California Institute of the Arts Top Questions

go there and see if it feels right. meet teachers, students and sit in on classes.

First off, parents, your kids made it through high school, and you need to allow them to make a college choice that?s right for them, not what you think is right. So trust your children, because they'll do what they want to anyways, and if you let them, you'll most likely remain more informed about their life choices and that makes everyone?s life better. Now students don't just go to a school because of the parties or because of how good it supposedly is. You need to go there and really experience it, before going. Don?t be close-minded about the types of people that go there but be aware of how open minded the student body is. And most importantly make sure that the school is good at facilitating what you love to do, even if you know that it won't be you major, because is very important to never stop the things you love.

Spend a few days at the schools you wish to attend. Try meeting students and ask them about their own experiences, because admissions can tell you many wonderful things about the school, and they may be true, however, until one listens to someone living the experience, one doesn't really know the truth.

Make sure you really do your research and actaully visit the school when it is in sesion and come around the campus at all times of the day to get the REAL feel of the place.

It is difficult to make the right choice. For some career paths the most prestigious schools are difficult to turn away even when faced with their high costs. I would not tell a student to avoid applying to schools that seem unaffordable, but aid should be sought.

The problem with giving broad, blanketed 'advice' is that it assumes everyone has the same goals and priorities. So if I have to give advice, I guess the first peice would be to sort those out. Sit down and ask yourself- What do I want to get out of college? Where do I see myself in four years? How much am I willing to pay- (How much is my education worth to me and how much can I afford?) For me, I wanted a school that would launch me into a career in animation, and my school, for all its failings, has done just that. That being said, no matter where you go to college, dont expect the school to do all the work for you. Your education is your own responsibility, and the more you put into it, the more you're gonna get out of it. If your history class isnt digging deep enough into a subject, check out your own books, do your own studies. If the film program doesnt require you to make a film until your senior year, make one anyway. In fact, make ten. It's YOUR passion- dig into it.

Firstly look for somewhere that appeals to your interests. Secondly look closely at the financial dedication. It might be too expensive, and loans are an option but later on costly.

If you are the student make sure you know what you want to do with your life, and if your not sure, make sure you pick a school that offers plenty of options. If you are a parent, make sure you know what you son or daughter wants to do, not what you want them to do. If they want to be an artist, let them be an artist, don't force them to go to law school. Once you find the perfect school for you, make sure you start taking advantage of it right away. 4 Years may sound like a long time, but it goes by really fast, believe me. College is a place where you can make mistakes too. Its a safe place to test out your life and your skills. Once you are done and you are out in the real world, thats it. So take advantage of your time at college and make sure you are really prepared for your life by the end of your college career. Because it may be the end of one career, but the beginning of a new one that will last the rest of your life.

I would advise to visit the school's website first off, and most importantly, try to visit the campus and get a feel for the faculty and the student culture. Talk to the admission counselors. Walk around. Talk to students. Sit in on classes. This was very important in making my decision. Also, be prepared to know what you want out of your education and try to compare that knowledge with what the school has to offer.

always re-consider taking a year off

Please do whatever you can to find scholarships. If possible, go to community college beforehand to get rid of general education units; you will be better able to focus on your major.

Look for a school that caters to your interests, and that has an environment, faculty that nurture those interests. It is easy to get distracted while at school, so, surround yourself with like-minded peers who will help you stay focused and inspired.

Finding the right college for you isn't about the prestige of the name, or the alma mater of a parent. It is about passion. What is your passion? What school will best develop your passion and you as an individual? If you are still unsure what your passion is: What school is the best place to find it? To inspire you. Find the school that has a breeding ground of ideas and encouragement and motivation. Whether it be in the type of students, teachers, surroundings, or facilities. When you've found it: let it take hold of you. Get excited. Get involved. Get passionate.

i would suggest a small liberal school, who has a good reputation for great teachers.

I would tell parents and students to thoroughly look through the program by looking at the learning goals, the curriculum, readily available faculty within the program and rubrics for the program (if available) in order to decide if the school is a right fit. If these things fall in line with what the student wishes to learn, in a conducive environment with instructors that the student feels confortable learning from and discussing with and with other like minded students, then the student has found the right school. Financially speaking, the family should look at their options of financial aid, but should also expect the price to increase and for other various unaccounted for expences. Ultimately if the student is going to be happy there, then I believe that anything is possible in finding a way to pay for school.

Visit every school you are considering while school is in session and ask a LOT of questions. Meet some professors in majors you are considering and try to sit in on a class or two. Check out the dorms and definitely try the food. Once you get to school, remember that you get back as much as you put in, so work as hard as you can and you'll succeed.

IF THE STUDENT DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THEY WANT TO PURSUE IN A COLLEGE CAREER, THE BEST THING TO DO IS TO TAKE TIME OFF. ATTEND A JUNIOR COLLEGE SO WHEN THEY DO DECIDE TO GO TO A MAJOR COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY THEY HAVE CREDITS ALREADY COMPLETED TOWARDS THEIR DEGREE. DON'T GET TOO LOST IN THE SOCIAL LIFE AND DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME. THERE IS ONLY ONE OPPORTUNITY TO GET A BACHELORS DEGREE, AND ONCE IT IS DONE YOU CAN'T GO BACK AND CORRECT YOUR MISTAKES. MOST OF ALL CHOOSE SOMETHING THAT YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT. NEVER TAKE "NO" FOR AN ANSWER.

folor your passion

Know that you have to love where you're going to attend. Go with your gut feeling. Don't let your parents decide for you, do what you love. Life's too short to go thru life not doing what you love and are passionate about.

Speak to students at the colleges you are considering first.