Savannah College of Art and Design Top Questions

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

Matt

In order to make the most out of the college experience, a number of things need to happen. For the student, they need to understand the importance of what they are doing. College is not high school any more and their success or failure can have large ramifications for the rest of their life. They need to give their studies the appropriate amount of priority so that they do not incur large amounts of debt to themselves and their parents just to fail out of school. Conversely, students also need to recognize that in attending college, they have a support group built in around them. Teachers, councilers and most importantly, other student can be an invaluable resource in dealing with stress, time management, finances and other problems they might run into. For parents, the best thing they can do is stand back and let their child fail or succeed with minimal intervention. If you help too much, the student will never work as hard as they can and will stay relient on their parents. They can ask for help from any number of sources, but the parents should let their child get their own help and solve their own problems.

Asher

Socialize your first year and make friends in your field. Now that Ive graduated all of my friends live in Los Angeles and we all help eachother and have fun together on a weekly basis. They where the key in my education because in my field of study contacts are life. The school prepaired me for this and so the transition after graduating was easier.

Linda

College only lasts for four or five years of your life, so it's best to really buckle down now and work hard while you can. Don't get too distracted by partying or dating; there will be plenty of time for that later. Do your research before choosing a college, but more importantly, just make the best of it while you're there.

Yidi

Don't worry so much. Visit campuses, but don't be overly concerned with all the little things. If it feels right, it probably is. Seriously, relax. Life is too short to spend worrying about all the mistakes you might make -- stressing out causes more mistakes than anything else. Have fun.

Christina

While visiting the college is escential to feeling and understanding the college experience, I would also recommend using the wonders of Facebook to get a little closer to the real deal. Find someone who looks genuine and easy to talk to who has attended your school of choice for a while. Tell them who you are and that you're seriously considering attending the school. Chances are thether they've really enjoyed their experience or not so much, they are most likely going to be completely truthful to you as they can relate to the position you're in at the moment. All college students went through the decision process, so talking to a current student is a good source of truthful advice and information. Once you've been enrolled I recommend being really friendly and open to everyone, even if that goes against your nature. Networking is a very important especially in an industry where jobs may be a little less than promised. Being openly friendly provides oppoturnities because you never know who can become your future best friend, your future wife or husband, or your future boss!

Cordelia

Make sure that you choose a college that is well certified and knowledgeable in the major that you are planning to pursue. You always want to attend a college that is able to cater your needs of learning in the field that you choose. Research your college choices to find out important information: cost for attendance, financial aid availibility, statistics on graduating seniors with jobs in their field, and school curriculem. You want find which college best suits you and your family. After choosing the right college I encourage students to learn as much as possible while still having good, clean fun by participating in college activities and functions so that you can meet new people while networking. Attending different functions can easily connect you to people in the work industry that affiliate with your field of study who can assist you in which direction to take upon graduation.

Alexandra

As a life altering decision, enrolling in college can be intimidating. The simplest and unstressful process for me was to take it step by step. I began with simple research and looked at several factors such as what programs are offered, tuition cost, population of the student body, and finally what the campus looked like. After looking at several schools, including SCAD and College for Creative Studies, I foudn that distance was the detirmining factor in my choice. Not only was Savannah further than Detroit, but it was also a setting which I have never experienced. I have lived my entire life in and out of Detroit , and found I needed a new environment to let my art explore new boundaries. While I have been at SCAD, boundaries have been explored and trespassed. The atmosphere of students studying in coffee shops and spending nights in their studios gave an ambience of commitment and detirmination. Students and faculty at SCAD are detirmined to succeed, while also enjoying his or her favorite espresso or tea. I am satisfied and very happy with my choice of SCAD and will continue to stay up late in the local coffee shops or in my studio.

Melissa

Pick the college you feel like you would get the most out of, and where you really want to go, no matter what the cost! It will be well worth it!

