University of North Carolina School of the Arts Top Questions

I believe my college experience has helped improve my social communication skills through speech presentations and collaborative projects. This particular skill will have a major importance during the production of motion pictures which emphasizes working together as a team effort. Additionally, it has improved my leadership skills where I was able to provide direction and establish communication amongst fellow group members. The college experience has, again, advanced another value skill neccessary for my future profession. Being able to further progress my education has also given me the opportunity to obtain a further understanding and appreciation for art, especially film, through respective aesthetic-based classes. Thanks to the college experience, I've been able to improve upon truly valuable skills that are absolutely essential in following my dream profession and I deeply appreciative of this fortunate opporunity to pursue my career provided by the college.

I attended the high school program at UNCSA for my junior and senior year as a visual arts student. I lived on campus and fulfillled my high school education while taking intensive training courses in design, drawing, and sculpture. consequently, the transition form high school to the college film/animation program wasn't a huge transition, but if I could talk to my past senior self, I'd tell me to work harder during the summer. Though I worked 6 weeks as a residence counselor, I could have simultaniously completed far more paintings and sculptures which would have further advanced my skill and given me more confidence entering the film program.

I would tell myself to not be afraid. People are people, the same as me. Enough of the timidity of speaking to someone who merely "looks" unapproachable. To make friends, I have to be a friend. Everyone has the capiblity to be a friend. So even if I am terrified of introducing myself to the girl who sits next to me in my writing class, or the guy who lives in the dorm next to me, I have no reason to be that way. College is the greatest learning experience anyone can ever get, so learn about everyone, and do not hold back an inch of yourself, because you have everything to give.

First and foremost, I would tell myself to get onto a normal sleep-cycle so that once I got to college I wouldn't have the sleep and health issues I started out with. I would also tell myself to get everything done as soon as possible after it's assigned, instead of procrastinating and waiting until the last minute. The final thing I would tell myself would be to practice more every day. The voice is a very fragile muscle and not using it causes it to weaken and become inconsistant. I have so much more potential than I allowed myself to achieve in high school, and I wish I hadn't inhibited myself by putting roadblocks in my own way.

Keep your mind open, and CHALLENGE your desired direction.

It is very important to do your research about the school before applying. It is also important to find out the faculty and their background as well as the surroundings of the school.

As a recent college graduate the only advice that I could give is find a school that best suits you and your needs. Never settle for, always keep your head held high and be motivative to do things, where you fullfill a potential colege/university requirements to be accepted. My university that I graduated from was and still is simply the best! I chosen a study where self-discipline must be balanced with the freedom to grow and create. Along with rigorous training and a commitment to your performing and liberal arts. I found a school that suit my aspirations and goals, which I hope one will do the same. I wish you the best in whatever endeavor you may fortake.

You should talk to current students as well as alumni as you try to determine whether or not a school is right for you. The faculty and administrators are much more likely to try to paint an idyllic picture of the school as a whole (in addition to being much more out-of-touch with the day-to-day life of a student), whereas actual students are much more informed and much more open about the real situation the institution finds itself in. Also, it helps to have a very clear idea of what you intend to get out of the collegiate experience and where you want to go (and what you want to do) with the knowledge acquired.

Don't just look at the schools and facilities and perspective job offers, look into the lives of current students and get the low-down on life at that school. Not all schools are created equally. Find out what that school supports and think long and hard about your dicission to attend this school or another.

Finding the right collge takes one thing: experience. Go to the school and experience the environment, takes to random students and look around the facilities. Go to a class, eat in the cafeteria. Really get to know the school by not going on a usual tour day. Make the most of the college tour and experience by not being afraid to try new things. Go out and have fun without limits.. The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. They may avoid suffereing and sorrow, but they cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live. This is what the college experience is about. Go out and really live. Learn about yourself and everything you can. Change and grow through your experiences and other people. Love unconditionally. Live life to the fullest and know that there is no such thing as a regret, just something to be learned from an experience. Live life, don't hide from it and you will have the time of your life.

