School of Visual Arts Top Questions

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

Cindy

Advice isn't easy to give at times - I, of all people, happen to be exceptionally aware of this. There's hardly enough room on a single screen or sheet of paper to tell you everything that will happen before graduating high school; and even then, I hate spoiling things, no matter how good or bad the outcome may be. I'm not a fan of giving cryptic hints on what the future has in store, either. Instead, all I can say is: you're the best. Don't ever stop to think that you are nothing short of wonderful and capable of things. It may seem like a good thing to stop improving yourself in order to please others - that's what friends do, right? - but I can guarantee that the time you spend on impressing others can be used on spiffying up on what you can already do. Selling yourself short in order to let others go past you isn't the best thing to do, nor is it the right thing for friends to allow you to do. Always remember that you're just as amazing as the people standing around you! Never forget that, okay?

Bea Alyssa

Do not work full time and get addicted to your checks. It will postpone your studies and career goals.

Alesandra

Take one day at a time. When it comes to making the right decision for college, you need to breathe and really think about what you want to do and where you want to be. No one can tell you what to do with your academic life and your future except you. Do not let others sway you towards something you won't be happy with. Make sure whatever you choose to do, wherever you decide to go, that it is YOUR decision. College should be an eye-opening, culture filled, wonderful experience. The transition will not be easy at first, or possibly ever. Just hope it will get better. If it doesn't, maybe this isn't the right place for you. Make sure to have fun and the transition to being on your own will be easier. I know it seems really scary now, but you'll be okay. The four years will go by in the blink of an eye. Slow down and enjoy the ride.

Kyra

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would inform myself to work hard to make great grades, because my grades depend on my future and what I want to do next in my life. I would tell myself to began a early start on researching universities that I am interested in, and began to apply to scholarships. I would tell myself to not worry so much about what is to come, because you know God is in control. Lastly, I would encourage myself to not give up on math because I know its a great struggle of mine, but it gets much better when I go off to college.

jennifer

I have three words for my high school self...........Don't give up! When I graduated high school and enrolled in college classes, I just didn't take it seriously. I thought I knew more than everyone else and I could just coast along in all of my classes. The only things that mattered to me were, hanging out with my friends and breaking free of the traditional high school restraints. I failed out of my first semester of junior college and didn't decide to go back until I was well into my twenties. Working full time, being married, and eventually having three children only allowed me to take a class or two per year. I would struggle with which classes I could viably attend and only had study time late at night once the children were in bed and the house was clean. That slow and tedious progress was very discouraging and I almost gave up many times. At 36 years old, I am now a single mom who's getting ready to start nursing school and I and am terrified. But, even though I know it will be difficult.......I will not give up!

Tamara

If I could go into the past and speak to my High School counselor, I would say to follow your gut and trust your instinct about what career path to take. Unlike most people, I took many paths before I made a final decision to major in Illustration. I first decided to major in Forensic Science at CUNY John Jay College in NYC. After flunking out because I t was not what I wanted, I went to Westchester Community College for two years and graduated with an Associates degree in Visual Arts. After that, I was accepted to School of Visual Arts in Interior Design. After three weeks, I decided it was not what I wanted and had to take a leave of absence in order to change my major to illustration. I will be a sophomore in the fall 2014 and will be majoring in Illustration. . It took me two schools and three years after graduating but this has taught me to define success for myself and that if I want to live the dream, I cannott succumb to society’s standards of success. It has made me the strong person I am today.

alexandra

Just do it. Right now, you're a high school student, with worries on your shoulders that don't belong there. DO NOT let those problems intervene in this path you're making. Finances aren't your issue, and WILL be handled. That should not deter you from going to a world renound school for something you truly love. There will be plenty of other moments in the future to feel concerned about things, but right now, just do it.

Michael

Ok slightly younger, Michael. The firs thing to know is, you're gonna have a great time at SVA so don't worry about that. You'll make all of your short films and even discover new career options you didn't think you'd be good at. Secondly, I know it's tough but you have to make it to more classes during your first year. It's early and the commute sucks but you could be missing out on some important things. Third, yes you will make friends. Some of the best you've ever had so relax there. Fourth, you will learn to appreciate the taste of alchol. It grows on you. Especially during finals. It will be your best friend. And lastly, write more. Get involved. Just enjoy the next four years of your life because it'll go by pretty fast.

