The Academy of Art University

EDUCATION:
In high school I challenged myself with AP and honors courses, so you can see how I was surprised when I found the course work to be lacking at AAU. My art and design classes were good experiences because I had never had courses dedicated to specific areas of an art discipline. The other classes like astrology, math courses, english courses, were JOKES. Absolute jokes. I learned nothing new and felt like I wasted time and money. I understand they might have made those classes more lenient because it's hard for other students to balance it with their intensive art projects.... but still... we were in college.. and it felt very much like I was being babied. If you're someone who likes to learn about all different types of topics and not just focus on one subject for the next 4 years then this school is not for you!

The teachers I can't say entirely too much for because it's honestly hit or miss. My teachers who were good were AMAZING... but my teachers who were bad were HORRIBLE. Sadly there really was no in between...

CAMPUS/ FACILITIES:

The campus doesn't feel like a "campus" at all. It's only a few spread out buildings throughout san francisco that you use aau busses to get to. AAU advertises the feeling of their campus to be "the city is your campus" but in actuality that's a bit of a stretch. It feels like I'm just going to a commuter school and everyone has to take these ridiculously timed and unrealiable buses. The actual facilities themselves are just OKAY. Even though AAU does cost quite the penny, the facilities provide 'most' of what you need to do what your classes assign. This is a shame though, because think of how much better the facilities could be if AAU didn't pool so much money into advertising and other things to boost their vanity.

Yes the 'campus' is in San Francisco and SF is possibly THE greatest city I've ever been to, it has it's cons. Yes the city has a lot to offer to do in your spare time, but one can only afford to go out so much.(Unless you're one of those snooty rich kids who don't have to worry about this) If you're a freshman this is especially true, because there really arent that many parties around so you'll have to go out and spend money or stay in and be bored. (unless you hear from a friend of a friend that their friend is having an apartment party)

So, if you can afford it, then SF is AMAZING.......
SOCIAL LIFE:
I did make a good group of friends at AAU but not as many as I thought I would because I found that a lot of people at the school were really into themselves or really shy and awkward.... AAU doesn't provide a lot of opportunities to meet too many people outside of your dorm besides the events they host at the cafes.. but those in themselves feel awkward and not at all fun. If you want a school with school pride/ spirit - THIS IS NOT THE SCHOOL FOR YOU.

A lot of people who go to AAU are more into being hermits so they can focus on their work... but honestly I go by work hard, play hard and I didn't find anyone who thought the same. Either the people who play hard are dumb or the people who work hard are nonexistent socially.

If you want to meet lots of new people.... this is not the school for you.
Well those are the main things about AAU I'd want to shed some light on. I hoped this helps someone avoid the same mistake I did. I ended up transferring to another school in cali and I absolutely LOVE IT. Even though I wasted a year worth of money and time because AAU did not transfer my credits, I still feel like it was the right choice for me.

If you're the same type of person I am, then please listen to me and AVOID THIS SCHOOL.