Massachusetts College of Art and Design Top Questions

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself as a high school senior to not sweat the small stuff. I applied to Massachusetts College of Art and Design as a first time freshman the fall of 2012. I received a letter from admissions explaining that my grades were not good enough for the college, but my portfolio was. Admissions suggested that I take my freshman year at a community college. I was devastated because MassArt is my dream school. I went to UMASS Dartmouth the Fall of 2013 and later transferred to MassArt as a sophomore. I wouldn't take that back for the world. I experienced life as a freshman at UMASS and made life long friends. Although MassArt is my dream, Umass taught me many treasured life lessons. I would go back and tell my senior self to not be devastated to go to Umass. I am proud now of who I was and who I have become.

If I could speak to my high school self I would advise one thing: to take a gap year between high school and college. I would advise this to all students in the current economical situation. Post-secondary education has become extremely expensive in the USA, so it is worth it to take a year between the safety net of high school and college to clear your mind and perhaps define a clearer picture of what kind of education you'd like to pursue. Other then that, I advise myself and everyone to do as much research as they can and apply for all scholarships. Don't be lazy.

Don't wait! Even if you aren't absolutely positive about what you want to study, get in and get going. Two years of required courses puts you on your way and far better than spending those years trying to "find yourself"... you're too young to truly find yourself now anyway. Work hard, live cheaply while you can, and watch that debt. After those first two years you may, or may not, have an idea of what to do next... but those years will not be wasted and you will enormouse space to expand. Do what feels right to you and make the best choices you can, on your terms. But don't waste this time!

I would tell myself to go for it. To give it everything you have no matter what the situation. You want to play on the soccer team, you have to train really hard and be prepared to push yourself more than you are now. Join a club. You will instently have a group of friends to be with and will help you out. Don't be scared or nervous. If it's something that you are intersted in just do it even if that means going by yourself. Your going to have a great time in college but only if your not afraid to be on your own, to follow your passions, and put yourself out there. The people here are supportive and it't ok to make mistakes, thats how you learn.

Jordan, Did you apply for that scholarship your teacher told you about? Drop what you're doing. Apply. Now. No, put down that book and go apply for that scholarship. And that one. Don't stop applying. You've made this commitment to spend the next four years in a flourishing environment, and although you are about to feel the most confident you've ever felt, you will go through heartbreak and depression that will make you feel incapable of happiness. But, you know what? Just like that scholarship you applied for, you will get through it. That depression will make you find yourself as an artist, and believe it or not, it will make you understand yourself better and you will learn how to appreciate the hard times. That project you completed when you would have rather never opened your eyes again landed you the internship of a lifetime and you will become a succesful textile designer. Now, drop what you are doing and go apply for that scholarship. Future you has other plans than paying off debt. -Future Jordan (You'll be just fine)

If I went back in time to talk to myself in high school, I would tell myself to listen to my teachers. High School is the last time in life that education is free, and while there may be things that seem more important, become a sponge and absorb any information the teachers are able to give you. I would also recommend utilizing all the resources of a small school. Being in a graduating class of 96 has many shortcomings, but also many benefits. Talk to upperclassmen who have already gone to college or entered to work force. Learn from their mistakes, take their advice, and truly think about what path is right for you. Lastly, if taking a year off between going to college to decide if college is the right choice, then take the time. There is such a push in high school to get into college, but really think about what is important in your life and if college will get you closer to that goal. College will be the right choice, but take time to figure out who you are before making a decision about what you want to do with your life.

If I went back in time to see myself as a high school senior, I would tell her to not worry at all about making friends. In high school, I had a very hard time making friends, and I was very nervous going into college, where I wouldn't know anyone. Little did I know that going to MassArt would introduce me to an entirely different breed of happy, friendly people. Everyone had such diverse styles, backgrounds, sexual and gender orientations, and outlooks on life. I was surprised when I met a group of people whom I would see myself staying friends with for a very long time, people I felt like I waited all my life for, who were just like me. Now, I'm happy that I have this valuable group of loving, caring people, and can't believe I ever worried about making friends, when I've practically made a new family.