William

If I had the ability to speak with myself as a senior in high school, I would certainly tell myself to straighten up and get better grades. I would express to myself the fact that I was not going to be a rock star after graduation. I was a pretty stubborn teenager, but looking back, I think I'd still take heed to my future 30 year old self. I'd forlornly explain to my youthful self that if success was desired, college would be a necessity. Unless, that is, my former self wanted to work dead end factory jobs for the rest of time (which I wouldn't). I would warn myself that bartending seems like a great career because of the money you make and the people you meet, but it isn't something you can do forever. My younger self would tell me that college after graduation was pointless because he has no clue what to study and doesn't want to waste money figuring it out. I would tell myself to pick up a camera and take a few years off before going back to school. I think my old self would figure it out.

Felicia

I would tell myself to take things a lot more seriously and there is plenty of time for friends and parties long after graduation. Although the temptation of being away from home and not having any "rules" is great, college is preparation for life afterwards and if you can't get the hang of it now, it'll be that much harder for you in the end. I would tell myself to enjoy college life and seize every opportunity I have for learning. I would tell myself that not only is studying, but attending every class, is very important to ensure success. I would tell myself to start looking and applying for as many scholarships as I could find because paying for college is not cheap! Although there are many things I would tell myself as a high school senior to do differently, knowing everything I do now, I think everything I experienced, both good and bad, made me who I am today and that, I wouldn't change.

Christopher

There is only one thing that I would say to my high school-aged self. That is, to believe in yourself. Never give in or lose sight of what is important to you. I have had most of the best experiences of my life, but I have also faced many tough times since high school. Sometimes the transition isn't easy, sometimes life in general isn't easy, and you will face choices that are not easy to make. There are many times when you will feel the entire weight of the world on your shoulders. There are people who will come and go, some faster than others. All will leave an impression, however big or small. You will also lose some of those who you love dearly. However, no matter how tough the times are, and no matter how hard everything seems to get, never loose sight of what is most important to you and never give up. As long as you can do that you will always figure out a way to make it work and be successful, even if you don't always make the right chioces.

SungEun

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that procrastinating isn't a good idea. I will tell myself to always keep your school work number one priority because once you start lacking off on school work to hang out with friends or to be with your boyfriend, regrets are the only thing that will be left for you. Finishing school assignments on time and paying close attention in class will make school so much easier. Another thing I will emphasize to myself is that, college is not a joke and neither is the tuition. Take careful consideration when choosing which college to apply and once you make your decision, don't look back and learn with joy and thankfulness. Because if you decide to "try out" a college and decide to switch to another college, you are basically throwing tons of money on the streets. At that age, couple of ten thousand dollars may seem to mean nothing, but when you get old enough to realize the importance of education, without the money to pay for tuition, you can't get the educaion you desperately desire.

Ryan

When I was in high school, I was practically a completely different person. Recently, I've been thinking about how much I wish I could regress in time and make my seventeen-year-old self care and understand more about his future education. Although I cared about my grades to an extent, I never attempted to go beyond what was necessary. I'd opt to spend my time skateboarding and hanging out with friends rather than working on school work and researching colleges. I was uneducated with how college even worked. I never even bothered to take my SAT's. After attending community college and earning my associate's degree, I matured substantially. I graduated with a 3.5 GPA, received the highest scholarship offered at School of Visual Arts, built a strong portfolio, and most importantly, finally understood the value of education. If I could have done things differently, I would have compiled a better portfolio, taken my SAT's, worked harder for better grades, applied for scholarships and then attended SVA directly after high school graduation. I understood these things a little later and now I'm making up for my past mistakes. Better late than never, right?

zahi

I am an Israeli-American citizen, It has been my long time ambition to study Graphics in the USA, and I am presently in the US realizing my ambition. Since I was a child in Israel With limited television broadcasts and cinema, motion pictures the graphic arts have captured my imagination. Serving the Israeli army (Air Force) for 4 years intensify my passion towards the visual arts. I moved back to the US on 2011 and got accepted to SVA,this day was one of my happiest days of my lifeLooking back in time with the knowledge i have now after going threw the process of applying to SVA the best advice i would have giving to myself is DO IT SOONER Its much harder at the age of 35 to leave my family, friends and the comforts of everything familiar in order to make this happen.But still i have no regret as i am fulfilling my goals in life and even though making the transition from Israel to SVA academy life is hard,My ambition remained one and the same, and that was to study at the best institution of its kind.