First, I think that finding your college of choice has to be based on the direction you are leaning in major-wise, if you have one. If you don't have one, then it should be based on a general area of subject matter that you are interested in. Secondly, I would say that if you have a specialized area you are interested in, find out about it and go for it! I am in film school, and was lucky enough to have parents who supported my decision to enter into such an 'artsy' field. No, there aren't a huge amount of options for film school (especially if you aren't financially advantaged), but there are a handful, and you'll probably find what you're looking for at one of them. This goes for all specialized fields. And for people like me who are in that 'lower' financial bracket, financial aid is much more prevalent than you think. Find out everything you can before discounting a school as 'out of your range.' One last thing--don't judge an entire school based on your experience with one or two people you meet when you visit, or heresay.

Three words: Do not settle. If you have a passion, persue it wholeheartedly. If you are unsure of what to do, do not worry. The school which seems best at first may turn out not to be, and that is okay. You must keep in mind that although schools are often chosen for their academic excellence, an enormous part of the learning experience in college happens outside of the classroom. For most students, this is where they will get their first taste of independence. Choose a school that you connect with--academically, emotionally, and mentally; a place where you can explore yourself and really discover who you are.

Follow your heart.

Sure, academics are important. Sure, choosing the name of the school on the diploma is something to consider. Sure, money is a major factor. But remember, choosing a college is more than that. Unlike high school, college isn't somewhere you leave at the end of the day. College is where you eat, where you sleep, where you work, where you play. College is where you live. Make sure, when you choose the college, that you are also choosing a place that you will call home for the next few years. This is the place where you will do your laundry, where you will get sick, where you will meet your life-long friends. When visiting a campus, ask yourself, "Can I really see myself here, in this place, with these people day after day and year after year?" And if the answer isn't a resounding "Yes!" then it's time to keep looking. And once you've found it, and you've made it there, take advantage of it! Get to know all the new people around you. Check out everything going on in the area. Remember, it's more than your school, it's your home.

The best piece of advice that I could possibly bestow upon anbody in the process of picking a college, is to "Go with your gut feeling." Yes, you need to pick the school where you know you will get the best education you possibly can, and your gut instict will almost always point to that school. You need a place where you can socially fit in. For example, if you go to a school that has a reputation for being extremely conservative, you wouldn't want to go there if you didn't fit the role as a quintessential student for that school. Also, don't let anybody influence your decision. It's your education, and ultimately your future that you're deciding on, so any outside influences or "distractions" could be detrimental in the long-run. Nobody is as capable of making the decision as to which college you should attend as you are. Good luck!

Since every college has something to offer, choosing one is not only practical but personal. Start by meeting with faculty and then students to guage how you will fit in. Visit the school two weeks after open house if possible. Get details about scholarship opportunities and course requirements so that you know what your getting yourself into. I the end, follow up with trying to meet with proffessors and discussing how they plan to help your career. Every facet of the school from campus life to academic integrity will affect you in your first few years away from home, so weigh them heavily and go for what feels best.

I believe one of the most positive experiences about choosing colleges is visiting them. Even if they are across the country, try and visit so you can get a feel for the campus and the overall atmosphere. Pictures wont do any place enough justice, and risking moving your like for the next four years to a place where you do not feel comfortable can really bring down your grades, social life, and entire outlook on life. Another option I would recommend for choosing the best college is looking through the classes they offer because you never know what you might end up enjoying and pursuing a career in. I know plenty of students who chose a major that they loved and then discovered new and completely unrelated interests that made them change majors and even schools. Lastly meeting with your potential teachers and classmates is a huge part of getting to know the campus and social life. Those conversations during my visit to the school were what mostly helped me make my decision.

Take your time but do realize you can always change your mind. Stick with your decision for at least a year to honestly jusdge the campus and people there.

You can't pick a college because of it's name. you have to go and see the environment you will be learning in, the most important thing is your environment because if you don't like it you won't thrive. I love NCSA becuase it isn't a college but a second home, that kicks your but every day and brings out the best in you!