The Academy of Art University

I've gone to a public school, nice, easy going, cheap. but the grading was on a curve, progression was slow, always got A's. was not taught how to self market myself, or take harsh criticism

My first year at this school, i was told where i was and how to improve myself, i was not graded on a curve i was graded by industry standard. This is not one of those school that is easy, or should be taken lightly if your coming straight out of high school, i've seen so many students come out of high school and drop out in 5 weeks. don't waste your money, go to a community college first then transfer in, its cheaper and you get the college feel and what to expect.

this school will really test whether or not you really love art, to be able to live it. Yes you do get the self absorbed teachers, but that usually if they are first year though. then you get the teachers who help you a lot, if you show interest.

This is a For Profit school, DON'T BUY THE MEAL PLANS the numbers don't add up. it would be cheaper to pay for every meal. Don't get a part time job until you know the work load. This school is Always expanding and is growing every single year buying new buildings with your tuition money and converting them to more classrooms or dorms.The First Semester will be the hardest because of the foundations requirements. An A is a professional level piece. And if you dont spend 40 hours on your projects you will probably get a C. The reason for this is because there isnt a portfolio requirement. The foundations department wants to weed out all the idiots who think art school is a joke, just want to go to art school to piss off their parents, or think its easy.

1st Year Male -- Class 2015

Surrounding City: A+, Useful Schoolwork: C+

I am a firm believer in the view that college is what YOU make of it. If you come into an environment where you are unprepared, afraid or closeminded than you are likely to fail.

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!

1st Year Male -- Class 2009

Surrounding City: A+, Extracurricular Activities: F

Again, so many negative comments, some of which are accurate (the president really is perhaps more concerned with real estate than student welfare - cause the buildings are really badly kept up and are either too cold or too hot).

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!

1st Year Male -- Class 2009

Surrounding City: A+, Campus Aesthetics: F