Jason

If I were to go back in time I would tell myself to only take 12 units/ semester which is exactly the units needed to be a full-time student. I graduated with an Associate's Degree in Mathematics and Science in 2011, but was not to happy about my GPA. I finished off with a 2.67 which is not too bad but could have done better. I was taking nearly 15-18 units while working a part time job. I sometimes did not have time to study hard enough or read some assignments. My thought process was to graduate in 1.5 years but in reality I graduated in exactly 2-years. This was because I had to re-take some courses I failed. I would definetly tell the "high-school me" to pace classes so I can have a higher GPA.

Mac

Just stay who you are . College will be hard at times , both balancing school work and getting your name out. Have positive thoughts paying for college will be the main problem , but after that life is good. Just stay focus dont get lazy keep meeting new influential people and you will be on the tight path.

Pamela

I would say that getting a higher education and earning a degree will not only help you achieve your career goals, but it gives a feeling of self-worth and accomplishment you may not otherwise experience. The best way to a happy and more prosperous life is through education and learning, then using it to you advantage. The more knowledge you aquire the more prepared for life on your own you can be, so take the opportunity to continue your education and take it to the highest level you can. Adult life is not easy, and it is a bit harder when you don't have the proper education so that you can get that perfect job that you are happy with, and earning the highest possible wage you can.

Madeline

I have already gotten so much knowledge from attending SVA, and i'm only a freshman! I'm very confident that when I graduate I will be ready to go out and get a job, and I will know exactly how to do it. SVA is valuable to attend because the education and access you have to equipment and materials is nothing like any other school out there.

Hanh

If I could go back in time using a Delorean to meet the myself in highschool, I would still tell myself to continue pursuing an cartooning major over a more useful degree such as dental hygienist or nursing. Even if my dream job isn't as practical or as stable of career, I would still enjoy it. But I would advise myself to take more time to polish my portfolio and art skills and seek harsher criticism from peers as well as focus far more observation and use of references. In addition, I would also advise myself to become more well-verse in the art world and take a few business courses and develop connections early on. But the most importatnt thing I'd tell myself is to save up instead of wasting it on frivolous tendencies like eating out and help out my mom in the nail shop. My current relationship with my mother has deteriorated since I went to college so I would highly reccommend myself to sit down and talk to my mother my goals, the amount of money it would take, and overall just trying to improve our relationship and try to lighten the financial burden.

Shante

Senior year was my favorite year of high school, not only because it was my last year but because I was more than ready to make the transitition to college. However, my first semester in college was spent with me waiting until the last minute and quitting early. I would have only given myself these two pieces of advice: to keep my ears open and not give up. Though they may sound repetitive, I would have taken more pride in my work and did better academically. My first year at the School of Visual Arts was an eye opening experience; but because I wasn't an expert in what I was learning I gave up early in the semester. It wasn't that I was incapable of doing the work, I felt inferior to my peers. My attitude resulted in not being dominant in my grades as I normally am, and wishing I was more active in my progression. My family did the best they could to encourage me and get me out of my funky mood, but I was too stubborn to see that they were on my side. For the current semester, I refuse to give up.

jeffrey

If I had the chance of going back and meeting myself, the first thing I would most likely tell myself is to not worry about the pressure of going to college because I was always stressed out about having my first day in college. The thought that college meant that my whole life was going to change and I had to get ready for a serious side of the world always got me nervous. It would probably be awesome if that happen because by then I would really enjoy my last year in high school. I would also tell myself to keep up the good work and to never give up in my goals because besides being a honor student I was also a extremely talented in drawing and a elite high school athlete. I was also credited on my contributes to the school and my achievements in school because of my gifts. Without those abilities I think I wouldn't be where I am right now or ever gotten far as to becoming a college student in the school of visual arts.

