Maryland Institute College of Art Top Questions

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

Sarah

The transition itself is easy, I probably would tell myself to be less harsh on your initial opinion of people because people you started out hating turned out to be really good friends.

David

I would give myself the advice to have an open mind. I was very skeptical when coming into college and I wouldnt try certain things or would not experiement with my art. I would tell myself to let myself experiement. I have seen myself grow a lot through college but I would have liked to see myself grow in other ways.

Christopher

I would advise myself to not go any expecting anything specific, and to maintain a great deal of flexibility. I would tell myself how you get back what you put in during the first semesters, and because of this, it is very vital to work as hard as you can and manage your time as effieciently as possible.

Nguyen

Do not worry too much about getting perfect grades. While grades are important, remember to have fun and see your friends because that will keep your humanity. Also, give more time to your artwork so that you don't have to continuouslly feel like you're catching up to everyone else. Continue working hard and push your limits because it'll all be so worth it in the end.

Brandon

First of all, I would tell myself get rid of the spirit of procrastination. Procrastination will become your demise in college if you do not get it under control in the first two weeks. Secondly, I would tell myself listen to your mom, write more. I would have taken an additional writing classes, this would have prevented me from spending many hours in the writing center now. I would have ask my English teacher are we going to write any essays or term papers this year? I would tell myself I am proud I learn what it is to burn the midnight oil and to have a quality work ethic. This comes in handy now when I am tired and the Baltimore winds are whipping around my head. Lastly, I would tell myself, I am proud of my accomplishments, but those are in the past. Brandon work hard continue to build your future.

Darrell

College is an experience that is made to challenge you, to change you, to grow you. The challenges are grueling, and you will want to give up. Don’t. There is no formula for how to survive the journey, especially if you are a first generation college student. You are on your own. No one is there to tell you what to do, to fix your mess, or stroke your ego. Never lose focus. Remember the goal: get your degree. College comes with distractions: parties, relationships, peer pressure, and exhaustion. With each distraction you give a bit of yourself. You begin to Change. You may lose sight of who you were and not recognize yourself in the mirror. So go to college with a plan. If you don't have one, get one. With a plan and your vision, you will Grow. You are investing in yourself. College cost is real, so the investment should be, too. Whether or not you learn, grow, or changing for the better, the student loans don't disappear. The debt is real. Don't play with your life. Become active in shaping your future. This will Change you, Grow you, and Save your life.

Raven

Hey, Raven! Yes, it's me -- I mean, it's you, technically. OK, calm down I'm just here to tell you about college. I know it seems far away but it's not and you need to be prepared. First, get used to working hard. Art school takes a lot more effort than high school. That includes not procrastinating! I know, you think it's fine, but shaking that bad habit is going to be really hard one day. Second, spend time making a lot of art. Everyone at your school is going to be really amazing and you should be too! I would also recommend painting more and learning how to use color - trust me, you'll thank me later. Third, enjoy your high school friendships and the time you'll all spend together. If you can deepen those bonds, you will still be there for each other even when you leave for college. That's going to be really important to you soon. As an aside, you should also get used to carrying a lot of heavy art supplies with you everywhere. You'll be doing a lot of that in the near future.

Wenika

If I could go back and time, I would tell myself to work harder and dont delay going to college. I would want myself to know that the longer you wait the harder it is to grasp the things now me being 29 then when I was 17 or 18. I would also tell myself that when I get to college to work really hard and read and study every night, because college is no joke. I would want my younger self to know that although I'm saying it is hard it will be worth it in the end to have a college degree and have your pick of jobs. IThe very last thing I would tell myself would be never give no matter how many things are standing in your way.

Albany

I would tell myself to push myself harder throughout highschool, and go out and apply for more scholarships while I still had the chance.

Nancy

If I were to become a High School senior once again, I would make sure to try my best in the English 12 class. And I would definitely encourage myself to retake a class that could have probably lead me straight to a four year University. I regret not being able to transition from High School to a four-year university, but I still have this great educational opportunity, which I am of course going to take advantage of.

