Otis College of Art and Design Top Questions

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

Irene

This school is not big and on the top of the art college. But, I'm sure that the school is becomming the best art college among the industry . As I said, it's a small school so students get along really easily. Here at Otis College it's really easy to make friends!!! Professors are always prepare for their classes. Too much works might scare you. However, it is part of a valuable experience. Unlike, other art school, Otis required many liberal classes like senior english. It is really hard to acheive good grade from both art class and liberal classes at the one time but it worth. Most of my friends in the school, even if their most wanted school was not an Otis, satisfied with their final desicion, attending Otis and so do i.

hyun

researching a lot.

Alex

Do not rush the college choice because its alot of money and if your not ready to put in the time, dont even bother. Parents should be very supportive of their children and help them in any way possible to attend the school of their dreams. Enjoy everyday you are in class because many people dont have the opportunity that we do so dont take your education for granted and push yourself for a better future.

Dustin

Live up your college years to the best you can and get involved as much as you can. Discipline yourself and don't forget to rest and make time for yourself. You're spending good money for a good school, so make the most of your money. Don't stand still, move as much as you can! Through the bad times, just keep moving! Remember, life is not about waiting for the storms to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain!

Hyekyung

you should research a lot. i didn't even know there is this collge, OTIS before my friend told me. i wasn't sure what i have to do before i came this college. research lots of college that fit your interest and personality.

Zhenhua

Pick a right college is very important, and it could change your whole life. Some things that must be consider before make a choice. First is to check if the college has programs for particular majors. Some college is very good with one particular major which could help student with the major explore. Secondly, must check the classroom and study environments. Between professors and students there must be a good communication. Students must be able to get academic help from professors or school when needed. The school must provide great and right education for the students to be success. It must have the right crouses that help students to reach their academic goals. Find the right college is hard and stressful, but should not stop students explore the major, the future, and the world.

Winter

Spend time on campus during the academic year. I visited my school multiple times to determine if it was the right choice.

Erin

I think that the parents and art students should make certain that the artistic focus of the school is compatible with the career goals of the student. Both the school and the living situation should be compatible with the students personality. Some students do well with high pressure situations while others have great academic and emotional difficulty with those situations. I believe it would be best for an art student to live close to home or room with a friend for the first year, if possible. Roommate adjustments can be very difficult and detract from the students studies and lead to unhappiness. A Visiting the campus alot and sitting in on classescan give you some idea of what the school will be like, but it is very different when you are attending the school. Strong social connections and family emotional support are key to success. Last, but definitely not least, it would be very important to know the graduate job placement rate. Finding that all important first job is the goal.

yi

I think the college is the tool for your future. I always think learning is better than nothing. At least I have something if I learn something in college. It seems like useless time when you see at right moment but later, it will be the best results in you life. Spend your youth and other extra time in college will make and produce your best things you you might not going to experience in your whole life.... Learning something is the best thing in whole life and the college it the answer for this.... ^^

Melissa

Go and visit the schools, you are thinking about attending, because it is important that you feel comfortable on campus.

jessica

take advabtage of your teachers and get as much from them while you can

Shaina

Check out the work at the school, so you ,can see potentially what you'll be doing. Since Otis is an Art School, look into what areans seem to fit your desires most. Also, when there is a will there is a way, so don't let anything stop you from going to the school you want to go to. Talk with Financial Aid and Administrations so they can accomodate you as best as possible.

Brennah

Visit as many times as you need to and talk to teachers and students. They know what really goes on at the campus and have very good advice. DO NOT just talk to a adviser they dont make the school!!!

Tracy

Find a college that you feel comfortable at the moment you set foot on campus. Also find a college that will help you get an amazig career

Robert

Allow your child to make the choice of his/her college. The best gift you can give a college-bound student is freedom with thorough advisement as well as care and confidence in what they do in order for them to succed. Allow them to take advantage of what goes on in the school on a daily basis. Some students need an extra boost of confidence in order to attend events at school so a little push is acceptable. A big one can be very detrimental to what he/she is trying to achieve in their tenure at school. Most Importantly, love them and encourage them to be independent and resourceful, this is the best time to make mistakes and overcome them through an unbelievable amount of stride in progression.

