Maryland Institute College of Art Top Questions

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

Taylor

The advice I would give to parents and students about finding the right college for them is, do not be worried about what the college can provide you with, reputation, or direction, but about what reputation, direction, and facilitation you can give to yourself. In the words of Robert Henri in his "The Art Spirit", "Let the student enter the school with this advice: No matter how good the school is, his education is in his own hands. All education must be self-education... The school is a thing of the period. It has the faults and virtues of the period. It is up to the student whether he becomes a school-made man or a whether he uses the school as a place of experience... A school should be an offering of opportunity, not a direction, and the student should know that the school will be good for him only to the degree that he makes it good." (Robert Henri 1923) With the most sincerity, it is true; it is not so much the school that one is in, but the ability of the student and the drive of the individual to make the most of their experience there.

Kat

Cost should not be a determining factor. If a school is right for your child, then they will get a good job out of it, and be able to pay off loans. Cost is secondary to the value that education can bring to a person. Make sure to visit every college that you applied to; a campus visit can make or break a scholarly decison. Make the most out of college by, when you're ready, being involved. I have made so many new friends with people I hadn't even seen before I got involved. It's the best way to come out of your shell, and out of any cliques that may form while being at school. Finally, I truly believe that if you do all of the above, as well as much research on what schools you're interested in, you will find the college that is right for you, and you will be happy and successful during your stay there, as well as prepared to enter the career world.

Aldus

To parents/ new college students, The years following a basic high school degree, are by far the most important years of a student's life. It is the pinnacle of opportunities to submerse oneself within an envirmonment of your choosing in which you will ultimately influence your surrounding as much as it will influences you. Colleges, Universities, and Institutes are sanctuaries of personal development, in which professors, peers, cities, books, etc. all contribute, or offer unlimited possibilities towards the profession of you/or your child's liking. Few individuals are certain about the adult they dream of one day becoming, but allowing several years for an undeveloped mind to explore the world and its potentials assists in finding ones passion and place within the scheme of things. And there is an abundance of schools, locations, educational standards, tuitions, and personalities that will suit the needs of any student who wishes for a better education. We are so fortunate to live in a country that allows those who dream of becoming something more or changing the world, the resources and support to do so... attending a college is not a burden, but the opportunity to do what you love most!

Graham

I would say spend as much time looking at everything that goes with the school, as well as the school itself. Typically, when you visit a college, the admissions department is very good at telling you everything you need to know about the school itself. The classes, the instructors, the facilities, the successful alumni, etc. After you visit, you might have a pretty good idea what the school is all about. My advice however, is in addition learning about the school, make sure you find out about student life. Is there a lot to do around here? Are there lots of clubs? Does this city/town seem like the type of place i'd like to spend 4 years in? Are there good places to eat around here? is the cafeteria really good...or a typical cafeteria? These are the types of questions that prospective students should be asking themselves as they are visiting a school. I feel these are important because many students find themselve in a situation where they like school, but are very unhappy with their surroundings. I think overall, when picking a school, really vizualize yourself being there. Ask, do i see myself here?

Carissa

Don't settle just because it could be a cheaper school, you could regret never going to the school of your dreams. Make it happen.

Kimberly

The key to an enjoyable college experience is 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} what you are learning and doing, and 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} the environment (location, people, aesthetics, climate). WHEN CHOOSING A COLLEGE ASK YOURSELF . . . How do you feel when you arrive on Campus? Think back to when you first drove/walked into the parking lot. Where you overwhelmed, under-whelmed, excited, nervous? How did you feel when you left? Did your first impression remain, or did you gain a different understanding within the campus? Good or bad? How do you feel while you sit on a bench on campus? I would encourage a perspective student to take a moment after all of the tours and the info sessions to find a place within the campus and sit. Actually immerse yourself within the school and image what it may be like to attend this school. People watch, but don?t judge. Are you looking for something that is new and unlike home? Or a place that feels and looks like home? WHILE ENROLLED IN COLLEGE . . . Fight to get into the classes you are passionate about. Your performance will be greater when you enjoy what you are learning. Talk to upperclassmen about their favorite classes.