Ericka

I was never a high school senior, I made the jump from junior to college freshman when I got my GED and enrolled at a community college. Back then, though it wasn't that long ago, I was circling the drain of that dead-end town, with plans running through my mind to escape. I would tell that feckless, lost verison of myself that getting out was as easy as mailing a letter; but financing it would be part of the harsh reality I'd have to face. Yes, you'll take out loans; and yes, you will expect less for more money. I would tell myself, "You already know this, but it's true, NYC is a harsh place and you'll never make it clawing away by yourself. Start saving, otherwise you'll spend all your money on books and no one will understand that your parents can't bail you out like everyone else's. Be fearless, you're one of the few that actually know what's going on. " I'd remind myself to never loose sight of my goals, because that is often what breaks people in the end.

Scott

There are a lot of unknowns from where you stand. Embrace any fears you have, and allow them to be. There is nothing wrong with them. A place of the unknown, though scary, is a place of opportunity. It is a place where curiosity and exploration can lead you. You do not need to know the answers. As you rest in "not knowing" you will be free to trust your instincts, your interests, and your passions. They will guide you. Be curious. Be open. Hear what others have to offer (whether it be a teacher, a friend or whomever) but always decide for yourself what works best for you and what you want to believe. Trust yourself. Give whatever it is you are doing 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of your attention. When in class, be in class. When with your friends, be with your friends. When studying, study. As you simplify what is going on through your mind you will be much more productive. Dream big, but remember that big dreams are realized through small steps. Enjoy the process of taking each step. And remember to always ask yourself what your heart truly wants. Follow your heart, knowing that anything is possible.

David

Being that I was from the future I would bring back with me some information that would profit my past self financially. For example I would have alot of investor magazines which examined the flucuation of the stock market in the past few years so my past self could make some very wise investments. This would in turn make my current financial status less scary and present the wonderful opportunity of being able to focus on schooling whole-heartedly like I should be rather than counting down my limited days as a student and fearing how I am going to pay for my next meal.

Jacqueline

If i can turn back time then I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships and on that note find a job so i could save up more money for my college education. By doing so i would have saved more money and paying for college wouldn't be too much of a burden in fact i wouldn't have to stress where will i find the money to pay for it all. Transition wise wasn't much of a problem for me throughout my years and college life if much better than high school life. I guess i could also tell myself if could go back to the past that college is definitely worth the wait.

Kerianne

I would advise myself to just be patient and let yourself settle in, dont give up quickly, allow yourself to be vulnerable and have fun

kayla

research, and learn adead before coming to this college!

Rachel

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Marie

I think everything that I am doing has more impact and that I am doing really well. I shouldn't worry so much about my competition but know how far I have gone from a Graphic Designer who did not know anything at all to someone with great time management and a strong portfolio. I still have a lot to go but I am up there. I should be proud of my choice and how happy I will be after I graduate. I would lastly say that I am committing to what I want and strive. I know it is going to be difficult commuting two more years but it will be well worth it to know that I am a part of a school that strives for the best. So, hang in there and be proud of how artistic you can be.

Juleng

Often I've thought about this scenario and what I would say. If I were facing myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to come out of my shell, enjoy life more, do what I want to make myself happy, and that I'm going in the right direction when it comes to school and my career. Even though I went to school Graphic Design and went through the gruelling projects and exhibitions, it's all worth it in the end. I end up enjoying what I do and utilizing in many aspects of my life. I'm sure this would help calm me down about being worried if I am making the right choice in following art. It's not a life-long committment, makes me happy, and allows me to express myself. I've always wondered if I would of turned out differently if I went to SVA as a freshman and immersed myself in art for 4 full years, instead of going to state and city schools beforehand. I would tell myself that it doesn't matter how many schools I end up going to, it ends up being a great and educational experience.

Erica

Study hard, do you work, and plan time for fun. Don't overload yourself and don't procrastinate!

