The University of the Arts Top Questions

One thing I have already gone back and told the seniors at my old high school was to choose something you love doing. choose something that makes you happy, something that you will love waking up every moring to go to work. Not only picking your major but pick the right school for you. pick a school that fits you and also do as many scholarships as possible, debt is not fun.

GO TO SCHOOL! Stop skipping classes because you think high school is irrelevant. One day, you will wish that you had taken things more seriously! You don't want to be a struggling single-mother when you are 30. Things are harder than you can ever imagine without a degree. Rent, bills, tuition, childcare and food will kill you. You will spend all of your time stressing out instead of focusing on your homework. Yes, I know that you think you are an artist and that sometimes magic happens and people just "get discovered," but that isn't going to happen to you before you are 26 and have that sweet baby girl. You will still be an artist and affect change in your community, but don't do it the hard way. Go to your classes and graduate with a decent GPA so schools will want you. You want more options than community college. Don't dawdle around for years- go to college in a timely fashion. Your child deserves the very best. Let's do this the right way instead of having to apply for food stamps every 6 months. What do you say?

If I could go back to talk to my highschool senior self, I would tell her that she shouldn't be afraid of the future. I would also tell her not to procrastinate when it comes to school work, even though our best writing happens last minute. I would tell her not to be shy and scared when it comes to asking for help with things and not to worry. I would explain that everything happens for a reason and nothing can be done to stop what is suppose to happen. Life will happen, but push forward anyway. Don't give up when it feels like the edge of the cliff, there is always a hidden path that you may not see. Lastly, fill out as many schloarships as you can.

Dear Michelle, College life is a lot different and there are many challenges you will have to overcome. Staying home and studying is better than going out and partying like you will watch so many other students do. It is important to stick to what is important to you and always go the extra mile to better yourself. Even if you don't want to take classes over the summer, it will be worth it in the end and it will help you get into nursing school. It's important to remember how smart you are and to work hard for what you want. You won't get very far if you aren't willing to put in hardwork. The rewards for your committment to this profession and career field will be more than you can even dream at this point in time and all the time and energy you spent will be well worth it.

Everything I went through as a senior of highschool prepared me for college. All of my challenges and struggles to decide where I wanted to go to college prepared me for where I am now. I am grateful for all my struggles and I wouldn't change a thing.

I would tell my hot-heaed 18 year old self to enjoy being home while it lasts. I spent my whole life running away from Texas and now that I'm far away from it, I want to embrace all of my southern sass. Soak up the good culture that Texas has to offer and use it as inspiration. I also tell myself to not just rely on the money I had that first year. Scholarships are so important! I was just too lazy and excited to get out of the land of surburbia, I forgot that college is expensive! I would also tell myself to brace myself for the most amazing and maturing year that is ahead of me. Freshman year was amazing, the ups and downs, tosses and turns, they've all made me so strong and taught me how to actually be an adult. I'd tell my teenage self; "It's going to be a hell of a ride, and worth every penny, tear, laugh and memory." I would also reassure myself that I picked the right school. UArts is everything I imagined it to be. Even back then, I knew what I was doing!

If I could have a conversation with myself as a highschool senior I would ask myself, "What is it that you truely love to do?". The answer to that question has always been easy; music. I would tell myself to not listen to the dozens of teachers who reminded me to doubt that you'll ever get a job in that field. I would tell myself that music is my passion and it is what I was created to do. I would tell myself to never give up and work harder on my studies. During highschool I was distracted with court hearings, struggles with anxiey, and other issues of a girl working to pay her way. I would tell myself not to let anything get in the way of my dreams because I did let my past run my life for a while. Ultimately, I would make sure to to tell myself to follow my dreams.

If I could go back in time, I would tell tell myself to not worry and calm down! Everything works out! College can seem intimidating and overwhelming but it is just like the next grade up from highschool. I spent so much time worrying that I would do horrible in classes and not be as talented as everyone else I was with. I was also worried about not making friends, but by the second day here I was close with my entire floor! I would also remind myself that I am going to college to get a good education to be able to get the job I want, and not to find any best friends. I unfortunately was taught this the hard way my first semester. All of this advice would have helped me been less nervous and more prepared for college.

