Cornish College of the Arts Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Jamaud

I would tell myself, "Be aggressive!" Stop being that pansy little boy you are now! Rip your shirt off, punch the wall, spit in your own eyes. The world will sweep you under the rug if you don't let it know that you will cause fissures if you don't get your way. Its OK, to be a little passive at times, like when handling children, but when you have to get something don't wait. Don't starve. Go get it. Punch the coffee machine in it's face if you have too. Just go. And you might feel bad about it afterward, but don't say sorry. Don't ever go back on what you say. Unless, you do something ridiculous like break the coffee machine. But ultimately, don't forget yourself. Other people will do what is in their best interest, so stop worrying about them. When you wake up, eat something, if someone else is starving, that's their problem. Learn to put your foot down, and be aggressive.

Marco

Within my first year of college I have learned one thing that I believe can be universally applied. Find something that you believe in; that you care about! It is easy to become apathetic within our public school systems. Knowledge can seem to become stale and meaningless within the confines of a high school curriculum. However, if one strives to find passion then all the "busy work" that may seem redundant simply becomes an essential obstacle to an extensively more valuable outcome. Self-reflect; look at what you love in your own life and why you love it. If you can do this, if you can find even the shimmer of a path you might take in the upcoming years that gives you reason to strive; your self-motivation will explode, I promise! By the time my high school graduation came I had become an accomplished procrastination veteran. However, I wasn't reaching my potential. I have found passion in the work I do not only because I love it but also because I find it to have meaning in our world and civilization. I am doing the best work I have ever done because of this, I love it!

daniel

If I could go back, I would tell myself to start early, and don't be afraid to ask questions. The more time you have applying and researching colleges, the better. Research colleges over the summer after Junior year, and know roughly where you want to go by the start of Senior year. Have your applications done by Christmas break. If, like me, you have no idea where you want to go, or even how to find out where you would want to go, ask as many people as possible. Ask them where they went to college, what they thought of it, and where they think you should go. Think about what you want out of a college, things like where you want to be, how many students you want to be around, and of course what you want to study. If you're really stuck at the beginning, just thinking about what kind of weather you want to live around can get you going. Your teachers and family are there to help you. Don't be afraid to use them.

Rebecca

If you told me at the beginning of my senior year that I would move to Seattle and attend one of three art schools in the country that have both visual and performing arts programs, I would not have believed you. Despite every life-defining moment that happened over the past year and a half, if I could go back and give myself advice, I would not forewarn what was to come. Instead I would tell myself to trust God that He would help me come into who I was meant to be, and lead me down a path that, if I fought for it, set me in the direction of my dreams made real. I would encourage myself to always speak and live with passion, particularly when talking about any of my artwork or my future career as a production designer. Also, to prevent the kind of shock I experienced this past November, I would hint that when people say it is dark in Seattle, they are not only referring to the rain and clouds, but also that the northward location of city means that the sun sets around four o’clock in the winter months.

Rachel

I would tell my senior-self to explore more and think less of the future and more of the present. Its hard to do that at a time when you have to make these life changing decisions- however if i've learned anything in college is that nothing is permanent. The world is vast and changing constantly and so will you. I would tell myself to spend more time with friends and family, to take trips (even small ones),save money because it will run out and you will panic and regret buying stickers at the dollar store or that burrito. Take classes in things you want to understand more and if you can't do that take the time to learn the skills and things you want to learn on your own. Go abroad and learn about how other people live. Do what makes you happy not what you think will make you happy or what will please anyone else. Don't plan your future but live until you get there and take time to love the people around you or the ones back home. Everything will work out, and so many things will change. Its ok.

marcie

Don't waste time. Don't even waste one minute. Stay focused on attaining the highest good, and ask for guidance from the divine source. Meditate on this and you will recieve assistance. Of course you have to work hard, that is implied, but these things are overlooke, and when combined with work-ethic, this will relieve anxiety and bring you to your goal faster.

Chantael

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to apply for every scholarship possible and to never give up on my dreams. I would tell myself to never doubt what I'm passionate about and to know that if you give everything 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} that you'll be successfull, regardless of whether your major in college is dance or business.

Ethan

If I could go back and talk to myself at the end of senior year of my high school experience, I would have told myself to apply for more scholarships and work harder overall. By senior year I had already gotten everything I was going to get out of the high school theater learning experience. I would have told myself to prepare for being surrounded by theater all day every day. Going to high school is much different from attending a full time college. The work load is alot more but Iit feels much more rewarding to finish it all.

