Savannah College of Art and Design Top Questions

Once I was accepted into my undergraduate university I then had the opportunity to apply to their film program. My plan for several years had been to major in filmmaking, but unfortunately I was not accepted. To justify the situation, I convinced myself that film had been a foolish choice and that I needed to pick a more reliable major. I chose accounting. I became angry at society, cynical about my classes, my grades declined, and I barely graduated. When I began work at a CPA firm I had a bad attitude. I quit some jobs, lost some jobs, and struggled for ten years with depression and alcoholism hanging my head low as I walked into the office each day. Finally, at age thirty, I gathered the strength to change my life. I sent a short film to some graduate schools. The following fall I nearly wept as I walked into my first class. I was finally working towards the life I wanted. It was 15 years after I graduated high school. If I could have gone back in time and talked to myself then, I would have said to never stop following your dream.

I would tell myself to look into every college around in Georgia and compare them to the current college I go to now. I know my current college is the best in the field I want to major in Georgia, but it is also a private college so Hope and Pell Grant hardly help me out with tuition. If no other college in Georgia offers a decent film program, then apply for more and more scholarships as a high schooler. My biggest worry right now is that I might have to drop out because of not being able to pay and that is something I could have helped myself out in high school.

Please take english AP. It may be your least favorite subject, but you know you could have tested out of college english and it isn't any better here than it is in high school.

If I could go back in time and speak to my younger self in high school I would say “don’t forget to have fun”. Senior year is a stressful and desperate time in trying to apply to your dream college and trying to gather every penny to make your dream happen, but senior year is also the last chance you have to be a kid. Once you’re in college there is no way back. You have become a respected member of the community and you cannot afford to let anyone down. There is no more time for uncertainty because every step you take is one closer to ensuing future.

I will tell myself to work harder in school because if I had better grades I would have gotten more finacial aid. Also I would have told myself to apply sooner for scholarships and to not give up on going to the college of my dreams. It is a lot of money and any little bit counts but I don't regret going one bit. I just wish at the time I would have appreciated my time there more and make a lot of friends.

It. Gets. Better. Life does not end after high school. You can't choose who you go to high school with because they already live in your town. But there are thousands of high schools all over the country and each one has "that one weird kid" just like you. Just like there's a convention and festival for every interest, there's always someone who likes what you like. You're scared of the unknown, I know. But ignorance is NOT bliss. All the depression, all the frustration, all the fear of a boring job, it's all pointless. You are not alone. There are people like you, who want to do what you want to do. There's a career for it. You CAN make money doing what you love and you should! There is no reason, at all, for you to do anything that makes you unhappy. You have good ideas, so express them! Make them known! Do what you love and learn how to make a career out of it. Be patient, calculating, and above all, never ever abandon your creative side.

What I am started to realize is that the most important decisions in life are the ones that you have the longest to make: take your time. Stay focused, but focus on the present. What is it that currently makes you feel fulfilled? How can you make a career out of this? If you're looking solely to make money, don't go to art school (that's a joke, but also true). If you are looking to expand your way of thinking, travel as much as you can. Stop being so indedpendent and stubborn; if someone offers you help, take it. If someone needs assistance, offer it. You have time for others and yourself: stop stressing. Volunteer more: you enjoy every second of it and you learn just as much in the field as the classroom. Breathe. Trust yourself. Be open. Be honest, especially with yourself. Don't get too comfortable; just because you think design is your calling due to your love of art, don't be afraid to admit that what you really love is helping others explore their imagination. And don't you dare lose that--doing so will make you feel lost: you're not.

the first thing i would tell myself is apply to scholarships first. i would tell myself that because college is going to cost alot no matter where you go, so applying to scholarships first will help me start by saving money for college. the next thing i would tell myself is finish college applications early so i can qualify for big scholarships. it is important to get the application done early so you can be one of the first to get your application looked at and can be considered for a scholarship and to possibly be accepted early. lastly i would tell myself to apply to some in-school schools or community colleges just in case money is scarce or i dont get accepted into an out-of-state school.

If I could talk to my high school senior self, I would say, "Mikhaila, congratulations on being accepted to SCAD, A.K.A. the college of your dreams! You have come a long way since you were that awkward 14 year old freshman, and for this, I truly congraulate you. even though you are thinking, 'Yes! I'm so done with this school and all of its immature students,' don't forget that college is a school, too. I'm not trying to say this in a negative manner. All I'm say is that now, it is all up to you to keep up with your studies and to meet your deadlines. Personal responsibility is the key to success in college. Furthermore, don't forget to have some fun. Even though becoming a freshman all over again can seem a bit scary, remember that you are not the only one feeling this way. Socialize with other freshman once you're in college, and make new friends. Now, I know that sounds cliche, but every single word is true. Your college years are suppose to be the best time of your life, so make it count while making smart choices."

If I could could give my past self advice the first is, choose the school you want most. Sure the other school gave you more money in funding but its cold in Baltimore and cold is not our favorite. They may seem all nice and eager but you'll enjoy the warmer school better and girl that navy guy he's history. You know he's cute and sweet but making a desicion on where to go for school because of him is just wrong. Enjoy yourself but dont go overboard. I know hunting for scholarships is boring and none of your friends are doing it but, sit down and do it. It's boring not fun and yeah it does knock down yourself of steam since we're not academic geniuses, but how are you going to pay for college? The first step to our dream is not improving our talent, thats what the school is for, but getting the money to improve your talent. Oh and wine is important but live on campus for a quarter girl you know that cat hair is not your best friend, people are your friends. Good girl be social.