Precious

Relax and take a deep breath. Everything is going to be okay. College is full of stress, drama, and definitely sleep deficiency, but you cannot let that get in the way of your goals in life. You were accepted to this fabulous instituiton for a reason, and you have to keep your head up high. There may be hard times, but there will always be good times to keep you going. Those good times will be full of friends, bonding and great learning experiences. These moments are what make the college journey worthwhile. If you can remember that everyday, you are sure to reach and exceed your goals.

Allison

I have learned a lot about the importance of dedication and determination since high school. I worked hard in high-school, but there were times when I lost focus or truly didn't understand the importance of good grades. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to never settle for average. I would encourage myself to work harder in school and focus more on the important things. I would tell that girl not to let anyone or anything get in the way of her hopes and dreams. Education is the only thing that no one can take from you. Therefore, I would encourage her to stay focused on her dreams and to never lose sight of the important things in life. I know now that settling for "okay" or average can haunt you for the rest of your life. So, strive to be the BEST! Strive for excellence and start finding out about college sooner because it will be here in the blink of an eye. Then, you will be forced into the real world and will have to take it seriously. Strive to be the best you can be at all costs.

Shamal

I would have told myself to have done more research about the universities and opportunities available at MICA university. I would have told myself to focus and concentrate more on my artwork and grades.

Stella

I am only a freshmen; only a semester and half through college. Some people may say this as a short time, whereas other people may say this as a very long time. For me, this time was very short compare to how many things happened and how many things I had to learn. I don't think I was ever aware of knowing that time could pass by so fast; faster than any other time before. I was so caught up with the new environment, new teachers, friends, and new ways of sustaining myself that I didn't take the time to really sit down and reflect on where I am, what I am doing here, and what I will be doing in the near future here as an undergrad. Even now, my memories of first sememster are a blur. If I had known, I would have told myself to take things one at a time. There was no reason to rush through things, worrying that if I don't get things now, I won't get things later, because nothing is going to run away from me. They will be here, for the next 3.5 years.

Rayne

Dear me, You may nto understand most of the tihings that I am about to tell you right now, but I want you to listen. I assure you that in due time evrything will make sence. The first thing you must know is its okay. That's correct. Its okay to cry. It's okay to laugh. It's okay to be yourself. Thers a big world outside of the four walls you hae spent these past years in. Next: the choices you make today will affect your future, but you will have no rerets so long as those choices are yours to learn from. Finally: choose your own path. If you do not one will be chosen for you and you will go through life being a character in someone else's story. By now I'm sure you're thinking that this seems complicated. Choices, paths, and you have college to worry about now, but trust me when I say hang onto this advice. It could mean the difference betwee being somebody and being no one at all. The future you Rayne

jonah

i would tell myself to stay in school and work and go home and then do it again until i can get more experience and so on

Laura

Dear High School Laura, I know right now things are hard on you. Your friends have abandoned you, and you have to move out of your childhood home because your dad no longer wants to pay for the mortgage. And not only that, but your brother blames you for the whole thing, which I know isn't great for your already low self esteem. But fear not, oh marvelous younger self. We took the time off from school to discover what we wanted to do when we "grew up", and we meet our future husband soon. (He's a real keeper!) We enroll in community college, where we make really great friends who support us. One of our best friends is from this college. We graduate from this college with a 4.0 GPA and are accepted into our dream school where we study art. So right now everything seems really, really crappy and it sort of is. But it does get better. A lot better. Granted there are times I wish we had enrolled in community college sooner, but if we had we would not have had the maturity to want to excel and do the best we can.

Elisabeth

Enjoy every moment and expierence you can. Everything is a learning expierence. Although you could afford your dream school, you are still a talented passionate artist. It doesn;t matter where you go to school, as long as you keep an open mind about classes, people, and opportunities.

Ya Han

Dear high school me, College will be a completely new and exciting experience for you. The freedom and ability to manage your own time without having parents to decide what you should be doing. In order to make the right decision for college, you need to know what is the one thing you love to do and will be willing to spend all your energy on. College is all about self-learning and self-improvement. Professors are there to guide you, they are not there to teach you everything you want to know. So take time to think about that one thing that you are passionate about, because then you will be able to expand that energy to help you create a wonderful learning experience in what you want to do in the future. Last but not least, enjoy the last year in high school and really appreciate the close friends you have made during these four years. You have no idea how much you will miss your friends once everyone leave for college. Good luck and have fun! You will do great. Sincerely, Freshman me.

