident and much happier. I have met 79 other students that I will share classes with over the next three semesters and have already formed a few great friendships. Best of all, in Fall 2012, I will graduate with a degree in nursing, and I know that no matter where I apply, I can apply with confidence because I have a degree proving my competency.

My freshman year at CCAD was one of the hardest but most rewarding in my life. The amount I learned was unfathomable compared to every other art class I ever attended. Without CCAD, I would still be just an amature, still doing my thing, not knowing my full potential. This school helped me realize that with the right mind set and training, there is no limit where my talent can take me. The staff here is incredible. Most are the nicest, friendliest people you will ever meet that are geniuses in their fields. They guide (or sometimes push) their students in the right direction and make sure that everyone learns what they need to. It is valuable to attend CCAD because of the hands-on experience in the field that is actually required to graduate. They take you through the processes that you need to know and make sure that you have a portfolio that will knock em dead. The school makes sure that you (the student) are way ahead of your compitition in finding a job and a career that you love doing every day.

I have learned from my college experience how to be an independant young adult. I moved away from home and had to take on the many responsibilities of being a freshman in college. It was my responsibilty to go to class, do the homework, and earn the grade. I have to manage my time well, and have balance amoung the many activities I participate in. I work part time while at the same time being a full time student. On top of that I find time for friends and family, and free time for me. The most valuable advice I can give and have taken away from being in college is that it is important to be yourself and work hard. You will have nothing to show for your work if you do not give 100 {4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of your time and effort into everything that you do. It is also important to get involved with your school; Join clubs, meet people, and talk to your professors! It has been valuable to attend college because it is preparing me for the real world and for my career! College provides so many opportunities that people should take advantage of while they can.

I have been working full time since completeing high school in 2002 at a variety of art related jobs. I knew I wanted to go to art school since I was a kid but I know I would have to pay for it myself. Attending CCAD as a non-tradional student with has really lived up to my expectations. Not only do I get a great deal of respect from my teachers, but my knowledge has impressed my fellow students as well. CCAD has built a community in the heart of downtown Columbus, and it is a positive and creative energy.

I will be a very nervous and excited to move in the big steps for the career. It going to be a huge changes for me. Plus it would be not easy at all and its time to join in the real world.

College for me has been a blast. At first I was intimidated I was afraid that I wouldnt have the potential to make it through. But now that Im going and I see what its like I know I can do it. My current class has taught me how to motivate myself instead of putting myself down. I am full of self motivation to become a succesful student and I never couldve gotten that with out that class. College provides me a one way ticket to my dream career which is to become a journalist. If I give up college I give up my dream and I cant let that happen. College gives you so many opportunities and access to things that people who dont go to school dont have. I would advise anyone its never too late to go to school and take advantage of all these great opportunities.

I have learned so much out of my college experience. I have learned so many things about art, design, careers, people, and communication. I did not know much about art methods or techniques before attending this school, but I knew that I loved art and wanted to learn more. The teachers as well as fellow students are very knowlegdeable and informative. They share everything they know and listen to what I have to say and learn from me as well. I have learned how to use many up to date software and equipment through this school. My school has been valuable to attend because I feel that I have learned things here that I may not have learned anywhere else. The teachers here really care about the students and bettering students' skills and techniques. They really push students to do their best and involve them in a lot of presentations to ready them for when they have to present their work to firms and clients. This school prepares students for a successful future and I feel that I have a great future ahead of me thanks to this school.

If i could go back in time to give advice on the process of getting into college I'd tell myself to just relax and get your work done! To start looking at scholarships and finance even if you don't want to because it's going to bite you in the end. After a semester in Columbus I have worked harder than I ever had in any other school year and it feels good. Don't doubt yourself and your art work because your a great artist and while you still have much to learn, you have much better start than half the people here. Also, everything you thought college would be is true! The people here are so much more understanding and you actually have friends now, a lot of them! Basically just be patient and hold out till the time comes in August because this is where your life really begins to unfold.

If I could go back in time to my senior year of high school I would have so much to tell myself. First of all it is always best to plan ahead and really figure things out before jumping into something. Also living situations will effect every aspect of your life as a college student. I would advise myself to save up as much money as possible and to be ready to truly focus on myself and my goals. I have learned so much these past two years that if I knew then what I know now, my entire life would be different. I would tell myself to stay focused and really figure out what I am interested in going into as well as suggesting thinking conceptually.

Keep up your grades and persue your dream wholehardedly. Do not accept rejection as the final answer. A window will come open when doors are closed.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to forget everything I thought I knew about college. The path ahead will be really, really hard, not at all like high school. I would also have to mention that leaving my annoying brothers and sisters behind will not be as easy as I think, I will miss them and worry about them every once in a while. Leaving behind everything you've ever known will make me sad, no matter how much I want to be "all grown-up." However, as I watch my work develop and become better than before, I will see that it will be worth it. So I'll tell myself to keep my head up, be strong, and no matter what anyone tells me, believe that I can make it.

I would tell myself not to listen to one of my high school teachers. In high school, I had not yet been diagnosed with my sleeping disorder, but I had it. My teacher told me the Columbus College of Art and Design would be too hard and that I would fail. I wish I could tell myself that even though I have a weakness I am stronger than people, including myself, think. Chances are my teacher only said that because if she were in my shoes she would have failed out of CCAD.