You are going to be heartbroken and you are going to be happy about it. Don't worry so much.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior, there are many things I would tell myself. The first piece of advice I would give myself is to get the best grades possible. Getting good grades enhances your chances of getting scholarships to help pay for your tuition, and most importantly it impresses the college you are interested in by giving them an accurate view as to how hard of a worker you are. Second I would tell myself to work hard the summer before and save up money. College is an eye opening once in a lifetime experience and you should be able to go to the one you think will give you the best chance at a successful future. Saving up enough money to go to the school you really want, even if it means you will work all summer, will be completely worth it in the end. Lastly I would tell myslef to follow what I really want to do. Life is short and you should believe in your dreams. If you work hard enough, and are passionate enough about what you love you will be successful no matter what.

Having the opportunity to travel back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior would be incredible. The first thing that I would say to myself would be that everything is going to be ok, and that I am making the right decision. After I was accepted into the only college I applied to, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, I made the extremely difficult decision to deffer my acceptance for one year. I was so nervous to take that year off, but now that I am able to look back, I could not have made a better choice. Now that I have finally started at MassArt, I am focused, excited, and ready to take on any assignment or situation that I might be faced with. I would also tell myself that I chose the right school, and that although I will be challenged in many different ways, Massachusetts College of Art and Design is going to help me reach my fullest potential.

I would probably advise myself against going to Gettysburg College and pursuing a degree more in line with both my talents and interests (Art) instead of diving into majors because I wanted to do something I was groomed to do in hopes of securing a more stable future (Medieval Middle Easter History). While I met many great friends and professors during my stay and excelled in all my courses, I did not leave satisfied with what I had accomplished in those years. Afterwards, despite my credentials, I found myself without work and no support from my school outside of the DC area which only further fueled more resentment for my decision that senior year. Disillusioned and finally faced with the realization that I had put off my own happiness in hopes of finding a career more respectable to my family and because I doubted my own skill, only to watch it blossom in the darkness I spent away from art, I finally understood what needed to be done. Within the first week of Orientation at MassArt, I already feel more aware of what I needed to do and how to accomplish it. Go with your gut and make it work.

I would advise myself to pick my classes so that they are spaced out during the week, ideally so that I have one class everyday. In this way I won't overburden myself for part of the week in order to have a day off from class. I would create a schedule for myself around my classes, which would include time to do homework, eat, work out etc. so that I won't waste my time.

The most valuable piece of advice that I would have to offer is to always keep your eyes open. The educational experience is most beneficial when you are receptive to everything that is happening around you. Paying attention to the world around you is just as important as what you can learn in books and lectures if not more so. Life experience and education are very complimentary and it is of utmost importance that neither are neglected. Both serve the same purpose of learning and in turn will make your life all the more rich and enjoyable. It is in this balance that the things you learn from books and lectures can be applied in your everyday life. My last piece of advice is simple and is equally important. Do not get too stressed out. Working hard is to achieve your goals is admirable and can be stressful but always remember that it should be enjoyable as well. If you're stressed out, the work suffers. After graduating you should be able to look back fondly on your college days and then you can continue learning.

My education after high school has been unnecessarily long and repetitively interrupted. I have doubted myself and faltered many times. For years, I desperately wished I could go back in time and start down a different path immediately out of high school. For years, I would have told my past self all of the "correct" decisions that would have saved me time, money, and frustration. Today, I would give my past self only a knowing smile and a comforting hug. I am currently in an exemplary program at my top choice school. Without all of my seemingly incorrect decisions I wouldn't be in my current situation. If I would have started pursuing my passion when I was younger, I wouldn't have had the wisdom to get everything I could out of my colleagues and professors. I wouldn't have had the foresight to take advantage of the variety of opportunities available. I wouldn't have had the maturity to learn from challenges and the grace to persevere. My journey for the past nine years has taught me that I can do anything, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Do not let this newness frighten you. You are every strength you need already. Forget about finding a man; they’re all boys for now. And you are hardly a woman so don’t rush it. Sleep as much as you can, your stamina depends on it. Harvest as many dreams as you can carry— to be clear your shoulders are capable of infinity. do not let your goals dangle to the wayside; things on your back burner will only turn to mush or ashes. do not bite off more than you can chew but don't underestimate your mouth or the words that spill from its muscles. only buy as many groceries as you will really eat, broken hearts begin when you let potential spoil. Days are going to feel long sometimes but the months will run; and sometimes they’ll escape completely. don’t forget to blink and stretch your legs, and your imagination. Money isn't everything and you’re certainly not made of it your budget is not a dollars and cents strategy but a use of time that makes you rich. Education should be your top priority but learning is never limited to a classroom.

