Minneapolis College of Art and Design Top Questions

Look at all of your options, but remember, it's just a step towards your future, not the end all of what you will do for life.

Visit your college first, ask people about it, research professors if you know of any names. Research the school, see who the alumni are, if anyone famouse came out of there in your area. Study hard, keep learning from outside rescources other than your schools. Every day you miss is money coming out of your pocket that you paid for!

The best advise I can give, is to truly go for something you enjoy, are interested in, or or believe in. I have seen so many people go through school, just getting through it, not realy into it. These people are generaly the ones who end up getting less then favorable grades, and many times drop out, wasting thousands of dollars. I can speek from experience, I am a transfer student. I found that I too was not fully dedicated to my studies, my heart was just not in what I was focused on. Instead of skipping classes and not caring, I decided to finish off the year to the best of my abilities and transfer out with good grades to a school speacializing in a subject I have always dreamed of creating! I am an animation major at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and could not be happier!

There may be a time where you find yourself inside of a change you decided to make; that change being the choice to attend college. A lot of things will become different in your life, and a lot of personal growth will occur. This may mean losing touch with old friends, but it's a change for the better. You will begin to realize that life is about choices even when it hurts, mentally and physically. At times you will be lonely, and you will feel small, and other times you'll realize that you are small, and that it's okay. You become educated other wise outside of school. You will create ways of allowing your life and your school life to coexist. Parents may have difficulty letting their children go away from home and start their own lives, but deep inside they know it's a change for the better. The bond can and will only grow closer the further apart and the times that parents and children reconnect, will be just that much better. They will finally get to know eachother for who they are as individuals. Look for a 24/7 school with free internet.

College is a commitment, and like any other commitment, make sure you know what you're getting in to. Go beyond the statistics the college boasts, and spend time at the school. A few good conversations with current students and alumni might be more valuable than any admissions materials they would you send you through the mail. If at all possible, try to spend a day and a night in the college. Go to an event, sit in on a class, and try to sink your teeth into what the school is really like. If you are choosing an institution based on a major or area of study, make sure you see a list of the classes they offer for that program. Once you find the place you think you want to be, it's about keeping up a positive attitude and making sure it's the place you want to be. Remember, it is your life and no one elses, and that college is a priveledge that many people never experience. And finally, it's not always about being right or wrong, it's about learning.

I would advise parents to become an active part of their children's education, and continue to push even when children don't want to be pushed around. I was frustrated with my mother about her constant nagging to fill out scholarship applications and write essays, but if my mother had not become involved with my college education, I would have never made it to college. I'm somewhat of an introvert, so my mother and I sought out prviate colleges within the state of Minnesota, and found the perfect one for me. MCAD was the best decision I have made in my entire lifetime. The college offered apartment housing, 24-hour lab access and fresh perspective for the new generation of right-brain innovators. I want students to be aware of what makes life enjoyable, because there's very likely a career for it. Doing the research and getting your name out there increases your chances of finding something which best suits you. If your parents are pushing the decision of one school over another, don't let what they want for you decide what your future holds. They are supposed to be there to help, and not bully.

First things first, Art school is not a walk in the park. This campus especially will push you further than you ever thought you could go. I am an Animation Student at this campus, we dont get alot of sleep, but the family atmosphere is what makes this college such a great one. It is actually possible to get to know almost everyone here. Homework parties are the way to go, we all get together and get our work done, but at the same time spend the nights laughing our heads off. If you are looking for a college that will actually force you to grow artistically, mentally, physically, and even spiritually, please come and take a look at MCAD. I personally could not think of a better place on the planet to be right now.

Personally, I would telll parents and students to take your time through the college hunting process. There are so many kids I graduated with that are unhappy with their school because they rushed into it and made hasty decisions. I would not have found the Minneapolis College of Art and Design if I raced around and picked a college. Although the right college may seem far away, part of the experience is living away from home (in my case it's 8 hours). So, take your time, don't let distance factor in too much, and finally, trust your parents and those mentors who help guide you. Their experiences and mistakes can only help better your choices that you have to make on the road to college. In the end, if you've done everthing to your liking (you know, the cliche "stayed true to yourself") you'll find the right college, or the right college will find you. In my case, the right college found me with a little postcard in the mail, and now I'm an enthusiastic sophomore.

Before going to college, you may want to ask yourself what you want to do in your life. Many students are unsure by the time they've graduated high school. Going to college is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Go to college, preferablly right after high school. There will be more people your age if you do. By taking a year or two off, it may be harder to convince yourself to go back to school. If you have many interests and cannot decide what field interests you the most, it may benefit you to go to a community college or a university. If you already know what you want to do, choose the school that you feel will help you the most. I did, and I haven't ever regretted it. Make sure to go to the schools you are interested in before committing to them. Look for campus life and clubs. Look at the college's job placement office and talk to the school's alumni. Most importantly, attend college- even if only through loans. Apply for grants, scholarships, contests, give-aways, internships and on-campus jobs. You won't regret it. I promise.

Make sure you research the majors and ensure your child is making the right choice. If they choose MCAD ensure they have regular support and encouragment because it is a tough school but well worth the effort.