Santa Fe University of Art and Design Top Questions

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

Caleb

I would say don't take any guff from anyone. If there is something you want to learn, you search until you find it. Don't let yourself get swayed off by half ass teachers. Don't be afraid to make mistakes because they are all apart of growing up. Practice makes perfect, and it's a process so ease into it; don't force your way through because you'll only end up hurting yourself in the end. Do NOT put off until tomorrow what can be done today! Discipline is of the utmost importance and laziness is unnecessary and will only lead to trouble. The time to grow up is now. It's time to break out of your shell and make connections, because relationships with people are important and there is always something to be learned. Knowledge is everywhere, you just have to open your eyes. Don't be afraid of the world, embrace it and make it your own.

Allison

First off, I would say apply for more scholarships. There are so many out there that I didn't know existed, or that were easy to apply for. Doing this probably would have saved me a ton of money. Second, pack half of the clothes that you think you're going to want to wear. Towards the middle of the semester, you're just trying to make it to class on time. So you throw on the first thing you grab. And no one cares what you wear. Most people tend to wear pjs. Third, just relax. College is not a huge deal. It's important, but it will be okay. Have fun, take pictures, and just relax.

Keisha

If I could go back in time and give myself advice for college I would first slap myself and tell me to get it together. So in saying that i would go up to mysef and saysomething like this. Keisha, you need to get your act together. College is something special and unfortunatly you can't pay for it out of your own pocket or moms pocket. So what you need to do is apply for scholarships like crazy because there are thousands probably even millions of seniors this year who are going to be applying for the same scholarships as you and it wont be easy getting a late start. However, you do get into the college of your dreams and you make a lot of great friends. You'll love living on campus and staying up late to finish priojects with friends. But hate having to wake up in under eight hours of sleep to go to class. You will want to run home to mom but, you can't it's time to grow up. So start now that way its a little bit easier when the time comes.

Hamilton

Be true to yourself, know what you are doing and be true about it. Be strong, it's going to get tougher quickly. I know you know it's coming but you can't prepare yourself for it. You think you can but you truly cannot. You forsee yourself getting broken and you know it's coming and you think you are ready. You aren't. Imagining the truest pain doesn't even compare to having it wash over you completely and engulf your entire reality. Just keep your head high, and walk tough. It is a hard world when you know your mother is dying; it is harder when it happens.

Joycelyn

I have learned a new independence and self reliance. I am 1500 miles from home and have had to manage my own finances and handle my own issues for the first time. It has been a trying time but also a very rewarding time. I have met many people and made many contacts in the field I have chosen which I believe will take me far when I am done with college. My teachers, for the most part are awesome and have encouraged me as a person and as a student. They have helped me tremendously in auditions and in my classes. I have also learned that it is not always someone else's fault but usually my own if I fail to perform as expected. The first semester was rough but I have learned a great deal and know that the upcoming semester and the rest of my college career will go much smoother. I have a greater respect for the performing arts and realize the talent, dedication and hard work it takes to make it. I have also realized that I want to work with the directing and production as well as performing aspects of Theater and film.

Katelyn

The best advice I could give to myself in preparation for college would be to say have courage; don't let the mean voices in your head prevent you from getting exactly what you need and want from your school, your peers, or yourself. It is easy to slip through the cracks and fall into the core of the earth where you are unseen and easily forgotten but you have to keep up with the best of them and you can! Don't be your own worst enemy, don't stand in the way of yourself. You are magnificent and capable of anything so long as you let yourself explore and find the ways to do it. School is fun and it is a transition into the realm of adulthood; treat it like so. Exercise responsibility; practice assertiveness; learn how larger systems of people and organizations work; define who you are and what you want; and most of all, don't be afraid.

Cathy

I would tell myself that it's ok to be who am and not who others think I should be or what I should do in terms of career path.

Morgan

If I could go back in time and speak to myself as a senior, I would have told myself to work harder in school and create a stronger portfolio. The pre-college programs I attended at The Kansas City Art Institute and The School of the Museuem of Fine Arts (Boston) were both very helpful and I would not change those descisions for the world as they have helped me become a better artist and more focused college student.

Antonia

Knowing what degree you want to pursue is the most helpful in finding the right school. Sometimes, though, the right place will present itself. That's what happened with the school I plan to transfer to. Take into account what the surrounding area is like, the size of the school, what the biggest majors are [gives an idea of what kind of people are there], and ALWAYS visit. 3,000 kids could mean a campus with way too much room, or one that is way too cramped. Most importantly, go with the place that feels right in your heart. Try to imagine attending classes, walking around, hanging out, etc. Don't EVER let cost get in your way. There is a ton of free money out there!

Lenora

When you take the tour talk to a student ambassadour or guidance counselor without your parents at least once. Ask them all the questions you wouldn't want to ask infront of your parents (what's the party scene like, do they have a gay straight alliance, etc etc). Sit in on a class, get an idea for class sizes, how available the teachers are, what kinds of clubs they have, and the resource centers they have for students. Is the library up to date, can you as a first year student rent out equipment in your department, are internships available, do they have study groups and tutours? Find out from students how easy the financial aid and registrar offices are to navigate. Once you're at college, even if you feel a bit out of place at first STICK WITH IT, if you give up rite away and transfer out chances are you're only going to run into the same problem when you get to your new school. Try new things, meet new people, take classes in things your interested in, join clubs, don't be afraid to see the on campus therapist if you need help adjusting.

Irina

No two people are alike, and so it stands to reason that everybody has different reasons for going to college. With that in mind, different students need different kinds of college experiences. When you're searching for colleges, people will say "that's a great school," or "that's a horrible school," but these opinions are irrelevant. The question is this: is it the RIGHT school for ME, as an individual? As you make this very big decision, be sure to listen to everyone's advice, but remember that you don't always have to follow it, because in the end you need to make the choice that is best for you. When you pick a college, pick the one that you feel will 1. appreciate and develop your strengths, 2. support you in addressing your weaknesses, 3. help you to live up to your full potential, and 4. aid you in becoming successful, by whichever definition of success you choose for yourself.

Cliff

Visit, talk to students, but above all don't be afraid to make the wrong choice- Transfering is far from the end of the world. In fact, I would argue that transfering is actually benificial for many students (as long as it is done with in the first two years). For myself, I would never have considered the College of Santa Fe , let alone applied when I was in high school. But after spending some time in school, really learning my likes and dislikes, what I'm really interested in studying I was able to find a school that was really taylored to my needs and interests!

Ryan

Remember to take into account every aspect of the colege, including how large you want the classes to be, what activities there are on the weekends for students, how recognised the professors are in their fields, as well as the overall attitude of the school. Do not get frustrated and make a decision too quickly. You can never be too informed about the institution you will be paying to attend for the next 4 years.

Jonathan

Before looking at a college, look at yourself first. What are your expectations for a college, whether it's academic or extracurricular? Have you always wanted to live in a big city, or a small town? What kind of people do you want to surround yourself with? Are you a morning or night person, summer or winter? College is not just a place to learn, it is a place to experiment with the experience that is the rest of your life - a place to view yourself out of your previous contexts. It is an opportunity to clarify, refine, or even redefine yourself. When looking at a college, especially when visiting, look at the facts, but also trust your instincts. Just because something looks good on paper doesn't necessarily mean it's the right place for you as an individual. Above all, know that a college is not just a place, it is a social organism, and as a student you more than anyone has the power to change your surroundings to satisfy your own needs.