Mario

The choice to continue one's education after high school is a very important decision that should be determined by several factors. First one must look at economic needs. Can you earn a comfortable level of income with no college education? Can you afford to pay back student loans with your predicted salary after graduation? Another factor to consider when thinking about college is diligence. Is the student patient and diligent enough to stick through their course of study for the entire time. Dropping out of college is an enormous waist of money. The most important factor though would be personal choice. If you really want to get a degree and land your dream job then nothing should stop you, not even financial burdens. In my case, I'm in my last year of school and up until now I was smooth sailing. Now though, I can't balance working part-time and getting my portfolio together. As a result I have to live below my needs and sacrifice comfort only to replace it with the satisfaction that at the end of the year I'll be finished and able to get paid doing something I love.

Lauren

There are so many things to think about when you look for a college; size, location, classes offered... but in the end, if you aren't happy at the school, you won't do well, and you won't have passion for whatever degree you're going for. Make sure that you visit all the campuses of the colleges you apply to in order to get a feel for the atmosphere of the college. If you think the campus is too big, or too cold, or too whatever, there is another college out there that is better. Don't settle for any campus simply for convenience. As far as making the most of your college experience, it's simple. Don't skip classes, make smart decisions concerning drugs and alcohol, get your work in on time, try your best in everything, and have fun. You'll make tons of friends from your classes and dorms, and they will be some of the most important support you will have at college. Just always remember that you're at college to better yourself and learn, but you can find a college where you will love learning.

Joanna

A good college is not necessarily the most expensive.

hana

i would say dont just visit the school. try to live there for awhile (maybe 2 weeks or more) and see if the environment is really what you thought. go to school seminars and open house and ask students about their views of the school.

sarah

idont knwo

Abigail

So much stress is placed on finding a college and being prepared for your future; while stress is needed, the right college will find you. Visit campuses and get a feel of the different atmospheres at each campus. There will be one that fits your style and personality or career interests. Once you are enrolled, no matter how enticing the parties sounds, you must study! If your grades are great then the rest will usually follow. Also, don't be afraid to get involved in intramurals, clubs, or religous groups; this is a great way to meet others at your school. It is so imortant to surround yourself with people who support and encourage you and share in your values. Most importantly, be yourself. Life is so much better when you let your true self come through.

Sydney

Keep your own interests in mind.

Christina

Definitely a great deal of research is necessary to avoid wasting whoevers money and everyones time. Be sure about what you want, and be responsible for yourself in every way.

Brian

Planing for college should be a time of deep reflection. The choices you make now will directly influence the outcome of your life. Think about your talents and abilities. Are you passionate about them? Can you see yourself in a position where your talents can be used to support your lifestyle and/or your family? It is better to have regrets then not to have even tried, but you can decide now to make wise and healthy decisions based on the desires of your heart and ultimately come through this experience with no regrets at all. There are no bad questions and there are many recources at your disposal in which you can glean from. With patience, careful planning, and a positive attitude, you can achieve your dreams.

Travis

Try to have an idea of what you're going to major in before you get to college. There is nothing more annoying than having to transfer to another institution because you'ce changed your mind and the institution you're at doesn't offer what you want. Don't be afraid of choosing an "impractical" fields. Likewise, don't let others discourage you; what do they know about your drive and ambition. They only think that's going to stop you from reaching the summit of your ambition is betraying yourself to the whims of those to purport to care about you. I'm not saying that you should care only about yourself. I'm saying you need to take care of yourself- living the life someone else wants you to lead will leave you feeling shallow and listless.

Elizabeth

When looking for the right school make sure you fall in love with the city as well. You'll be there for four years, and you want to be in a place that is interesting, where you'll always have something to do. If you don't like the city it makes it that much harder to like the school.

William

Do what you enjoy, and care about succeeding at it.

Daniel

It is best to visit the campus first, even if it requires a plane ride. On paper a school might appear to be the right one for you but you wont know until you go there yourself and get a taste of the environment. I also reccommend not paying for any year out of pocket especially if it is over ten grand. Even if you have the money, you have no idea how much that will cripple you until after the fact. Find a good, trustworthy and understanding loan company to help you through. I guess the biggest advice I could possibly give is simply one word: research. Do your research on all fronts, the school, the financial aid and loans, and the courses presented within the majors. I was very much in the dark throughout my first year because I did not research and I had no idea what a student loan even WAS at the time. I do not want people to have to go through some of the things I have had to go through just to keep myself in this school. So do your research.