Jennifer

If I were to assume the possibility of meeting myself as a high school senior the very first thing I would say would be to warn myself that life will jumpstart ahead once I get into college. There is no more time to stall, no more time to self evaluate these minute little details about one's own insecurities in an attempt to become a better person. That is not the priority here. The priority once entering college is to utilize as much of the school as one can and to stop the feelings of self doubt because the self deprecation is going to be much more powerful. As an artist college is not going to provide any answers for the questions I may have had for the college experience is simply going to convolute these questions to even more of a cluster of disasters. Essentially the message here, I would to say to myself, is to brace yourself. The only person that will make this institution work for me is me. I have to make the most out of it and it's going to be that much more difficult.

Rachel

I would tell myself not to worry, that everything will turn out alright. It doesn't matter much where you go, if you aren't ready, go ahead and complete some courses at the local community college and move on from there. Take your time deciding what you want to do and where you want to go. Make some money first if necessary. What you want to do in life shouldn't be a rushed decision. And if you have a bad experience at your school the first year, don't be afraid to leave. But if you like your school, stick with it. Take advantage of every oppurtunity possible. And prepare for college while you're still in high school- get ahead on readings, anything, it will surely help. But don't worry yourself! It will be a fun experience, you'll meet a host of new people you would've never been able to meet in high school and you'll have a completely fresh start in a completely new place, and you'll be learning about the things you were always really intrested in. What could be a better experience than that?

anthony

If i had the opportunity to do so i would tell myself to keep doing what i love to do. You're definitely paying for what you're learning and if you don't love what you're learning then it really isn't worth it. It's fun to experiment and try stuff out but in the real world we all need focus and have some sort of mastered craft or skill. Don't worry about the future so much because in college you'll be worried about what's due the next day. You'll find yourself more organized and prepared and ready for the world. Of course you'll also manage to focus school and your social life to become who you want to be in the future.

Tianna

Before you go to college, know what you want to do while you are there. What I mean by that is don't just go to college because you feel you need to, go because you want to. You are actually paying for your education now, you should at least take classes you like. Don't mess around freshman year, have fun, but do your work. Figure out where you think you would like to live the most, and try to find colleges that fit that. Take advantage of all the activities your school has to offer. Try and get to know as many people as possible, you will need to come out of your comfort zone. Apply to your dream school, even if you might not have the money to go, you might find a way to go. Just like what you do, don't stress yourself out too much, and have fun.

Patrick

I would tell students and parents to be extremely careful and weigh all of their options. College can be a huge financial burden in the long run and students should definitely consider what they can realistically afford. Also I would recommend living closer to home and consider going to a graduate school that is further away or doing a study abroad program for the full college experiece. Having a support system closeby is important, as college can be really stressful.

Ian

Do you what you love, not what others want you to do.

Fatimah

Location, location, location. And then come to the understanding that college is much more than curriculum, the learning that is most valuable will not necessarily be the one espoused to you in the classroom by the professor but instead pay more detail to the relationships with the other individuals who surround you within those four walls, your peers. Curiousity will be your vitality, ignorance a nemesis. Understand that you will in fact never know enough, and be at peace with being wrong 99{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} percent of the time, even if you are in fact correct, because to consider the contrast, to take in the knowledge of the opponent requires a certain humilty that can only open you to heightend levels of awareness and thus ensure success. Stay open and know that cognition comes from all directions and in the most unexpected forms.

Bora

As a parent you want the very best school for your child, for my parents it was my choice to choose whatever school fit my needs. My advice to the students are to visit your school and see if you like the environment. The number one thing you should look for in a college are classes and the teacher's experiences. Next you should look for extra-curricular activites and student life on campus. It would help to talk to some students on campus when you go for a tour.

Kenneth

Check out many schools that have your major in different cities.

Shana

SVA is the best

AJ

Run

Paulina

The most crucial aspect of applying to and finding the right school is doing your research on the faculty. Find out who teaches there and the subjects they teach. If the faculty does not live up to your standards or if there is not the kind of variety of classes you'd like to take, it is probably not worth it: if you're not going to look up to your professors and hang onto their every word, you're better off learning by yourself. While in school, use your professors' time and knowledge to the fullest, do not be scared or ashamed: they are there to teach you. Secondly, talk to the current students and alumni: the clearest picture can be drawn by those who know the program. And thirdly, look at the list of notable names in history who have gone or have graduated from that particular school: while they may or may not be your idols, they have made a name for themselves, and their alma mater has no doubt been a great part of the process. Lastly, once in school, join as many clubs and activities as possible: life is short! Carpe diem!