Angela

The best way to find the right college is to ask the students that are currently attending the college their experience thus far at the school because this will reflect their childrens experience.

Julia

Make sure you can afford the school for 4 years.

Travis

Art school is already a specific direction, so if a student isn't sure, they should try some community college courses first. You have to build up momentum very fast at this school, so if you're still unsure of the major you want to go into by sophomore year you will probably find it difficult to change directions smoothly.

Mary

I would tell any student/parent who is looking into colleges to visit as many as possible because it is important to have a good feeling about where you are spending your college years. Only by visiting the actual campus can one accurately test if that is the right college for you. You should feel comfortable about the campus, teachers, and other students. Make sure you have your living options ready and be ready to improvise. Keep a constant grasp on your homework from the start to prevent falling behind in your work. It is better to not fall behind in classes and that your faculty and learning labs are there to help you.

Rebecca

In finding the right college, you need to figure out what size campus you would feel most comfortable and if any, how many clubs or activites you can get involved in with your school. Another factor would probably be to figure out maybe what you are interested in what type of major you would like to maybe pursue.

Julia

To find the right college, students and parents should visit every college they are considering. This is truly the only way to know if it is the right environment for you. Start by visiting the school's webpage, check the schools ratings, talk to students on a school blog, then plan a trip. I would also recommend visiting schools earlier in your decision making process rather than later. Before I started visiting potential schools, I thought I was certain where I would be attending. When I finally visited the campus and I knew it wasn't the right place for me. Then I had to rethink all of my college plans. In the end, I couldn't have made a better decision. The research saved me time and money. Also, when deciding on the location always remember that you will make your future job connections in the same city that you attend school. This will be the place you plant your roots.

Kathryn

I recommened for parents and students to do their research before they start applying for schools. If I did not invest my time in looking for the right college for me I would not have found Otis, which meets all of my standards. Try and ask around or even talk to your student advisor on schools based upon finding your needs and good grades are always a plus. Even if you think you dont want to go to a prestigous school you may change your mind when you find the student life and courses fit your needs. Make sure you are prepared before you make any major decisons and visiting the school definitly gives the lasting impression you need.

Yvonne

Students looking for a college should visit the colleges they are interested in. They should also interact with students and teachers from the schools, for that is the only way to get a true sense of the nature of the school. When they enter college, students should take advantage of all the opportunities offered at the school since that is the time where they truly grow into adults and have life-changing experiences they will never forget.

Justin

It's hard to know what you want to do right out of high school. Many students are lost and do not have the proper work ethic being by themselves. It seems like for most students, it takes time to settle in and then they will find their passion in life and what they want to do for their future. Look at the colleges and what they offer. Visit the campus because the vibe of the campus is different and unique to its own campus. It took me two years to finally find out what I wanted to do. I attended University of California, San Diego as a physiology and nueroscience major but realized by passion was in designing. I then applied to Otis College of Art and Design as an architecture major and am enjoying every minute of it. Sometimes peolpe fall into a false illusion of their desires and then realize that that was not their passion. Settle in and really realize what your desires are if you do not like your major, change quickly to your desired topic and pursue that.

Lawrence

I would tell the student to choose a college that best suits them. There are some many students that are just unhappy at the school they are attending because it is now what they want to do. They end up spending so much money that could have been saved if they would choose a school they wanted to. If they are not sure what they want to do then I would recommend going to a community college and taking all of the general education classes that will be required to give them some time to think about what they would want to spend there lives doing.

Corey

First of all I would do alot of research into what schools focus on what you are interested in learning and see where they rank out of schools nationally. Alot of people just go to the school which is closest to home or where they grew up but they could be missing out on a better education because they want to be comfortable. Actually moving away from parents can make the college experience even greater because the student is likely to be out of thier comfort zone and can live the true college experience by living and studying in social situations with fellow students. Also I would aim high and apply to colleges even if you think you cannot afford it. Many schools offer a wide array of options such as grants, scholarships and loans. I came from a working class family that had no plan for my education and I was forced to do it on my own. I now stongly believe that if you focus on something that you truely want, you will get it through perseverance and hard work.

ying

believe in yourself and commit to your dreams

Jacob

Make sure it is a campus that you feel comfortable being on and an atmosphere you are familiar with. Take as many classes you can and make sure to take some fun classes.