Denisse

Make sure to visit the schools before you make a decision, consider class size and distance from home. There will probably be a compus that you walk into and say this is where I want to go. Once you're at school, take advantage of all the social opportunities and try to meet as many people as you can, they might be able to help you get a job one day, specially if you're in the arts like me.

Chris

The best thing to to look for in a college is what can they offer you and what can you give in return. Find a place where you are comfortable and know that you will enjoy learning.

Jorge

Let your children decide...

Rachel

Keep your options open and make sure you visit the school before making a decision.

Amanda

Finding the right college is harder than high school will admit it is. Collegeboard.com is very helpful information-wise, but if you really want to get a good grasp on the school's atmosphere I suggest traveling there and checking it out. If that isn't possible than at least get in touch with someone who goes there or is a school representative. Nothing is worse than doing the paperwork, being accepted, driving down, moving in, and then realizing this college is all wrong for you. Also, choose a college that won't put too much financial strain on your family. I know it isn't right to build your future around your budget but in the end it'll be you who's paying off the loans with their .15 percent interest rate. Once you have found the perfect school, however, don't be shy. Network as much as you can. Make friends, and when you're done, make some more! College is not the time to be a shut in. So get out and have fun! It doesn't have to be all work and no play! Happy hunting and good luck!

Nana

A lot of students enter school without even knowing what they want to do. Sometimes, students look at jobs that pay the most and go for a degree that will get said job, but don't consider how much they will like it. When choosing a school try to consider what you, or your child, likes to do, and, if possible, apply that in a career. This way it is easier to figure out what kind of school, and more importantly, what degree you, or your child, will want to seek. One problem I faced when choosing my school was paying for everything. I come from a lower-middle to middle class family, and knew there was no way my family could pay for much of anything, but I didn't let that stop me. If you, or your child, is still in high school, I would suggest to keep that GPA up and steady. One can recieve much financial aid based on grades and even one's participation in extracurricular activities. There are scholarships provided by several orgnizations, too. If you figure out a plan you can pay for college even if your family can't.

Laura

The best thing to do is to go out and visit the colleges you're interested in--NO amount of text or pictures can come close to your actual, physical impressions of the school's environment.

Damien

To get the most out your college experience, look at college's professors. Find the ones you can relate with and find friendship with. Never over spend for an education, but do look for the right professors. If you find yourself somewhere with professors that aren't able to teach you (for whatever reason), then you need to look else where. You can only get as far as your education allows. A college's reputation can be a great help, but not when faced in a race up the company ladder. Just be well informed about the faculty of the college, make sure they are willing to really help you. I've found my professors at my college to be excellent, however i'm going to be in quite some debt when I leave. Be smarter in finding a place that can give you the right professors, for a price that doesn't break your bank. There is no point being in debt when there are a vast amount of good teachers from whom to gain your knowledge and skills. Also, make sure its a college you can have fun at or near, you'll need the release ;]

Rachel

Finding the right college for you is all about doing research and visiting the campus. Skipping these steps usually leads to discontent for the student which results in an unsuccessful college experience. Once you find the perfect school, the best thing to do is get involved. Getting connected with students and faculty who have the same thought process and interests as you will enhance your college education. It also looks fantastic on a resume and during a job interview.

Stephen

It takes lots of time to find the right college. It's certainly no easy cohoice between what a parent feels is right and what the student thinks is right.

Ivette

I would advise that they visit the schools they consider and speak to the students, mostly juniors and seniors. They will know all the flaws about the education and city and what life is really like, don't get fooled by appearances. But trully I believe I made a good choice with my school, even though I had no parental support and came here on my own, I've managed and learned more about life and myself.

Stephanie

Make sure you start early and visit the college!

Zoie

When advising either a parent or student about college I feel the most important advice is for the student to choose a school that is right for them. It's always sad to see kids going to a school their parents chose, only because they're paying for it or because that's what they want their kid to do. Picking a college is not always a parent's choice; they're not the ones at the school going to class all day and up studying all night; parents are they're to help with school not to pick it. My mom let me decide what school I wanted to go to and she was there to only help with the process and the deliberation of my choice. She never pushed any school on me and never made me do what she wanted. Because of this I couldn't be happier in the school of my choice doing what I enjoy. Attending a school where the student wanted to go to and feels passionate about will help for them to make the most out of their time in college; whether it be in class or out with friends.