I would go back and tell myelf that you should do your best and keep striving to exceed in your skills. You don't need to mess around because it could jeopardize your opportunities in life. Do not let people get you down about what it is you want to do with your life, just believe that God is going to make a way and he will. Do not take any advice that you dont believe will help you and don't let not having material objects bother you. stick with God and your mother because they have always been there for you. They believed you when nobody else did and they will continue believe in you. Just continue to believe that the best is yet to come.

If there was one thing in life that I could do over it would be my preparation for college and higher learning. I didn’t do enough to secure funding for college therefore; I am now struggling to go back to school because I didn’t do the necessary steps to secure for my future financially. If I could have a do over I would started looking and applying for scholarships earlier and I would map out a concrete plan and an agenda to follow. I would seek out all types of financial options that would be beneficial such as loans, grants, scholarships, and foundations. I have learned to take advantage of all opportunities and not procrastinate or expect for things to come to you but take the initiative for the future. I know now that I would have done things differently and even though I don’t have the opportunity for a do-over I still have a chance to make a difference in my life and become more proactive in everything I do.

Dear High School me, I know how excited you are and how ready you are to face the world and solve all of the problems in it. I know you believe that this is your only chance to leave this dusty old town and run as fast as you can away. I know that you honestly believe that your parents are out dated and out of touch. I know that if you could see us three years ago you would be ashamed at the way our life was going. I know. Even though I know all of these things I know you will not listen to any warnings or suggestions on how to do better. We can be stubborn at times. However please slow down high school me, please stop rushing. Life is long and you will figure out what you want to do and you will see the world, its just going to take a little longer than most. So show up, be present and be resilient. Do not let cattiness get you down. Younger you was on the right track with art and dance. Do not forget your passions. Pay attention to the world around you. Love, me

I wouldtell myself to do better than my best in high school. I would want myself to really over achieve and get all A's. I would also try to take more art classes and grow in my art. So that when the time came to apply for the college I am at now I would have outstanding grades and a good portfolio to present so that I could recieve better scholarships. I think as a high school student a lot is taken as granted. In high school I didn't even know if I was going to go to college so I started doing everything so late. I am a first generation hispanic college student and I didn't really know anything about college. I had to learn a lot on my own and am glad to be where I am now. I just wish I was more prepared financially.

The advice I would give myself as a high school senior is make sure the price is afforable to be able to achieve your dreams, but no matter what college I choose, I will be successful in the career that I choose.

Dear Alex, I’m sitting in my dorm room, wondering, “Did I make the right choice, choosing SCAD? Am I happy?” Mostly yes, but when choosing a college I was so focused on the educational aspect, I neglected to consider what helps me thrive and where I wanted to live for the next four years. Some of my passions, like snowboarding and other outdoor activities I enjoyed home in Oregon, are seriously lacking in Savannah! Maybe with more research, you could find an excellent school that has the geography and the education you are looking for. Once you make a choice don’t question it! When you get homesick and doubts creep in, focus on the reasons you made your decision and on aspects you can enjoy now. Be happy in the moment, knowing that even though some of your favorite things are not surrounding you – you are adaptable. Who knows what new pastimes you’ll find to be passionate about. Whatever you do, don’t make comparisons: high school to college, old friends to new friends, being home to being away. College is all new and different, it is what it is - enjoy.Love, A more knowledgeable you

Don't fall behind in the textbook readings, and don't procrastinate homework that's not due until the end of the semester. Stay on top of your homework, and manage your time wisely. Always allow enough time to properly study for upcoming quizzes and exams. High school is a breeze, college can be both easy and hard. Challenge yourseld as much as possible, but don't overstress yourself. Have fun, and good luck!

Self, I want you to stay excited about the college you will be going to for the next few years - there will be plenty of time to catch up with Animation after you've graduated, and SCAD nor Ringling nor CalArts will be going anywhere. Instead, spend this time exploring: explore the campus, explore your relationships, explore the majors and the student groups, but most importantly, explore yourself. They never tell you that there is so much more to the self than which career would suit you best. Take as many classes as you can across all the majors (except, maybe, stay away from taking 21 units in a quarter - that was a mistake, even if the failure turned out to be pretty funny), take feminist studies and film studies and computer science. Create a niche for yourself to grow into, and for whatever you want to do, know that tenacity and a willingness to show up in person at the administration's workplace will always put you miles ahead. Most importantly, remember that you can always take a break - your mental health and academic self-confidence are so, so important. Graduation will still be there for you.

Knowing what I know now, if I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self, I would try to save myself. College is nothing like the public schooling, you've had in the past. For starters, it is extremely expensive and your family doesn't have money to waste. That's why losing focus would be hazardous to commencing your college education. Although you are smart, studying and asking the professor for assistance WILL make the difference between a pass or fail. Do not for one second assume that you don't need help. You will be given so many oppurtunities to form study groups or meet with a professor. Do not pass them up! Lastly, understand who you are. Understand your limits. You've always been an A and B student, but college is different. A high GPA isn't just something to boast about. It is essential to receiving certain aid and many benefits. Once it drops it is so hard to bring up. So stay focused. Know who you are. Know what you want. If you do these things, you can NOT fail!

"Hey, kid! I know you're excited about attending SCAD but just because you're accepted does not mean you can completely ignore the fact that the school is incredibly expensive. Do a ton of scholarships! Even the small ones that do not pay much because in all actuality those small ones will only add up and help you with tuition, books, and supplies. Also, I know you will probably go looking for a part time job in the meantime. Look into working on campus instead. They may pay you minimum wage and they might not even give you a lot of hours but I promise you you will appreciate the extra time to focus on your work and personal projects to better your portfolio. If you feel the urge to apply outside of school campus, don't. You will hate and regret it. Instead, do more commissions, get those commissions done in a timely manner, and look into internships instead. Again, you will only appreciate it. Most importantly, save your money, pay back loans during school, and continue on applying for more scholarships on a daily basis. If you take heed to my words you will come out flawless."