Lauren

All the catalogues in the world don't compare to actually spending a few nights at a school and if possible, attending some of the classes. I wasn't at all sure about college, but some of my friends went to MICA and I started spending time with them in their dorms, even going so far as to do their homework with them. Meet with some professors, look at the average workload, eat the food. When you start at college, it may become tempting to get sucked into the social aspect, especially if you are anxious to meet a group of friends. There is plenty of time for this on the weekends! Be responsible, remember you are there not as a chore but because you choose to be there, and it will be one of the best experiences of your life. Some of the closest friends are made during collaborative projects or discussions, not just at the campus pub or house party. With that in mind, if you lean the other way, make sure you haven't isolated yourself and become a total work-aholic. Have SOME fun! It really is all about balance.

Lillian

Follow your true aspirations and aim for the best school where you can see yourself growing the most, is the advice I would give to a fellow student or parent. However, it is important for the prospective student to have a plan in choosing a career. If they are unsure about their desired or intended major in general, I would highly recommend that this student would first attend a community college to explore general liberal arts until they discover what work or studies they would like to achieve in their life. Finding the right school can be hard at first, but you will know when it is the right choice or not. Education is seldomly inexpensive so make your school worth it by selecting a place where you feel you will be comfortable environmentally, institutionally, and socially. Once you make your choice, make the best out of your college experience by motivativating and allowing yourself to become passionately involved in your studies. College is a personal investment in enhancing your knowlege, appreciate the time you will have. Live a good social life by developing many friendships, but always take your education seriously and do your best.

Meredith

When I chose a college, I picked based on academic excellence and availability of my desired major in a complicated and research-intensive way. Conversely, my younger brother's only criteria was proximity to a good surfing beach, and he accepted the first offer he received within a day. It seems like one of us made the "right" choice, and the other was irresponsible at best. As it turns out, we're both on track for excellent careers, and are equally happy with collegiate life. The best advice I can give to a student about choosing and enjoying a school would be to remember that everyone is an individual. I'm a methodical, detail oriented person and my college life and application process reflected that -- I had to choose wisely since I'm more picky about the results. My brother, on the other hand, is very laid back and knows his passion isn't academic, so no matter where he went, if a beach were nearby, he'd make it work. The lesson is that there's no "right" way to go about it; if you understand your personality and what you want out of life, you'll be fine.

Katherine

Be excited about the college experience, be happy and comfortable in the enviornment of the school and its community. Visit schools before making a decision, a school can look and sound good in a brochure, but students should have a good feeling about the campus and people that will make their community. Visiting with faculty and current students will help answer questions not covered in the schools decription, and will help make both the perspective student and parents comfortable and excited about the college. Once deciding on the right school working hard to achieve grades and recognition that the student is proud of will only help push the learning experience to its height. However, the student should be sure to balance his or her work load with relaxing time alone, and with friends both in and outside of his or her major. It can be such a wonderful experience!

Jessica

I would advise students and parents beginning the search for the right college to look at what the alumni of the school is doing and what programs of study are strongest. If you are interested in a specialized field of study, make sure it is all you need in your education and visit the school, talk to the students, and attend a class or two. Really investigate the cost of the school in context of where it will lead you when you graduate. If programs like Study Abroad and Internships are important to you, ask students that have taken part in them what they were like to see if everything matches up to what you expect. Another important aspect of choosing a college is the lifestyle that it promotes. If you want an active or athletic lifestyle, urban or rural, experience the campus to see if it provides a living environment that you will enjoy the next four years. Check out the communities it creates and find out how the seniors and graduates felt about their time there. Remember that college should set you out on the right career path, but learning about yourself as a person is equally important.