Ana

Use your academic counselors for support and advice. Always be well informed about the colleges you're applying to and in order for you to enjoy your college experience one must always have their priorities straight. First, ALWAYS take care of yourself, and then be able to manage your social life with your school work. When you achieve that balance it will be a smooth ride.

Stephanie

The best thing to do when deciding on a college or university it to actually visit the campus and talk to the students and faculty. If you get a warm fuzzy feeling from all of this, then it may be the right choice for you. Equally important is the academic aspect of looking for the right college. Find out if the college you are interested in offers the right degree programs and classes for you, and what percentage of the students are able to find jobs soon after graduating. Financing your education may also be a big concern to you, so find out how much financial aid and scholarship opportunities your college offers. Once you've made your decision, you've got to make the most of your college experience. Many students are tempted to participate in all of the social events and parties that they can possible make time to attend. This is healthy on a limited basis, but don't let it consume all of your free time. Recreational activities, clubs, and volunteering are all a great way to spend your free time -- and you'll feel good afterward too, rather than waking up with a hangover.

Bridgette

As a college sophomore, I have to tell students and parents to RELAX and prepare for a great experience. You CAN go to the school of your choice. Public or private, 2 years or 4, it IS possible. Why? Because there's money out there for all of us. Psst! You just have to look! You have to put the I CAN'T afford it thoughts out of you're mind, and replace them with the I CAN go to a great college and get a great education. Finding the right college involves lots of reseach, but the most important research is that from within. What do YOU want to do? Pick more than one major, freshmen year was made for exploration. I recommend doing what I did, choose a school with all your major options. Experience your prospective schools by touring and visiting. Talk to those not-so-scary upperclassmen, see what there is to do on weekends, think about the weather! Visits give a lot more insight than those virtual tours and can make for some pretty awesome vacations! Now its up to you--keep a positive attitude and be open to the great possibilities that lie ahead!

Matt

Some advice that I would have for parents/students to find the right college and make the most of your college experience is to start early. Start looking at colleges late in your junior year of high school make sure that you have a solid plan in mind as far as what you want to do, but at the same time be flexible. when you have some potential colleges in mind make sure that you go visit them. this will give you a valuable insight as to the way that college is. Once you find the right college you will know, it will just sort of hit you. I know that answer is very obscure but you will understand when it happens. As for enjoying college, don't fall into the trap of drugs and alchohol like so many people do, you don't need those to have fun, all you need is a good group of friends. Also make sure that you stay on top of your school work, don't slack of and procrastinate it will only come back to haunt you.

Christina

Look at a lot of schools, ask a lot of questions and visit them. Apply to more then you feel necessary to give yourself options. Look at all their departments really consider what direction you want to go in before you pick a school to make sure they are strong in it. Try to relax and remember you can always transfer or leave and you can get a good education anywhere. Utilize your guidance counselors as much as you can. Don't go to college unless your ready. Once your at college put yourself out there. If your homesick etc. the best way to get happy is joining groups, making friends etc. If you have a bad room mate it can change your entire experience make sure you get along and are happy with your room mate if you aren't switch! Don't drop out until you've given it a full semester it can make all the difference between loving it and hating it. Enjoy it while your there!!!

Tiffany

Narrow down colleges based on interests not just majors, take into account other majors besides the definite pick in case change of mind, visit campuses and the place where the college is, apply to various places.

Brianna

Start the search with some personal reflection. Ask yourself what your intrests are and whether or not you would like to pursue them as a career. Once you have a list of possible majors, start searching for all kinds of schools that cater to what you, as a student and individual, want out of life. The worst thing to do is pick something just because you were told it was right for you, and be miserable for the rest of your college career, and possibly life. Start the search early and give yourself time to get papers, applications, and fincancial details in order. Apply to lots of scholarships if you need help paying for school. Visit each school that you are serious about and try to get a feel for what it would be like if you attended. If possible, sit in on a class that pertains to you major. Don't be afraid to ask questions while you are there. Be prepared for hard work, but don't forget to have fun. Some of my best memories, are staying in with friends while watching a good movie, or going out to dinner and having great conversations.

