Pennsylvania College of Art and Design Top Questions

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

Katrina

I have grown and evolved so much as an artist. It was such a great environment to learn and express myself and grow as a person. I know much more about myself now that I have been through the four years at PCA&D. I've met some amazing friends, have been inspired by outstanding professors and have learned how to approach an artistic field in a professional way. I now have sold my artwork numerous times, understand what it's like to frame and present my artwork for a show, and how to maintain a website as well as important business relationships.

Sally

It's time to wake up. This is the beginning of the rest of your life. There are not many times that you will have the opportunity to look back or get an additional chance in life, therefore choose wisely. Prepare yourself for the future by doing something you love. If you have passion and creativity toward your goals then you will have a greater chance to succeed while still enjoying the achievement. Don't allow yourself to walk through life with blinders on. Open your eyes. Let in the colors, the smells and the textures of life. Allow them to capitivate your attention. Each thing we do is a learning development and too often we just skim the surface and never truly savoir the subject. Whether from lack of experience, immaturity or ignorance we loose most of what has been taught to us. Think outside the box and open yourself to adventures. Allow yourself to learn and not worry about what others think. For it is your pathway, select carefully and enjoy the journey.

Cassandra

I would tell myself to continue to put forth my best effort in everything I do. Take school seriously, because it prepares you for what you will be doing for the rest of your life, hopefully. You can only do your best. Don't worry about everything, just take it day by day. Stay true to who you are and just be yourself. Be thankful for what you do have and save as much money as possible. You are going to need it and you have to realize just how important your parents are. They are the reason you can even attend school. Thanks mom and dad. Lastly, follow your heart and do what you love; and everything else will fall into place.

Jessica

If i could go back and tell myself some advice, i would tell myself to save every single pennie. And stay with my gut feeling, just like i did. Like when i got that feeling when i walked into my college for the first time for my profolio review and i knew i had to go to this College. Maybe make sure i really know my roommates and the people i was planning on living with, which would cut out about half of last years drama. And to not get overwellmed by every single project that the teacher gave, but still take my school work serious. And go with the flow, of life and try to relax. And try to work more hours in the summer..... AND HAVE FUN BUT NOT TO MUCH FUN...And thank mom a lot, because she is going to help you a lot in the next year.

Jessica

The one piece of advice I would definitely stress upon would be to not stress out so much over everything. Yeah, you have to face more responsibilities, but you'll find that if you take the time to just chill out, everything will be just fine. You'll survive. Oh and make sure you save all your change. Quarters, dimes, and nickels will become your best friends especially when it comes time for laundry day, and the good 'ol vending machine between classes. Again, do not stress out so much. Your college years will probably be the best years of your life. You will learn and grow so much as a student and as a person.