David

I was extremely involved in my education. Maintaining good grades and a passion for art, that, sometimes I would have second thoughts about the kind of degree I believed was acceptable and practical in school. As a student at a magnet school, for Visual Arts, I was tested on the two disciplines that I often times did not believe would coincide. At the Maryland Institute I am part of a dual degree program for fine art and art education, granting me a bachelors and masters degree in five years time. Sometimes in life we listen to our doubts more than we do our passions and its doubt that, sometimes, derails someone from being on the right track to success. If I could talk to myself as a high school senior today I would tell my younger self that it’s okay to have reasonable doubt. That it’s okay to be scared and excited at the same time! But to hold fast to your dreams and never let anyone steal your joy for what you love in life.

Laura

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to do what would make me happy. Unfortunately, I allowed outside influences to sway what I really wanted. I think back and I allowed others to have to much say on where I went to school, what field of study to go into and sadly stayed local due to a boyfriend at that time. Going back in time, I would not only tell myself this but many of the young ladies I went to school with would be encouraged to do the same. I look around at my friends now and we are not where we hoped to be in our lives. We love our children and spouse however career wise not so much. I would also tell myself to be more involved in activities outside of school. Helping someone in need of a wheel chair ramp was much more satisfing than I could have ever imagined. As young adults we let those moments slip by.

William

Apply for scholerships erly, work hard.

Shoshanah

My greatest advice is to take a step back and breathe. You may not have the exprience as many other of the students (going to an art school previously, tutors, lessons, etc.) but you do exceptionally well. I over-worked myself and the stress levels rose as I felt I woudln't be good enough, or I wouldn't get accepted. Sometimes, it is needed to just sit back and relax, the journey is not as hard as you thought it woudl be. You overcome your obstacles, as you are known for doing. I woudl also push myself to look for more school funding. WHat little I could find did not cover much of the cost of my school. With a little more push, maybe I could have saved myself the stress and gotten a little more funding available.

Terrance

Learn and maintain good study habits. Do not procrastinate. Associate with like minded positive people. Stick to all goals and follow through. When appropriate learn to relax and treat oneself Prepare to take tests by studying not at the last possible times Make sure your well rested and alert. Find school support systems ,peers, teachers,etc.

Kathryn

Kate, do not call home every other day. Go to aikido, spend extra time double checking things, and speak up when your roommates get out of control. You can do this, but it's going to be very, very hard.

Jane

I pull a chair up next to a girl who keeps her head buried in a sketchbook to ignore the fact that she's losing confidence in herself. I remember the days when I practially lived here and right now she does the same. She takes lunch in this room everyday and waits fifteen minutes for her friends, few as they are, to make it through the lunch line. She sits in silence and she watches the room that made her who she is, with its towering piles of paper and lumber, all manner of pencil and paintbrush to create with. She knows this is what she is, can feel it in her blood. The passion scares her because no high schooler should know what they want out of the rest of their life. But she does. I put a hand on her shoulder and draw her into a hug. "Don't be scared out of what will make you happy by the price tag connected to it. There are people out there who understand you and you owe it to yourself to find them. Be passionate and unafraid." And she is.

Valerie

I had no idea what an art school was like because I grew up in a college town with a huge "football" university. I did not really pay much attention to how good my art was compared to my peers, I did not study art history, and I definitely did not work hard on my portfolio, which I sincerely regret. If I had known what the environment of MICA was before I had even began my senior year, I would have put so much more time and effort into every painting, drawing, sculpture, etc that I created so that I could be a better artist and a better thinker. When I came to MICA, I felt so overwhelmed and helpless because I did not know what almost every other student had already learned and was practicing. Also, I have lived alone off campus, though my apartment is only three blocks from MICA, and I wish I had been able to at least have my first semester, if not year, on campus so I could better learn about the environment and be a little more social. But I became acquainted and more involved in the second semester here.