Ashlee

While looking at the cost of schools can be a daunting task, it is important to keep in mind how well the school wou choose will prepare you for your career. After all, this is the reason you're going to school! So while things like location, student activities, and dorm-life are an important factor in choosing a comfortable new home, one of the most important things is the quality of education, the reputation of the faculty and staff, and their ability to help you learn. The truth of the matter is, you are going to pay more for a school with a higher quality of education, but don't let this scare you. Many schools offer a variety of scholarships to new students, so do some digging to find out what's available. If this seems lacking, don't be afraid of student loans. After all, once you land the dream job your college prepared you for, paying the money back will be a snap!

Sandy

My advice would be to have a clear idea of what you want to get out of college. This will definitely make the selection process of schools so much easier. In the long-run it will also make your college experience so much better because you'll feel like your are reaching your fullest potential at a school that caters to your exact needs and wants.

Marie

My advice is this...think about what makes you happy. In fact think about multiple things that make you happy and apply them to finding a school. I love art so obvioulsy Art school was for me. I also like traveling and international cultures and at SCAD there are so many students from other countries bringing you their backrounds to form this college level melting pot. In one case you might like the beach but you also like football so choose a school that has the best of both. I will tell you LOCATION is a huge deal. You may want to be close to home or you may want to run away and never look back. Also pick a school that has a lot of different majors that you know your interested in. When you select a college you want to have some "wiggle room" so that you can still have choices . As far as making the most of your college experience the key is to take ADVANTAGE of every opportunity. Every forum, speaker, concert, lecture, exhibit, etc. GO!!! and you will learn and grow. Work hard, Network and just enjoying the journey is what its all about.

dontwantthescholarship

Students, pay attention to all the factors and never ever sacrifice your happiness. Do what you love to do, or it wont be worth doing. Don't sweat the small stuff--just keep going and everything will work out. Parents, do your best to get your child through college without loans--it's so hard to start your professional life with dept. Don't push all of the fanancial responsibility on him just because you want to prove something--this is your child, and you are setting him up for the rest of his life. Give him the best shot possible, even if it means skipping a cruise or early retirement.

Miranda

My advice to students and parents about finding the right college is to not give up. It's out there, whether it's a major university or a small private school, the right one is out there. Do not settle for anything less than perfect, no matter if you have to take out a hundred loans and be in debt up to your eyeballs! It is all worth it because once you are there and you are with people that you can relate to inside and out, you will feel this absolute euphoria. It makes you feel as if you're right at home, it fills that space that's been inside mingling and tingling waiting to be unleashed. Finding the right college is the key to making the most of your college experience because one you find it, everything else will just fall into place.

Benjamen

Dont let anything hold you back from studying what you desire, whether it be finances, parents, location or other. Do what you need to study what you want, its going to be what you practice for the rest of your life

Julia

Parents and students should do all the research that they can about schools before attending. I have been enrolled at three schools--and I researched them all! I am proud of the schools I attended and the awards and scholarships that I received academically. I also would recommend that students apply for scholarships (as early as possible). I am working toward my second bachelor's degree and am not eligible for all the Federal Aide that I received when working toward my B.A. before. I definitely miss it. So, apply for Federal, State, and private aid. Look into colleges early, and never stop looking and learning.

Christopher

As an aspiring artist going to the art school of my dreams, my best advice to students is to find a way to make it happen. Whatever "it" is, if you want it enough, you CAN make it happen. Whether you are like me, and you did not have the money to go to the school that you had your heart set on and you have to do some hard work to make ends meet or if you are struggling to just make the decision of what it is you want to do in life, you can make it happen. You just have to keep your eyes on the goal, the end result that you have in mind. Now, to parents, my advice is similar, let your child make it happen. They can do what needs to be done if they value the outcome enough.

Justin

For students, be sure when selecting a school that you do it for yourself. Many parents (including my own) pressure their children into choosing a school because they think it is the best choice for various reasons. I wanted to go to an art school, but my parents wanted me to go to a traditional college or university. At times this friction caused some arguments, but stay strong with what you believe will be the best choice for YOU because nine times out of ten you will be right. You are the one that is going to be going to college, not them.