Teri

The education you get now will set the tone for the rest of your life, so don't just see it as an extension of high school - it's much more. College will expand your mind in a way that high school never could. And don't listen to people who tell you the purpose of a college education is to get a better job. While it's true that making more money will allow you to lead a better life, you don't want to spend your life toiling in a career you hate. If you do what you love, the money will follow. It would be hypocritical of me to say don't party and don't waste your time mooning over guys, but just remember that having fun now is not as important in the long run as getting your education. On the other hand, you don't want to be a bore, either. This is a chance to make friends for life - and not just friends, but collaborators, potential colleagues, and a network of people who will help you get where you want to be in life. Have fun, but always remember: your education comes first.

Rebecca

I would tell myself to save up for college and not spend my money on things I wasn't going to use. Along the same lines, I would say to apply for more scholarships and start a conversation with the financial aid office at Cornish before I started attending classes there. I would also tell myself to be open to new experiences, and at the same time make sure you stick to your values. It's okay if you make mistakes every once in a while, because the people you meet here will love you and support you no matter what. Don't be afraid to take chances. Dare to suck! It seems like a simple enough motto, but it can be a terrifying one to follow if you don't prepare yourself mentally for the work we do here.

Amanda

I would look myself in the eye and say "don't be afraid to speak up". In high school I was extremely quiet. And I feel that after attending college and making friends and opening up to people I feel that I could have learned a lot more and helped more people if only I had spoken up in high school. Also I would tell myself "don't be afraid to live your dream". Since I was so silent in high school I never got the chance to do everything I wanted to do because I was afraid of what people would say or of getting rejected. But now in college I know, that to live my dream as a theater major, I have to be a theater major. Finally I would tell myself that life can be frustrating, and tuff, but you always have great friends and a support system to get you through it. Never feel like your alone.

Kathleen

I came into Cornish knowing that i had this dream of being a set designer. I had no previous experience, came here and learned so much that has even helped me in my everyday life today. In my field they have taught me pratical things and have put them to the test immediatly by being put on crews and doing class projects. Today i am paying for my experience knowing that one day i will be paid for my experience. Cornish is valuable to attend because it is a hands on school. For people who learn like this, for example most artist, it is a great experience to be immersed in their art and every other art as well. Learning not only what their department has to offer but what every department has to offer.

Elise

Since the age of fifteen, I have been attending college as a full-time student. In Washington State, where I live and attend school, there is program called Running Start. This program allows highschool Juniors and Seniors to attend a community college with tuition paid in full as long as you qualify academically. I've never been so greatful for such an experience. Being homeschooled my entire academic life, and shifting into something so public as community college was an eye-openning experience for me. I knew exactly what I wanted; and that was what I called, "the full college experience". To me, this meant not only going to class, but also, checking out all of the sports teams, participating in clubs and events, runnning for student leadership groups or positions, attending an actual graduation ceremony, among many other activities. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to do everything on my list. When I graduated with my Associate's Degree at seventeen, I was rather unsatisfied with my attempt. I promised my self that when I went to my four year school I would do everything on that list. So far I've been pleased with efforts.

Erin

I have been able to validate my passion by actively seeking a better program that will supplement my life after college. After transferring to Cornish, I have access to incredible professors/mentors and inspirational peers who are helping to shape me into a capable and competitive artist. The reason I chose to attend college instead of going straight to the theater industry and auditioning right out of high school was to build a network of artists who will advise, support and connect me with people in the entertainment industry. I am also able to back up my work with a degree, which will make me marketable in other circuits such as community outreach and education. The value in my degree also symbolizes a great medal of honor and pride for my family, my community, and my future children. Nothing worth having, in my eyes, is merely given; you must work and build up a support group to help you when necessary. College is my preliminary work. It is the true test of my dedication and a testament of my passion. The value of a college education, for me, exceeds the lines of text above; it is absolutely invaluable.

Amy

College thus far has given me the chance to grow into my own person and expand my artistic voice and broaden my horizons. I have been able to see my artistic skills already improve within these three years. Working around other creative people and in an environment that is there to support your artistic voice and growth, really has helped me grow as an artist and a person. Also being around other people with different artistic mindsets has broadened my horizons. I have attended more plays, ballets, and concerts within these three years, then ever before. By attending these things I have been able to experience an extreme amount of culture and all the possibilities the world has to offer. With my College only offering different courses in different art forms, is a great place to be because all of the students going there have a good idea of what they want to do, so this allows a sense of everyone being responsible about why they are going to school.

Janie

I believe that a college education is the most valuable thing that a person can obtain. In this day of age someone cannot be fully successful without a degree. I feel blessed that I have been able to attend 2 years of Jr. College and look forward to furthering my education at a University and then afterwards at Medical School. I fully take advantage of my good fortune and attend all of my classes daily. To me it is so amazing to learn something in class, and then later use it in a real life setting. Biology/Pre Med is a great major and really relates to day to day activities. Whether it is something as simple as a plant or as advanced as cancer cells everything that I learn in the classroom will be used later. Attending college provides so many opportunities for graduates over someone who did not get a higher education. It may be a difficult process to complete; but in the end with degree in hand, I am sure that I will realize how all of my hard work and effort I put in for many years will be worth it.