Sophia

As a college freshman, if I were to offer words of transitional advice to my previous high school-senior self, I would say: "Sophia, you made the right choice. Deferring your college admission by one year was the best way you could have ever helped yourself." High school was hard for me because I lacked one key element that most kids my age were missing: responsibility. During that year off, I educated myself in a way that proved to be more valuable than an ordinary education. I received a minuscule taste of the "real world" by working three different jobs. Each required all of my energy and complete dedication. By embracing responsibility, my own personal virtue concerning work ethic emerged. From this I learned hard work does eventually pay off. Responsibility is the utmost important foundation quality to develop because without responsibility you can't do anything valuable. From this, I did something valuable. I made Dean's List my freshman year because I am a responsible, hard working art student. I have a dream to be somebody great in this world and it's my job to protect it no matter what.

Emily

Knowing what I do now about college life, I would advise myself not to be so nervous about making the transition and being so far away from home.

robert

College will be a huge step into getting your dream job. I know you are excited and scared at the same time, because your are gonna the be the first in your family to go to college. It's okay to have these feeling because everyone has these feelings when you are headed to college for the first time. Believe in yourself that you can be successful, and don't forget that you want to set a good example for your younger brother. College will be different from high school. You will have to study more. Trust me that studying for your classes pays off. You will make alot of new friends while you are in college, but don't forget that studies come first. Make a dailey schedule to balance your time. Your road to becoming a high school guidance counselor is just begining. Make your goal to get a bachelors degree in psychology, then go higher then that and go get a masterss degree in psychology You will face many challenges when your become a college student, but I know you can overcome these challenges. Good luck and don't what motivates you to graduate from college.

Emily

Be prepared for anything. That would be the sentence I would tell myself as a high school senior. "Be Prepared for everything" sums up the entire college experience. First, being prepared for anything in the realms of coursework. There are kinds of different professors with different standards. Some are strict, some are easy-going, thus the difficulty of the work varies. Second, be prepared for anything by the way of classmates. In college people come from all different types of backgrounds. Some people are open and friendly whereas others a unkind and rude. You have to be prepared to meet all kinds of people and be able to shoulder the fact that not everyone in the world is your friend. Finally, be prepared for anything in reagards to changing relationships. Once you hit college high school relationships will change. Some for the better and some for the worse. Be prepared to accept that some people grow and in that growth change their friendships. College is a different experience for everyone. Some love it, some hate it, some want to get through it as quickly as possible. But before you take your first class, you need to be ready for anything.

jee-shaun

As a high school senior I did not know anything about college life. I experienced a small glimpse of it when I visited my sister at college but it wasn't anything like what I actually ended up experiencing. So, I think that I would advise my high school self to consider going to college to study something that I enjoy doing. No matter what, life will be experienced and there will be hard times that I will need to work through. I would explain to myself that applying for as many scholarships as possible before college can take time and be a tiring task but that in the end it is worth it. I would tell myself that it is important to work as hard as possible but that it is also important to practice managing my time alone and my time with people. Truly though, the best advice I could give is to ask for help when you need it and to be open to the opportunities that lay in store with the college community that I would become a part of.

Kristen

I have learned so much here at mica its hard to summerize it all, but all in all i have learned communication skills to work with cliants. My art has deffently and is still getting better by working in rigerous classes for six hours a day. Not only have I recieved training in my major (Illustrtion) but I am also learning photo and psychology to be a well rounded person. Mica offers many trips to broaden your understanding of the world and with the help of loans I will hopfully travel to Africa this summer. I am very happy to be at the 4th top art school and can say proadly if I work hard it will pay off in the end even if I have to take out loans to get there.

Nicole

Maryland Institute College of Art is everything I ever hoped it would be; I’m constantly busy and I’m creating every moment and I’m still not tired of it; I don’t think I ever will be. I’m doing what I know generations of people never get to accomplish: I’m doing what I love. My experience at MICA has helped me gain a confidence in myself, I understand that art may not be the easiest path and that I’m going to have to work hard, but I’m ready for that, and I know that I’m driven enough to be successful. This year has been an amazing experience for me; I’m meeting tons of new people, joining clubs, and going to events. I’m experiencing the world and I would like to say I’ve blossomed. MICA is, and will continue, to shape me and prepare me for that “real world” everyone speaks of, and that is why my college experience has been valuable.

