The Academy of Art University

I see so many negative reviews here, but don't agree with 95% of it. I do think it is a very expensive school overall. And I have had some issues with the curriculum being outdated. I am addressing that issue now with the school, but it doesn't mean I hate this school . . . quite the opposite.

Somebody already said here that you only get out of school what you put into it. That is very true. I would like to say that age has something to do with doing well in school, but I did well in art school back in 1984 too. Maybe it would be better said that maturity and a good work ethic has a lot to do with doing well in school. If you are expecting to go to art school and breeze through it, you are in for a rude awakening as I think many of the students providing reviews here have discovered.

There are certain aspects of art that can be learned with no talent, but I think having some art experience is necessary to do well here. Think long and hard about going to any art school. Make sure it is the right choice for you because they are expensive.

As someone who has worked 20+ years in the industry, I thought that most of my prerequisites were going to be a waste of time and that I probably knew everything they were going to teach me. I have been more than pleasantly surprised. Classes have been fun and challenging.

For the most part I think the teachers have been attentive and responsive. A couple have been outstanding. You have to be active as an online student to engage the other students and teachers. If you don't participate, school will seem really lackluster. The teachers can't respond to you if you don't ask questions or participate in discussions.

Ok, I'm starting to ramble. Overall, this has been a great experience and I look forward to future courses. To those who think the school is too expensive, perhaps you should consider moving home and becoming an online student. Housing, lab fees and other costs will be gone and all you will have to worry about is the course fees and tuition, oh and purchasing your own computer.

Also, be honest with yourself. Are you someone who is self motivated or do you need your hand held in order to get your work completed? Are you creative or is it just a desire to be creative? Are you willing to put in the hours and do the work required of the classes? If you aren't honest with yourself, you'll most likely end up disgruntled like many of the student giving reviews here are.

One has to work very hard but this is like work after university.
My only surprise was compared to Europe how conservative the students were in matters of dress. Given where the university is located and the art focus, where were all the goths and cross dressers and women who showed off their bodies? My first week here one of the professors invited some students to her house. I wore a sweater, dark nylons and boots only. While no one laughed and no one told me to put on a skirt or at least underwear, it was like no one saw someone dress for a party like this before. Come visit me in Copenhagen!If you want to work hard and be chalenged and get valuable education come here.