Shelby, you are on the right track! You will have such a lovely oppertunity to express yourself in ways you could never imagine in high school-- you're not in Bucks County anymore! There is no need to pretend you're someone you're not with the hopes of impressing other people. This is the time to strip yourself of any insecurities you had while you were in high school. You may not be friends with the people you immediately click with during the first semester, but with time you will find a right group of friends who share the same interests as you do. These friends will inspire you for your own work in the field you have chosen. You are meant to be a costume designer, and don't let any difficulties and struggles make you think otherwise. You are a strong and motivated lady! The only way is UP.

I would tell myself to take more time to learn how to study/ practice more efficiently, and to expose myself to more genres of music and playing styles.

Make sure you know what you want to do with the rest of your life. There is not use in picking your major if you're going to change it or second-guess it later on. Also, make sure you save a lot of money and work a part-time job.

Dear High School Tim, Though you think you may be ready for music college, you have no idea. You won't and probably will ignore what I have to say but here it goes: Music is a vast thing and everything WILL NOT be as "easy" as it is now. Now that you're getting ready to graduate, you should be looking to the horizon to be the best musician and student you can possibly be. That doesn't mean you cannot have fun and enjoy the journey but be aware of your actions that how they can affect you in the future. Lastly, don't take things too seriously and overthink the situation. Even if you're unsure of yourself, think of where you were at the start, then keep on moving forward. Sincerely. Present Tim

I would tell myself.... Do more scholarships and love each moment that you are at school. I'm now looking at school as almost done and I'm going to miss it. So love being at school, take Art history class more seriourly, and get more money for school. Loans are not fun! Lots of love! Put God 1st! and Love being you!

Be prepared to deal with students who take college and your practice less seriously than you do. Also, find a job that is manageable before it is too late, and save as much money as possible, because your major and living expenses will be unbelievable at times. Make sure to take courses outside of your major and liberal arts requirements that are based on physical acivity, or get into the habit of working out routinely - it does a lot more than just keep your body in shape. Do not fall into the trap of thinking that there is a certain way art 'ought' to look or should be about, or that it should provide an answer to a question. Be proud that you don't do drugs - it sets you apart from a majority of students in a positive way. Demand a lot from your teachers, because they are professionals with connections in a field that is hard to penetrate and stay successful. Get started on your education certification minor and graduate degree earlier, it is worth it and will enhance your practice by giving you an understanding of creative psychology.

Make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Not everyone can be trusted, and to get things done right you must do them yourself. You are on your own in a big city, there is no campus caccoon to protect you. Working harder and being better each day will only bring you closer to what you want. A social life is something that will fall into place, a career needs to be cultivated.

Don't question your decisions. Don't procrastinate. Know what your long term goals are, but focus on the short term goals.

I, like other high school students, struggled with the structure of public high school, I found it difficult to hold an intrest in the classes I was taking. From an early age I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the arts, it was frustrating that I did not have an option to gear my classes towards my intended major. I often struggled in math and science classes, because I did not feel they would help me in the long run. However now I am in college and pursuing a career in the arts, I am gradeful for my high school education which gave me a strong base. If I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to not take my high school education for granted because it will give me opportunities and freedom in life to persue my goals.

As a victim of the social class ladder, getting an education has proven to be a huge obstacle for me. I've been attending classes part time since fall of 2007, while working full time. I have had a lot of ups and downs since I began my educational journey. At one point I had to take a semester off due to financial troubles outside of school. After my semester off, I had a whole new outlook on life. Education is the one thing that no one can ever take from me. I'm now going full-time, and thanks to a few very inspirational teachers, I am more motivated than ever. I know that I am going to make a difference in this world. I'm going to help people. After this semester I am transferring to a four year school, which will only mean more financial woes. Attending school means the world to me, and I never want to stop expanding my mind. I am the youngest of four children, and I am further ahead in school than anyone in my family. It may be cliché, but education is power. With my power, I'm changing the world.