Annsofie

College has given me it's worste. It's pulled at my seams, thrown me for a loop, and pulled the rug out from under my feet. All of it, however, has been worth it. The insurmountable stress and anxiety has forced me to make some very positive changes. First and foremost, I've learned to listen to my inner self, and honor what it tells me. College is all about self discovery and self improvment, and without that crucial sense of "self", neither would be possible. "Self" does not mean what's popular, what's normal, or what's easiest. It's taken me my first semester at Cornish Colleges of the Arts to fully appretiate that phrase. As an artist living on my own, a firm belief in my self is the strongest resource I've got. Being independent isn't so scary anymore because college has taught me to trust myself. I can do it, and I believe that.

Sophie

My school is a really vibrant artistic community. I am only a small part of a larger varied group of artists. It is a really great feeling to walk down the halls, looking at the walls of paintings, hearing the distant sound of piano practice as a group of actors practice for an audition. It's a little loud and a little hectic, but it is inspiring to see others work while I work on my own. My department can be pretty demanding, often requiring 30 hours of classtime, 20+ hours of outside work on upcoming productions, and at least 3 hours of homework a night, but my feild is a demanding one and I think any with any less work I would not have learned as much as I have. They push us hard, and it is not an easy program but it's what I love. I wouldn't have been able to learn this, and still have a larger community of artists surrounding me.

Andrea

Cornish College of the Arts is well worth its expenisve price tag because, it has not only taught me valuable information about my future job but about myself as well. Cornish has made me a more responsible and creative artist and person. The staff pushes students to their maximum and provides them with valuable knowledge as well as job networking. The campus is vibrant and full of diverse people that inspire me and I know that I will be well prepared to enter the job field with my education from Cornish College of the Arts!

Teri

My art has changed and improved dramatically after just one semester at Cornish. In addition to learning to think more conceptually and to produce professional caliber work, I've begun to better understand the deeper purpose of art, which is to lead the evolution of human consciousness. Artists have always been on the forefront of new thought in any culture, and fine art schools like Cornish take the lead in educating artists to think deeply and broadly. Art can influence human culture in many positive ways. It can shock or cajole, or gently remind us of things that need to change. It can show us the other side of the coin, so to speak, and make us consider things we hadn't thought of before. Cornish has helped me to understand my place in the world as an artist and to realize the valuable contributions I can make toward a better world through my art. My confidence in my art has grown tremendously, yet the hard work and rigorous critiques that are a daily part of life at Cornish have kept me humble and nonegotistical. In short, Cornish is my path to becoming a true artist.

Monika

I'm now in my third year of college and I'm now able to see the changes that will help me with my future. I remember my second year was hard and I was starting to feel down about my progress and starting to sort of hate school a little. But this new year being a junior has brought me back to why I love the theatre and why I'm at school right now instead of running off after high school to be a movie star. I can say I'm finally out of my box that I have been in for a long time and it feels good. I have finally found the real me and Cornish and it's teachers have helped me find it, unleash it. This feeling that I feel this semester is almost unwritable, it's a feeling that warms me and makes me see that whatever character I get or play I'm cast in, there's always a part of it that I can relate to and have fun with. It's not just work or classes to get good grades in, it's my life, my fun, and my future.

Jerami

College, is an educational experience that everyone should get to enjoy or try out. I have discovered so much more about myself than I ever would if I didn't attend a school. Through college you are able to discover a career path you would like to take and run with it. While you are deciding your career you meeting and getting to know so many new and beautiful people that you never would have. I am constantly surprised by how many new people I get to know and how much we are a like. In college almost everyone is striving for the same thing which is a degree. College isn't just about the degree though, it's about the experiences and the discovery of self. The self you would like to be. The self that you weren't allowed to be because of high school. In college you can be whoever you want and no matter what it's right.

Tori

Cornish has given me confidence within presenting my personal works and school works. Also, the building of my portfolio for the working world has grown and has become stronger in voice. I have always been dependable and hardworking and Cornish fosters these ways of working, whether in school life or employment. I feel that I am receiving the support I need to be successful after graduation.

Niambi

So far my college experience has consited of a tour and registration. Both of these events were beneficial to me. Cornish administration is open, helpfull, and organized. The students are passionate and driven, which in turn inspires for me to do the same and strive for the best. I have already felt comfortable in the environment which will make it easy to adjust to college life. Everything about Cornish cultivates an intense and productive learning environment.