Stephanie

I have learned things I never know I would learn anywhere else. This school is very supportive and provides various opportunities for each students needs.

Margaret

Everyday, whether the surroundings remain the same or change, there is always different ways of looking at it as so it is new, interesting and inspiring. I've gained such an inquisitive and observant nature through my constant growth in two main aspects of my life, my medical experiences, natural and accidental, and art. Both active facets and passions of my life have required and ignited interest helping shape my perceptions and attitude toward life. Learning is a perpetual and pleasurable attitude I have developed for living my life. Experiences in the past medically and artistically created an attitude to accept and notice my surroundings and myself. They encourage me to also contribute to this world as the people involved with medicine and art have contributed to in my life in which I live through college life at MICA.

Keirstyn

My college experience has brought me to a vital point in my life full of decisions, independence, and determination. Attending MICA has taught me how intertwined artists are, and that opportunity surrounds me at all times. I have learned to always present my best, because my best is what I want to be remembered by. On that note, I have also discovered that my best work is produced when I am personally connected to it. I now devote as much heartfelt effort into every task I complete, because I know that the world is what I make of it. After only one semester at MICA, my attendance has taught me just a bit of who I am as an artist and as a person in relation to the seemingly endless world around me.

Sarah

The town in which I grew up in did not put an emphasis on art as an important part of education or society in general. I knew before entering MICA why art was important to me, however, I always felt that there was no place for art as my career. I have learned that if you are passionate about something you can make a career out of it. I have been studying art education, art history, and fine art and have learned the value of what I love. There is no other school that I would attend than MICA. It has opened my eyes to the value of creative expression as a vessel for helping the community and enriching lives. I finally feel that I can be an artist and make a difference in the world.

Erin

I can't even begin to describe everything I've gotten out of MICA so far. On the most basic level, I've seen my artwork become technically better which was all I was expecting. I didn't realize how much of an impact the school itself, and the environment it presents would have. The idea of what kind of art I can create has expanded exponentially and suddenly it's like worlds of possiblities have opened up. Also, I had never ever been able to think conceptually regarding art before college and I was afraid I would never be able to. I was wrong, because that was the area I've made the biggest strides. Having all my teachers push me and seeing my classmates work has been such a huge influence. I can't imagine going to a non-art school now, because being around other art students, especially all the incredibly talented ones, is such a huge part of creating my work. Without them being so open to my ideas and supportive and inspiring, I would still be making the same crap I did in highschool.

Erik

I have learned amazing things, about interpersonal relationships, every kind of photographic process, Art history, human history and many things about how to live in the real world

Zoe

I've learned so much about the dedication it takes to be an artist and work creatively each and every day. I've learned quickly about what exactly my strengths and weaknesses are and which pursuits will be the best for me to follow in the future. I have learned how to actively talk about the process of artmaking as well and how to make truly solid pieces. I have grown tremendously through my participation and adapting to a completely unknown cirriculum. Every piece of advice and wisdom offered to me has been something that I have found valuable both for now and for my future.

TIFFANY

What I have received out of my college experience was the opportunity to take my skill to the next level. Attending MICA has given me the opportunity to embrace new ideas, techniques, and see the world in ways I never thought I would. The faculty is is a great team and they are there to help. They go beyond any way possibe to mkae sure you receive the best out of your educational experience. The students are from all over the world and the relationships you build with them are incredible. Attending MICA has made me think of new directions that I would like to take and that my art can impact my community for the better.

jesse

I have gotten way better time management skills,better study skills,and became a more mature person.It is very valuable to ttend college for anyone because it is a form of investment in one's self.The wisest decision i have made ever.