My college experience has been a journey during which I have learned a lot about myself and others. I have learned to appreciate diversity while learning to see life through more then one window. While in college I have been placed in the midst of many situations which helped me reaffirm my own goals and aspirations. I am only in my third year of college, but I have been given an opportunity that most of my family members were not given at this age. Therefore I strive to be more then just a college graduate, but someone that goes into the world, knowing who they are and working to open doors and opportunities for those that would otherwise be helpless. It has been very valuable for me to attend college because there are experiences here that are like none other. Here I have learned so much not just only in my own field, but about the connectivity between all of the arts. Even with financial adversity I perservere because I won't let anything or anyone break my focus. I can't take my education for granted because it took a lot for me to make it this far.

It is not so much what I've learned, but what I've discovered I need to work on. On the one hand, self-confidence is very important - no matter what I do, I have to believe in my ability to overcome any obstacles in my path. This is, of course, made much easier now that I have a major to align myself with, that I can call my own, but it could apply to before I did nonetheless. Yet self-confidence should not preclude collaboration - reaching out to and communicating with people is also vital, both in keeping current with homework and retaining a sense of humanity. Which isn't to say I should depend wholly on others, or ask for help the moment something is slightly difficult. But possibly, there is more to gain from sharing than struggling in isolation. As I believe it was once said, "No man is an island." I say, singularity is the antithesis of humanity.

Before heading off for college, I set many goals for myself: to broaden my horizons by learning more about different cultures, gaining skills in my field of study, and welcoming self-discovery. Less than two years later, I have found that my expectations have already been far surpassed! I am currently serving as an International Peer Mentor on my campus, where I meet with international students to help them adjust to life in the U.S and university. Also, just recently, I was given the opportunity to study abroad in London, and travel on my own to Paris and Spain (Barcelona, Madrid, and Toledo), where I delved into European culture, theatre, and art! My international experiences have helped me embrace cultural differences, while better appreciating every liberty and convenience afforded to me in the United States!Finally, I feel very accomplished academically because my dance professors are pushing me far beyond where I ever thought possible! The greatest thing I’ve discovered, so far, is my own sense of artistry! Additionally, my eyes have been opened to the vast, rewarding world of dance.I truly believe that my college experiences are shaping me into the person I want to be.

Aside from gaining knowledge about music in areas I never knew existed, UArts has allowed me to make lifelong friends and connections. The teachers here will push you. They want to see you succeed. They are constantly trying to get you gigs and get your voice to be heard. I have been inpsired in so many different ways every day I am in class at UArts. New songs appear to me out of nowhere, and I have this school to thank for that. Aside from the music department, UArts has so much to offer. I love being able to see what the visual art students are doing, the dancers, the actors. I am so lucky to say that I have shared a classroom with so many talented students and faculty members. The school continuously asks what they can do to make our time here better, and the best part is they really mean it. Students wanted to do more Pop singing, so the department started interviewing new teachers. We wanted more rock, so more ensembles were created. I've only been here for a year and a half and am so excited to see what they'll think of next.

College has given me wonderful experiences such as allowing me to learn in a classroom filled with ambitious students. Also in my Freshman year in college I gained more knowledge on my capabilities to learn and grow as an individual. I am currently the only person in my family attending college and it feels very satisfying to know that I will be someone with a degree in a field that I take pride in. My College has also gave me leeway to learn subjects in more detail, and at a higher level than orginally planned. Attending a community college where there are students from wide age ranges. I learned a lot from my fellow classmates who are much older and wiser than me, and I utilize this in every day experiences. I also believe that attending college has been very valuable because I gained more insight with subjects in my field from Professors who are currently experienced and enjoy sharing their knowledge with us. A degree in Nursing field allows me to utilize it in many occupational areas such as a hospital or even in the Military. I am completely satisfied in my college and believe it is valuable everyday.

I have only been attending The University of the Arts for half a semester so far, and I have already gained so much from it. When I first came to this college, I was a bit upset of the classes I was taking at first. Then after a while of being here, I saw how greatly this place has influenced me. I learned how to greatly analysis movies, and take the information from it to make great ideas for myself (original ideas that is). I learned how to pinpoint my ideas into smaller stories, making it easier for me to get a feel of how much to do for the type of shows and movies that I want to produce. From my Liberal Arts classes, I learned more about picking out topics and contexts from many of the books selected like "The Collector" and "The Tempest". Another one of my Liberal Arts class show me a world of how science and art combined over the years to make more discovery like E=mc squared. I have learned so many things from this school, more than I have ever known before. And this was just in one semester.