Aubrey

I have gotten so much from the college I am attending now. I have professors who have excelled in their field of studies and are here to help me reach my personal best as a dancer as well, this is able to happen with everyone who attends this college because the class sizes are so small. The school is very demanding and teaches you discipline fast, as well as how to balance out your life so you too can stay sane. Cornish does a great job at setting you up for your future, they are always letting you know what job opportunities are available and Cornish College of the Arts stands out on anyones r?sum?. I have personally learned more than I imagined attending this school for the first year, and it has been amazing to see my self grow and take bigger steps than I have anticipated to do. Now I can only keep on dreaming and growing as I keep on returning to Cornish in the later years, I am finally reaching for my dreams, and I am loving it.

Allison

The one thing I wish that I could say to myself as a higschool senior is to not be afraid of going for what you love. As being a transfer student to Cornish College of the Arts I have deffinetly discovered that you can't let anxiety and fear get in the way of your passion. That is what I would pass to myself, that in the end sometimes the practical option won't always make you happy and in the end enjoying what you do everyday is the most important thing in the world. I would want to pass on to myself that college is somewhere that you can't hide yourself from people because in the end you will regret your experiences. College is somewhere in which you can't be afraid to be silly, outrageous, and jump out of your shell. I would implore myself that grades are just as important as always, but being outgoing and taking chances in class and in life are just as important, because in the end college can help make you a stronger more independent person if your willing to let yourself just be yourself.

Dustin

Stay dedicated to your beliefs and dreams. By staying in school and banking your money you will be able to achieve your goals. It is easy for a high school student to not realize how quickly life will change once you have graduated from high school. It is not easy in the economy to obtain employment where you can realize your dreams and achievements. By staying in school the assistance you receive there will help you to acutally realize your potential as a productive member of society.

Madalena

Just be yourself, stay focused, and work hard. In doing so you will make great friends and share good times. Also the dorms do not have ovens so figure out now how to bake without one.

Caitlin

Take a year off. Doing so will help you to appreciate learning so much more. Go out and get a part time job, make some cash, save some cash, and just learn about how living in the world works. Try to experience as much as possible and figure out what you are into and what classes you want to take. Go back to school. Even though you were off and having fun for awhile, go back, you will need it, and like it more than you realise. Chances are that in the end you will find a job you like that can support you, which is not terribly likely without further schooling.

Katherine

In my senior year of high school, I was extremely busy pursuing high school music activities. I felt that rather than taking on the college application process, I would go to a community college until I knew what I wanted to do. This turned out to be a poor decision, because rather than planning for my future, I took the easy way out. After a quarter of community college, I knew it was not the place for me. I then tried a university as a non-matriculated student, but it was too big and overwhelming. Finally, someone suggested I try Cornish. Determined not to repeat my earlier experiences, I took my time researching the school: visiting the campus, attending a summer seminar, and meeting the heads of the Music Department. The more I learned about Cornish, the more I felt it was a good fit. If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to make a plan and research colleges. If I had focused on finding a school that suited me, instead of just assuming my first option was a good one, I would have saved myself a lot of time and frustration.

Lucy

To be open to new experiences and situations. To Keep in mind that whatever you learn is not written in stone for the future but rather a stepping stone for the future. just because you study biology doesn't mean that your going to be a doctor. It means you have an interest in the sciences and the human body. Maybe someday that will make you a better sculptur or painter. I think keeping in mind that learning is something you will do your whole life. We all change and mold ourselves through learning and experiencing new things. This is what helps form our interests and helps us grow as human beings. Keep your ears and eyes open. See, listen, experience, keep.

alana

Be wiling to open to a thought that let's you know that you are in your right place, right time , every moment. Listen first with your heart, get a fairly clear picture of what you are passionate about and make sure it is 'your' hearts desire that brings you to college, not someone else's ( i.e parents, need to make the bucks, peer group etc.) Make this your first responsibility. When you are in a field you are passionate about, learning is much more available to you. It is not so much a chore but a positive challenge. Next , learn to r relax without the aid of alcohol or drugs, they quickly can become addictive and that makes the progress much more difficult. Learn techniques that will allow you to flow with the ups and downs of college life. Meditation, yoga, music, excercise whatever helps you to achieve your centered-ness and helps to keep body healthy and happy . Balance then is key. Heart, mind, body connected; not one more important than the other. College is a place to focus on learning but it doesn't stop there as the old addage goes " A garden is never finished"

Jeremy

You need to save money because not everything is going to be given to you. Get a couple of jobs and work through the summer and that year off you're going to take so you can pay for rent, when it comes time to actually pay for rent. Trust that you can't trust anything and enjoy Seattle.