The Academy of Art University

The Academy of Art has its share of faults and shadiness, but overall it's a good school. I just finished my first year and while it sometimes seemed redundant, I had a very good time.

It was difficult, I noticed that a lot of people drop out after one semester and I can't blame them. Most of the people who drop out think it's art school, how hard can it be? Or that their hands will be held from the get-go to the end. AAU is a very independent school. It's hard to make friends, it's hard to get good grades but if you try hard enough....and overall TRY you will suceed.

Of course this site attracts the whiners...I actually found out about this site from a whiner formerly known as my roomate...Don't be discouraged by this site. Make your own decisions and good luck!

But on the flip side, it is a university for a particular type of student - one who is a self starter, one who can independently work and challenge themselves to do better and one who can learn a bit on their own. This is not the place to come if you want hand holding. There is so much to do and get through each semester that you do have to study on your own outside the class to get the edge over your classmates.

One dissapointment, particularly in the grad program in IAD is that anyone can get in, even without a portfolio. However you have to ignore these bad students and compete against yourself to excel. In fact these poor students really encourage me to do more and do it faster and better.

And in the end - it is all about your portfolio. There are many lazy students who are there - their portfolios are poor and reflect their lack of initiative. The few really great students have great results on thier projects and portfolios and will most certainly get the best jobs.

Again, its all about your personal goals and interests. You can learn a lot here, you just need to apply yourself and do some offline work and research when needed. Don't rely on the school, teachers, etc. to spoon feed you.Oh, and most importantly, make friends with students who've been there a few semesters, there are some tricks and things you only find out from other students (which teachers, classes, requirements, facilities are good and bad). And above all, try to make friends and get on the good side of your teachers, they can make an immense difference in what you get out of class - sit in the front!