What I have learned from college cannot be explained in a text book or by a professor. I have learned more about how I want to live my life and where I want to go., and that has become more clear every day that graduation nears. I have learned who I can trust, how to ignore ignorant people, but most importantly I have learned and come to the realization that I can achieve something, anything, that I want to do in the future.

I have learned several useful lessons since starting college. I have learned that I really love playing music, more than I ever thought possible, and I would never want to do anything else. I have also learned to manage my money and time in such a way that I am living both healthfully and economically. Living in Philadelphia over 2,000 miles away from home has required me to grow up very quickly. Growing up is a very valuable thing to have forced upon me because I now know what it is like to do everything for myself while simultaneously being a good student and staying focused on school. I have learned a huge amount about my major, Piano Performance, and about music in general. I have also started learning how to get my music heard and how to make a name for myself, which is a huge part of being a musician. Everything I have learned so far in college will help me immensly in life after school. I am so grateful that I have been able to attend this school, and I hope to continue attending and learning here for the rest of my college career.

College has been a very surprising and unexpected experience. In high school, I wasn't planning on going to college. My father owns his own business and I always assumed I would take over his business. I wasn't driven in high school because I believed that my future was already set up. However, my family thought that some education was better than no education. While in college, I realized that I didn't like my future job as much as I thought I would. I wasn't happy or enjoying myself while at work. The more effort I put into my school work, the more realized that the job wasn't for me. In high school, I would not be in the same position I am now or any where close. I am applying to the University of Maryland. A few years ago, I wasn't looking at a four-year institution. Now, I could end up at a prestigious and an amazing university. College has obviously taught me a lot in the classroom, but I believe it taught me more outside the classroom.

I have gotten an amazing education with a fantastic opportunity for a lucrative career. The College I am attending is small and the professors truly care about each of the students academic achievements. It is important to everyone that we all succeed. I look forward to my future career with great enthusiasm. The "real world" experience I will gain in clinical settings will help to set me apart from others. I am very thankful for the opportunities that I have been given in order to better myself, and in turn offer my children a brighter future, as well.

Being a student at The University of the Arts comes with a tremendous amount of responsibility. The curriculum is designed to challenge the artist not solely by his/her talent, but by their drive and determination. The average theatre student takes up to 15-16 credits, however myself and many other juggle up to 17-18. The credits are dispersed over a wide range of classes, personally I am taking eleven. Along with eleven classes, I also have a paying job at the school box office. So far, my college experience is teaching me time management. It may sound cliche, but time management is imperative for an artist to harness. Without it, a working actor would not work. This actor would not be able to pursue his dreams while also handling a day job to keep a roof over their head. This college has been of great value to me by making me work harder than ever before for what I love, and teaching me my craft is more than just spectacular performances. Art is about devotion and effort, a concept I was aware of, but only in college did I put into effect.

So far, I've gotten a magnificent experience out of attending UArts. This lovely college is set in Philadelphia, which is a colorful city in itself-- colorful in many aspects. The art scene here is amazing, and going to UArts and having graduated from the High School for Creative and Performing Arts really makes me feel like I'm a part of this awesome art scene. I love the fact that the foundation year (the first year here at UArts) granted me an opportunity to dip my hands in a variety of aspects of the visual arts and find out where I’m most comfortable. I’ve gained more experience in the art of animation, I’ve learned about the hidden history of animation, and I’ve discovered a love for woodwork. I’m also taking an illustration elective to get a glimpse of that major as well. Through this program, I’ve solidified my decision to take animation as a major. There’s so much that I’ve learned in UArts that it is pretty difficult to condense it into 200 words or less It’s an experience that I wouldn’t trade in for any other.

I am gaining an education that reaches far beyond academia; I am learning tolerance, adaptability, collaboartion, and so much more.

I learned that I really don't like art school that much. I should have probably gone into design school or maybe trade school. However UArts is still a pretty good school, outside of my current major seems to be fun. It's really good to take classes outside and to also do your own research and ask questions and make sure to view your decisions wisely. Art school is no walk in the park.