Erin

Finding out what they are interestede in, and finding a school that will give them a chance to try a variety of different classes, while still progressing forward. That way you find more of what you love to do and will be more determined to find a job. If you feel involved in what you are learning and you aren't just taking classes to just finish college you will be more passionate about finding a job. When you find something that may interest you to study go to that school and be around people with the same interests because then together you grow and become passionate about what you are studying and you are surrounded people that feel the same way and you build a community and push each other to doing better. All and all if you study what you like and that you know will get you a job then you will be better off when you graduate.

Sarah

I would really examine everything about the school. Make sure whatever you want to study has an extensive program at the school you choose to attend. Location was also a big factor for me. I love Los Angeles, and I knew I was going to have to live in some large city. I went to a college in a small town before and it took me just a couple of days and I already knew that that was not the place for me.

Linda

Do a lot of research!

Jessica

Parents, dont' force your kids to go to a college because of the college reputation. Don't pressure your kids into anything. Students, go to the school that you want. Research schools. There might be a school that's perfect for you that you don't know about. Don't be pressured by your parents.

Sarah

The best advice that I can give to prospective students as a student myself, is to just go visit the school and try to sit in on of the future majors you want to be in. The experience of actually visiting the school is not enough. To sit through a class and see how the teacher's are teaching, and seeing how the students interact with one another, is probably the best way to find out what school is the best for you. To make the most of the the college experience, means as a student, you should be striving to do very well in school by reaching out to as many teachers, alumnis, upperclassman as possible. Keeping updated on school news, events are also a great way to experience college to the fullest.

Naomi

I suggest to follow what YOU want to do. Instead of listening to your friends or family about how your life path should be run, take the course of what you would ulitmately love to do with your life. Everyone gets one chance at this life, and it's better to live it doing something that you love rather than something that you dislike. Find your passion and your strenghts, build upon that. But also, don's disregard your faults, because as humans, we should always strive to better ourselves by acknowledging our faults and correcting them and becoming a better person as a result.

Katrin

I would recommend to them to go visit each campus. Talk to the students and not just the faculty. Get a good look around and take every little detail in consideration. College should be the best four years of your life, where you can make lifelong friends and network for the furtur job. Take the time to do the research on how classes are taught and how people interact with one another. Every person is different and works best in different environments. It is vital to find the best fit in order to achieve academic success and a good start into you furtur.

William

The advice that I would give to parents is you should make sure your child is physically and mentally ready to go to college. Most of the students here thatare fresh out of high school tend to change drastically due to several factors like, being away from home for the first time and being on their own, being placed into an unknown environment and not knowing anyone, and being forced to become a responsible adult. Another word of advice is to make sure your child knows what they want to study so that they are going to be working in a field that not only pays good, but they enjoy being a part of. Before college, most students work a 9-5 job for a corporation they would not grow with unless they had given up on school or school was not an option for them. If your child can find something they love to do, or something they already love doing, you should put your thoughts aside and let them be themselves and make their own decisions. The most gratifying thing is waking up each day, going to my internship, and working for amazing clients and loving every minute.

Anita

College is about learning and doing what you love. It's also about making life long friends that stay with you even after you graduate. Choosing the right college lies in the feeling you get walking through that door. It's the feel of the environment and the people around you. It's also the structure and rules that the school goes by that make you feel at home. So when making the right college choice comes around, you should be able to close your eyes and feel it in your bones that you are able to succeed at such a place, because its overall vibe that it gives out should be seen through the attitude of the students and people working there. The feeling then becomes your experience because you know at such a place you'll be able to connect to others in learning and away from learning that enjoy the same things you do.