Andrew

The first impression is important. If you dont feel the "VIBE" then that school is not for you. Quickly turn away and chances are you make a better choice.

Kevin

To the parents: Do a lot of listening to exactly what your kid wants to do. Then help him/her research schools that might be able to support what he/she wants to do. If your child wants to do something in the creative field, being in the right place is absolutely important. Big cities that support the industry (ie: NYC or LA for film) is crucial. Do some research. Also check back in with your child every 2-3 weeks or so. Not much more, not much less. You don't want to be overprotective but you do want to be caring. To the studentss: Don't rely on your parents to do all the research (do a lot yourself), but do keep them involved in the whole process. Don't be afraid to say hi to people, and try your best to attend all the orientation programs. As a student who did a lot of orienation activities and then later became an orientation leader myself, I cannot stress the importance enough of attending the programs your school puts on for you. Make friends/be friendly with your classmates. You may be working side-by-side with them someday.

Sarah

Ask yourself what the most gratifying activities in your life are. Try to imagine a career that includes these activities. If you can't imagine one that already exists, think of the possibility of creating one. Go to a place where you can imagine living in the future, or a place that will offer you opportunities, after school, in the places you think you'd like to end up. Try as hard as possible to figure out the learning method that works best for you and look for a school that uses a method conducive to it. Choose a school that inspires a "better you". Your image of yourself after graduating this school should be one of great advancement and pride. Research distinguished alumni to better understand the possible futures enabled by the school. Its OK to make mistakes. There are many colleges! If your choice of study doesn't feel right, ask yourself why, and what you wish were different. If your college doesn't offer what you need changed, it may be time to begin a new, more experienced, search. Don't become complacent! The college should be working for you just as you are working for it.

Chris

Survays like this one con only help parents and students make possible lists of schools that may or may not fit the character type of the future college student. However when the student actually gets to college all pressure is on him/her to make something of their education by learning not just from classes, and not take easy route by escaping into the world of non-stop substance abuse which so many of my fellow students have gone down and end up either insane or flunked out.

Marcel

I encourage everyone to take the time and figure out what it is that they're most passionate about in life. This will make their college search much easier and can really benefit them in the long run. It allows us to perform at our best, being that we're surrounded by things that we love to be involved in the most. I believe that having a positive attititude on and off campus can help us grow as individuals. We're never really alone in school, so its also great to have study groups that are serious about putting their best efforts in the given assignments. Stress occurs quite often, so try handling your situations with poise and patience. We don't just learn academically, but we also learn about people with different cultural backgrounds, so learn to be understanding. Personally I think it is important to make yourself a priority. When you know you've done a good job, reward yourself with something nice. Ultimately, I can tell you that we're here to mature as scholars, master our crafts, and enjoy ourselves.

Kenia

For students looking for the college of their dreams, sometimes it may seem out of reach because of the cost of education. My advice to every student and parent looking for the perfect school is to first do alot of research and compare colleges. Some colleges even offer pre-college programs that last a couple of weeks in different seasons of the year, so students can get a real college experience before they even graduate high school. Furthermore, think of what kind of school you would like to go to - a small college with smaller classes or a huge university with an infinite amount of school activities. More importantly, keep in mind that regardless of what your income may be it is always possible to pay for school. To make the most out of your college experience, know what financial aid the school offers, apply to scholarships and apply as soon as you can. Dragging out the financial process can make the school year even more stressful for students and parents, so the sooner the paper work gets done, the more time you have to enjoy the benifits of your dream school.

Karolyn

Spend the time and money to visit a lot of schools. Don't be afraid to ask questions and really talk to the students. Read the blogs and message boards online about the college, but don't take them too seriously. Obviously, if someone doesn't like a school, they will rant about it and if someone loves their school, they will rave about it. Find the right school for you and if you end up going somewhere that you don't like, LEAVE! Take the time to transfer and make the right decision this time.