I love UARTS. I met a lot of life long friends i have learned a lot of fun techniques from my super cool teachers. I know I have become a better artist already even though I have onlhy been here for a year and a half. I'm excited to learn more and hopefully succeed to have my dream career! Which would be to design the windows for Free People or to own my own store whether it be fashion, art, crafts and so on! I'm just an overall happy person but i really could use the money to help with my tuition !

I have gotten a great education and an experience of a life time here at the University of the Arts. Everything from my professors to the city I live in have made my college years worth all the hard work and effort I make to stay here. Next year I am planning to study abroad and although the city of Philadelphia has been good to me I am looking forward to what a new country has to offer and the new adventures I will be involved in.

This school emphasizes diversity amd creativity. It emphasizes that there is more than one way to go about a task. It wants to encourage students to use multiple different creative outlets for your own major. It also emphasizes student relations. There is a huge sense of community at this school. People are friendly with each other and protective of each other. The school also values the balance between independence and collaboration. A person learns how to be successful as a individual but also how to work with others in a productive way. Overall this school has taught me tolerance, creativity in places one would of never thought to look, community and openess to those around you.

What I have gotten out of my college experience is that i have learned alot. i know how to do things i never put mymind to doing my schoolis all about bussiness and they teach you how to become a very bussiness wise person they help you one on one they showed me that there is more to life then just trying to do something and to just go forward and become the successful person that i am. for me and my family. i love the college experience it gives mea great outlook on things and life and moving mea step closer to my career in life and i love it. if i could keep doing over again i would but you dont want to do that cause then it would take to long to get to your career but if theres one that i learned from this its to network and learn the three keys to success and onnce you do that then you will have everything yu need to know.

By going through college and be a part time worker on-campus, I have meet people from all walks of life in the community. I have grown more confident in dealing with situations of day to day life. I have been recently immigrated to the United States. Though having one year of campus experience, I have grown more acquanted to the new culture and circumstances here. Through my part time work on-campus, I have come to meet people in this diverse community and are now able to communicate simpler and more straight word. I strongle belive getting a college degree is precious which can even change our overall outlook of my life. Every year the government is spending huge amount of money for financial aid. Thus, it is clear the importance of college. From four years now on, I can dream of a professional in me looking more confident, happier, and proud. Thus, I am going to college no matter how much pain I have to take.

College has not only helped me redefine my goals, but redefine myself. I've learned we're not just who we are, but who we're able to pull out of who we are--who we can become with hard work, determination, and a willingness to grasp opportunities. I've also come to realize that life is what happens while you're making other plans, and what you don't think will happen, just might. The key to it all is accepting the challenges and moving ahead with your dreams. My college experience has been valuable because it has helped me realize what I knew deep down inside all along--what I really want out of life and what I need to do to get it. By the way, the line about "life is what happens" is not original. It's my mom's favorite Salada tea bag tag line, and to me it's the equivalent of Forrest Gump's mother's famous words about life being like a box of chocolates. You really don't know what you're going to get in life, but what makes all the difference is what you do with what you get.

My college experience has opened my mind and opened my heart to things I never thought I would see, feel or experience. I've met some extremely beautiful people, and learned some very valuable lessons about myself and my art along the way. It has been valuable to attend my school not only for the fact that I am pursuing my life long dream, but also because I am getting all the resources I need in order to truly be successful. This school is helping me become more comfortable with sharing the wealth of my heart and soul and hopefully having people appreciate and admire the work I have done and will continue to do for the rest of my life.

I got more confident in my work. As I aquire more knowledge and practise, my work noticably gets better. Plus the aspect of a competition in the invoirment is very helpful to push me to do great.

Although I have not been attending college for very long, I've come to grasp a number of valuable things. Like many others new to college I have learned the basics, like time management and the fact that being on time to class in your pajamas is better than not at all. However, observing other students around me has taught me something even greater, the importance of an education, itself. I've seen friends and classmates, brush off work and even class itself, not caring about the fact that their parents are paying thousands of dollars for those very classes that pertain to the well being of their own future. A few go out to drink and party, and when they return to realize the mistakes, it's already cost them something dear. Some never even come back. I have seen people around me squander their talents and throw away their futures for cheap thrills and it has assured me of one thing; I don't ever want to be one of them. I enjoy what I do too much to throw it away like that and I'd do whatever it takes to ensure that I finish school.