Thomas

visit, cant go wrong with that

Caroline

Do a campus tour and talk to the students there personally. Look at the books and brochures about the school and check out what the school offers. See what is around the school to check out the sceneries and the activities. Try to have fun outside of school so you aren't always stressed and depressed about schoolwork.

Jonathan

Future Students: When thinking about attending an undergraduate program the most important question you want to ask yourself is: are you ready to dedicate and focus your time and energy into learning the foundations required for a professional practice? College is a sanctuary of knowledge and opportunity. It is important to be serious once you have made your mind and to remain focused and ambitious. The best educational opportunity comes from a dedicated mentality. Lastly, it is also important to balance yourself with space to enjoy and relax. Concerned Parents: The best advice I could give a parent is to be supportive. Nothing is stronger than the love and support of a parent. Positive attitude and understanding for the decisions of your child. Be excited about their search for knowledge, participate with them and help relief them of the stresses that revolve around these years. Financial support helps to get more out of the learning experience. : )

krystal

Otis College is the 4th college I have attended. Unsure of what I wanted to do with my life, I attended two large universities (CSULB & UCLA Extension) and a junior college (LAVC). I switched majors 3 times. I experienced multiple academic environments and truly found the most suitable college and major for me. Most students are confused and study some major they probably won?t make a career out of after college. Students must ask themselves what are their interests. Hobbies are a good indicator for discovering what one likes. I studied Business Economics and Communication before realizing my true passion was Architecture. However, I always hoped in the latter part of my life I would pursue this field. I felt pressured by society and my high school peers to choose a more secure major that might lead to a promising career. I soon realized I wasn't taking into consideration my happiness. If I don't love my work, I will be miserable and work will become just a job to make money. No passion. No hope for a legacy to leave behind. I now find such satisfaction in what I do. College is about discovering yourself; take risks!

randi

i would suggest the student find out what it is they want to do before they apply to a college. there are so many schools that specialize in almost anything it is best to know what your looking for before you apply. school is also very expensive if you know what you want to do you wont waste time or money. most students do change their mind but to have some idea as to what you enjoy doing your better off. then when you do know what you want make the most of it, make friends join groups have fun. obviously you want to make sure you go to class do your home work and get good grades. but make sure you make time to have fun these are going to be some of the best times make sure you make the most of them be spontanious, go out , do things you normally would not, have fun.

Jennifer

VISIT the collge, TALK to the people attending. Catalogues will never give you the exact idea and the actual atmosphere of the college.

Carlyle

Go where you will learn and experience what you want to learn and experience. Fuck brand-name colleges. I'm looking at you, Harvard.

Myong

Students should always choose a college that provides something the student enjoys doing. A student can make most of the college experience from any college, but to have the greatest experience, a student must attend a school where he or she can fully immerse himself or herself into the school and interact with other students. Finding the right college may take time and may become difficult, but as long as the student finds a place where he or she can learn everything they want to, and push oneself to the fullest, any school will be right for that student.

Javier

Pick a school that has exactly what you want. Do not think about the cost. If it seems out of your price range, you can always seek different options. Make loans a final resort, since their are plentiful scholarships out there for aspiring students. My family income is less than $20,000, and my school costs near $30,000 a year on tuition alone. Thanks to scholarships I was able to lower my tuition cost to less than $2,000 a year. Also focus on the area you will be learning in, and by this I mean the city and the school facilities. Remember you will be spending years in this space, so being happy here is a must. It is also a good idea to have a solid idea of what you want to do, but do not worry if you do not. Eventually you will have to chose a path, but it is a good idea to take your first year of college to find this path. Apply to many schools as a precaution. In the end, doing what will make you the happiest is the best choice no matter what others say.

Brankica

go to school you want to go to and study what you really want not what someone ele wants you to do

Esther

I would advice the parents and students to decide carefully what major the student wants to study. They should pick a school considering the students' personality.

Polina

If you dont know what you want to do then travel, take classes in a jr. college. Dont rush to figure it out. some people know what they want and some need time to figure it out and there is nothing wrong with that!!

Yoonah

What advice would you give parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience? [maximum words allowed:200]