Robin

First, I would say what is most important is the program offered for the type of degree sought. If you basically know what you want to go to school for, it is most important to know what the structure of that program is, and if it will or will not be beneficial for you. For example, some of my friends are photography majors, and while some of them love the photography department at MICA, a few do not like it, and prefer Corcoran (which is known for it's photography program). But that does not mean it is the best for you. The other major college component I believe is the campus life. If you don't like to party then do not go to a school that has a lot of fraternities/ sororities or is known for its parties. Also consider the environment surrounding the campus and whether you think you would enjoy it or not. To make the most, go to the free guest lectures and shows. The whole point of college is to furthur your education and if you are not learning then it is not the right school for you.

Hilcias

It might sound cheesy, but truly follow your heart and not your wallet. I personaly come from a poor family where my dad is the only bread bearer for five. When I knew I wanted to persue art as a career it was hard to tell my parents the price tag, especially because my parents didn't know that art was even an option for a profession. I however, knew from early on that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life and was willing to apply for any and all financial aid as possible to make it happen. My dad had agreed to help me pay for school because he had obtained a degree in accounting when he was younger and never used it, so he had experienced what I was avoiding to do with my future. I take to heart what my father told me, "the obsticle is not money, but the unwillingness to take risk is". This not only helped me throught the applycation process but so far through my years at school where I'm constantly challenging my beliefs, and confort zone to broaden my horizon thus enriching my college experience.

Jessica

I had thought college was mandatory , the next step after high school I knew I would go but I was afraid a University would be a chore like highschool. So I took a shot in the dark, wentwith my gut, thought about my talents and my intersts and applied to an art school mixed in with the local universities I tried my luck with. I got in to MICA , and with little art training out side of the classes offered at my public highschool I started my art school career. I was nervous, and messed up a few times, but slowly I gained new skills and improved on the talents I had from the get go. Ultimately I am quite pleased with me choice, and I would say to to thoose chosing schools to relax, don't force yourself to be or to do something you really don't enjoy, if your unsure about your intrests lokk for a school with a variety of classes to try. I would also say to parents to be supportive,give advice and suggestions but don't be overbearing this is the student's decion solely.

Elly

Never let any opportunity slip away. It is better to regret after trying than not trying anything and regreting. Looking into different options is truely important. College is a huge stepping stone into the real world. It is important to find the college that can best fit your interests and career goals. The experience you receive from college life is so much different from high school life. One starts to learn about taking care of oneself and dealing with his or her social life. It is never too late to think about what you want to accomplish after college, so make sure you have a goal you can look forward to. Education is a never ending process. It is important to remind oneself to look beyond what is normally expected!

Erica

First, make sure you know what you're getting into. Don't enroll yourself into a school that specializes in art, or science, or anything, unless you know that you want to do something related to that field for the rest of your life; ESPECIALLY if you are going to be paying through the nose to go there. It's not worth paying fifty thousand or more a year if you suddenly decide to transfer out after one year, and chances are you may decide to study something completely different. This can be a problem if you are trying to transfer credits from your first year in art or dance to something like pre-med, or vice-versa. Secondly; once you get there, and you KNOW it's where you want to be, why not make the most of it? You're paying good money to be at your school, and to study what you want. Choose classes that excite you, and choose passion and enthusiasm, not boredom, when dealing with assignments. The more effort put in, the better your grades, and the more you get out of your education; which can lead to a whole number of future opportunities.

Leah

My best advice for a student looking for the right college is be true to what you are passionate about, for if you have even a speckle of talent in your passion that is what you should go to college for. I think this is the key to finding the right school, for if it offers classes you are interested in, there is no way boredom or difficulty of a class can ruin your college experience. Besides finding and taking interest in your true passion, I think that being open-minded is not only a way to make the most out of your college experience but to also enlighten youself as a fervent and compassionate human being. If you are open about your feelings and able to be an impetuous person, you will make friends that respect you for your inspiring personality rather than the clothes and style you wear. Overall, go to a college that offers career opportunities and classes for what you really want to do and study; and be real for you will find life long friends who enjoy your true inner zest!