Partnership, dedication, creative and an open mind are what i have experienced after taking one semester in this school. This school offered me a chance to work with my friends, a chance to understand and observe other artists' ideals and together we made what best for us. This school made me want to be more dedicated, to work and to life. This school offered me a creative environment, to be created and to be accepted. This school teached my how an open mind help a person see the world like they've never seen it before. An open mind would help we understand things that normally we just ignore. It is valuable because I've never experienced any thing like this before. It is valuable because since attended to this school, I changed so much, as a person and an artist.

Not only have I gained much more knowledge for The University of the Arts than i ever expected, my school has provided many opportunities to channel my knowledge. Because all of my instructors, dance or academic, are still working professionals in their fields, they provide opportunities for us to experience the professional dance world. All students have the opportunity to work with our instructors outside of the classroom. This has been the most valuable experience I have had through my school. It allows us to tackle the unknown experiences about a professional career before we are forced to experience it.

College has not only been an educational learning experience but life long education in learning about people. The diversity of cultures, dreams, goals and the pursuit of the common desire to be successful not financially but within ones own self is key. Learning about our impact on the environment and how it will effect the future in so many ways has inspired me to focus on designing environmentally friendly and affordable products. I believe the encouragement to give back to the community emphasized at Uarts has helped me to keep that focus even while busy school schedules can occupy time. I have become a better person inward and outward through my college experience.

I have gotten an ever expanding bill because of my college attendance but I have to admit what I've received surpasses any fiscal stress. I came to college a bit hopeless, trying to answer the massive questions of my future like, who do I want to be when I finally graduate and what am I going to do with a degree. I had constantly compared myself to my twin sister, an artist as well who attends U Arts, and felt I was not up to pare for such an institution. I was basically lost. Coming to the University of the Arts made me realize that I probably won't be answering those questions, which in turn was what I actually needed all along. And even though I am mistaken for my sister everyday I feel like a belong. The professors here encourage you to continually change and grow as an artist, so who you are and what style you have one year may be completely different the following year. This experience has taught me to welcome such change and being unable to answer those huge questions about yourself is for the best, otherwise you're just boring.

I've been through the worst of times, but now I have begun to rebuild my life. 2 A's in my first 2 classes since I've been back. I would like to continue to grow in the right direction and your help would go along way in helping me achieve a better life>

College is nothing like I imagined it to be, it is far more greater and wonderous. Being a dancer, I came into this experience expecting to be home sick, unhappy, stressed, and most of all ready to quit. I have been through all of those emotions, fortunatley I passed that stage very early in the semester. I learned, I am not the most talented, I will dislike myself and I will doubt the gift I have been given while comparing myself to other students that attend this school. I have also learned that I am able to grow, learn, and love all that I have to offer. In short, I have gotten an understanding of self worth in my own eyes. I know to not compare myself to others around me, and when I do, I remind myself that I am growing and I will get there. This school provides possibilities and a hope for the profession I am in love with. I can say I am worthy to be at this school, when before I was the student in tears because she thought she could never be enough.

My college experience has been an exciting one. I have learned many things about myself. I'm an only child and I learned how much I relied upon my parents. College has taught me a whole new world of independence, one that I needed to learn. At first it was very difficult to do some things on my own. I found that I was calling home for advice a lot at first. However, as time went on, I was able to make more of my own decisions on my own. I'm proud that I was able to find that independence. In addition, since I was an only child, I wasn't used to living or sharing space with anyone else. Living on campus my first semester of college was definitely a valuable learning experience for me. I learned how to get along with other personalities in close living quarters. I had to learn how to share space with people, share belongings, but most of all share myself with people. My roommates have become important people in my life. My college experience has been rewarding in so many ways, unfortunately 200 words is not enough to describe all of them!

So far, I have learned how to work hard and manage my time wisely. It has been valuable because I have been able to express myself artistically and have some freedom to do what I want in an interesting city full of life. I have learned to bounce ideas off of other classmates and get feedback in order to make my work better.

I've gotten a chance to make some really great work while in the comfort of my school. I'm a film student, and I can't express enough how important it is to be able to use the facilities and resources we have available to us. Our professors ruitinely get us to go out to festivals and shows in order to get the most out of the city culture and learn from people who are making the art that we study.