Yvonne, you need to challenge yourself more. Senior year may be a breeze for you, but if you don’t push yourself to your full potential you will not grow intellectually and be mentally prepared for the courses at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Talk to your guidance counselor and try to get into AP classes if not then only settle for honors courses. You are bright and can do it, high school is the bridge you must cross that leads to your adult life. Even though you enjoy socializing, remember that it is not the reason you are at school; better yet join more clubs so then you can both socialize and help build your school’s community. As time passes, you will realize where your priorities lie, and though at 17 you believe you’ve lived it all, there is still more to learn. Open your mind and lead yourself to success by crusading through all the obstacles you will face. You are number one and in the end you should only be settling for the best.

My highschool career I was always told that in college "they are not going to do it for you". This is true. If i could go back in time I would just emphasis this point. Freshman year i had three scholarships all of which I had help discovering and applying to them with a guidance counselor in highschool. Now as a sophmore, I have no scholorships to help me pay for school. When you try to get help in finding them the advisors here will just tell you where to go, not actually help you. So if i could go back in time i would give myself the advice of knowing that nothing will get done unless you do it yourself. Good life advice in general because it is so brutally honest. The only person you can rely and really trust in life is yourself. Which is why you should always do your best because what you plant now will harvest later. Life isnt about finding yourself, life is about creating yourself, and only YOURSELF can do that. They won't do it for you.

Think long and hard about what you want to do with your life. Pick a career you will be proud of, not a career that you think will make you a ton of money. Begin college with an open mind and read ten minutes longer than you think you need to each time you sit down to read. For every test you will take, study at least 30 minutes more than you think you should. That 30 minutes will pay off every time. Take better notes than anyone else and always be open to tutoring others in the class. They will appreciate it and you will learn more than you know. Never be afraid to stay after class to talk to your professors and always ask for help when you are confused. Always find a study buddy and never let them down. They will help you to your goal in the end, and you will help them more than they will admit. Surround yourself with the smartest people that you can find, especially those smarter than you. Without trying, they will drive you harder than you will ever drive yourself. Never, ever, ever quit.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself during senior year, I would advise myself to have more confidence in my abilities and work towards my dreams because they truly can become a reality. I was extremely close to not even applying to school because of my financial issues, but my parents went out of their way to make sure that I had a college education. I'm honestly blessed to have a support system that I have and I would also tell myself to thank them every chance that I got. I would tell myself to experience everything I did during my college years the best I can because it only happens once and it goes by very quickly. Overall, I would tell myself to just be myself because you can't go far and achieve your dreams if you lose yourself in the process.

Hi Joshua I know this may sound a little weird, but let me explain, I am you from the future and I'm here to help you start things off on a better foot than you did before. Now don't get me wrong, your doing a fabulous job, I'm just here to fix those small erros along the way that you will encounter. To start things off, your not going to be a journalist, so don't go to St.John's in New York because you won't be doing yourself a favor on trying to discover yourself, instead save your money and apply for Rhode Island College in your hometown of Providence, Rhode Island. It is there that you will discover your passion of sculpture, attend the school for two years free of charge because you thought ahead and got some scholarships and then transfer out to the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston. It is there that you will incorporate your sculptural strengths by changing your major to Industrial Dresign. I know it sounds strange but this will be the best move for now. It is where I am now so trust me.