"Make the best of your campus experience! You get out of college what you put into college. Enjoy all the social programs provided. That will be the only time you can eat, learn, go on full paid retreats, and network for FREE , so enjoy it while it last. NEVER take for granted the amount of work the professors give you. Enter not only the class with and open mind and a willingness to learn but also on campus. Whenever ther is an opportunity to network, DO IT. You will learn how to sell your work,and how to present it condfidently! Every chance you get, make sure your being a helping hand to someone else who is struggling. Take advantage of all the volunteer opportunities, you will learn something! If you have an idea of how to better the campus, talk to the student services, you can make a change! Enjoy being unique and different, enjoy being you!"

If given the opportunity to go back and speak to myself as a senior in high school, I would decline the offer. Everything I learned about college was learned through experiences, both good and bad. Why would I deny myself the chance to learn from experiences that I treasure? I knew what to expect in high school as far as college goes, and I knew that it was going to be a big new world for me. I would not take the chance of speaking to myself in the past and ruining all of the experience up front. What's college life without learning from new experiences and friends?

Keep up the good work and focused on what you really like always.

I feel that the greatest part about the college experience thus far was observing and learning everything for myself. Before I entered college, I wasn't scared at all. I knew that my workload was going to be heavy and I knew that what was expected of me as an artist was going to be much more than what I had at the present moment. However, I embraced it and took it as a challenge. Honestly, if I could go back and talk to myself as a senior, I don't think I would say anything at all. Most of what made this experience great was learning everything for myself, and not having anyone to tell me exactly what was going to happen at CCAD was part of what made going to this school amazing. Back then, i didn't worry at all about how I was going to do in school because I had confidence in myself as an artist, and still do to this day. If I were to go back and speak to myself, I doubt if I would set up my past self to have the same experience I did.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to be prepared to work as hard as possible, and start learning now, how to take care of time management. Don't be afraid of the competition, keep your head up, and feed off everybody's creative ideas, because that is the best way to make your work better.

I think I would tell myself to be less nervous. School is much more of what I wanted than I could ever have thought that it would be.

Make lots of friends. Do at least part of your homework the day you get it. Join at least 1 club. And have fun.

Finding the right college is really about the feel and emotional quality of the campus and environment. After selecting the college with the right academic requirements based on a particular area of study, students must narrow down the choices by visiting the colleges and getting the know the city/town. Of course the facilities and attributes of the college are important to the decision, however once students have a shortened list of colleges that meet these requirements, the ultimate decision should be based on how comfortable the student feels in the environment. Often times, education and the amount a student can gain from academics is based on the willingness to learn and hard work of the student themselves, however it is not always possible for the student to gain the right social and environmental experience with hard working attributes. Following the visit to the colleges and the evaluation of the envrionment, the student should consider the mission of the schools. It is crucial to match the aspirations, goals and various needs of the students with the similar and perfect school.

Find a college that not only matches your career interests but matches you as a person. Look for campuses that are diverse yet concentrate, well organized and professional, and have your well being in mind. Money is, in the end, not the issue with choosing a college. If you have a strong work ethic and passion for the field you're in, money will eventually come to you. The worst thing you can do is pick a college purely on cost. Most importantly, avoid colleges where work and healthy social living can easily be compromised. There is nothing worse than wasting your college experience partying and drinking. There are more joys to life than skirting responisibility.

Visit as many schools that you are interested in. A campus tour and talking with current students can help in your selection of a college.

No matter what, remember what your dreams are. You can go to just about any school in the world, but there are only a few that can lead you in a direction that will help you achieve your original goal. While you are in school, remind yourself why you are there, and know that in the end it is worth the hard work. Education is the gateway to success, and college can only make you stronger. Choose a school known for it's tough course load. This will make you smarter and a harder worker. Even if you didn't do well in high school, college is an opportunity to start off on the right foot. Take this gift and use it to it's fullest.

Find something that your talented in and that you love doing and go for that. I love to sew and am into fashion so CCAD is a good school for me because I love all of my classes and am interested in what I am learning. You have to love what you do.

A few words for future college students, Strive for the education; try not to get hung up on things that would prevent you from choosing your dream school. At first I didn't want to attend my college because it was too far from home and I wouldn't be where my family and friends were. After visiting the campus and doing my research, I decided to go anyways. I can't imagine myself anywhere else now. I eventually made new, closer friends and started a chapter in my life where I'm more comfortable here than I was in my hometown. Although it may be hard to choose, thoroughly research your career field to quickly decide what you'd like to be when you grow up. It will benefit you educationally and financially to do so since you won't be shelling out time and money for extraneous semesters if you change your mind. You will learn more from upperclassmen courses with professors that are in the field, so be sure to take classes that will benefit your future (college and career); resist the temptation of the "easy" and "fun" courses your friends might be taking.

My advice that I would give to people is to figure out what you truly want to do with your life. I would encourage them not to settle for a boring profession just because it is safe. I chose art because it is the only thing I want to do for the rest of my life. Other advice that I would give is to thoroughly explore your options. One must pick a school that has a good staff, good facilities, and a good program. That is why it is important to have a good ideas as to what you want to do. I think that once someone enters school, they should stay social. I know many people who are suffering from depression because they do not have a support system of people. Also, it is important to make the most out of the facilities and clubs, they are a great way to spend time on campus. But above all, you need to stay focused on school work, because everything else is secondary. Make the most out of your money!