Michelle

I've been out of highschool and in the college of my dreams for only a year and a half now. Within that year and a half I've slept for about an hour, but accomplished many great things that I can honesty say that I would have never even imagined. I hear so many people from back home endlessly complain about how much they hate college, and how much of a pain it is. This is such a mind boggling concept to me, to hate the college that you chose to go to. From the very beginning of my educational career I had the choice of where I wanted to end up, how hard I wanted to work in order to end up in the school of my choice. I chose to go to a school in which I would recieve the education I want, and to pay the amount of ridiculous money it takes to get that education. I appreciate all that I have, and am striving to learn as much as I can in the short amount I have to make my life richer in meaning and have a greater impact on the world in the end.

Erica

What i have gotten out of college so far is that i had to break my high school habits and create new one. I learned that teachers do not baby sit you or chase after you for your work like they did in high school. My communicating skills have improved greatly, so that i could communicate easily with others around me and meet new people. Another thing that has improved in me are my studying skills. I now prepare ahead of time and get my work done and turned in. College has been a very valuable experience to me because i am the first in my family to attend college and set the example. I value my education and want to pursue my dreams in order to improve my life and help others in my family reach the same goal as me.

Jessica

Many times I have heard in the past from friends or acquaintances that college doesn't matter. They have said things like, "Why pay for college when I can just go directly into doing what I want to do? I can learn the technical aspects as they come along or as needed." I go over and over with them the significance of a degree, the college experience, the networking opportunities, the new skills acquired, and the overall sense of accomplishment one feels after each completed semester. My college experience so far has been this monumental journey for me. I remember being seventeen and dreaming about being in art shows, going to New York and participating in the art scene. All of it seemed so out of my reach. Pursuing (art) school has made so many things a possibility. It has opened new doorways, it has made me aware of so many opportunities beyond which I ever knew about before. On top of this, of course, is the technical knowledge I have gained through my courses. I have refined my skill in many different crafts and find that I can use them in such a vast number of applications.

karin

Montgomery County Community College is an excellent school. I decides to get a degree in Biotechnology 20 years after graduating from high school. This school has been great in helping me make the adjustment. The price is reasonable. The professors are excellent. I am preparing to make a huge career change and the last three years have made a huge positive impact on my skills at every level. I have so much confidence from my college experience. This school is great for nontraditional student. I will be happy to graduate and move forward but I will miss going there for sure.

Nicholas

The best way for me to answer this question is to explain what I miss most about my experience now that I have graduated. Firstly and foremost I miss a strong sense of belonging. While at MICA I felt a part of an intelligent and positive community of like-minded people. This instilled an immense feeling of validation, one I have yet to find since graduation. This same community also provided diverse and poignant resources in terms of feedback, development of skill, and ideation. If I had to ability and resources to return for graduate school I would do so in a heartbeat.

Chelsea

Going to college helped me to build a strong design portfolio and gain valuable internship experience. I wouldn't have had these opportunities had I not gone to school. I was able to get a job as a graphic designer two months before my graduation date because of the work I did at MICA and because of the internship I had with NBC. I was also able to secure several freelance cartooning jobs because of my degree. I really enjoy what I do, but I wouldn't be able to do it without a college degree from a good arts college. Many people think a degree is not necessary for a career in the arts, but it truly is. Companies that have hired me see my college's name on my resume and know that to graduate I had to work hard and prove myself with good art. College also taught me to set high goals for myself. That is why I am going back to school to pursue a second degree. I have achieved a lot since graduation, but I believe I can do more.

Sidney

Ok Sidney, although this might be tough for you to accept, the following is the best advice i can give you about college life and making the transition. The List: Start applying for all available scholarships Start saving all monies. Learn to cook before you get to college. Learn how to wash your clothes before you get to college. Try to minimize what you pack for college. Learn how to manage your time. Be organized (including study materials, as well as room and personal objects). Try to take small trips and slowly learn to seperate from your parents, family as well as your local friends. Don't sweat the small stuff. Whenever you face a difficulty, deal with it in a calm and mature manner and seek help when needed. Exercise, eat right and get adequate amounts of sleep. Have fun. If you plan your time wisely, you will always have some free time to unwind. Keep it balanced. Listen to your parents. You may not always like what you here, but in the end they are always looking out for your best interest and know more than you do! Be confidant and positive about yourself and your abilities. Smile!!!!