The Academy of Art University

The Academy of Art accepts any and everyone. That would be its one fault, because if you are going to go to an Art School make sure that you are serious about it and can draw decently. If you struggle with the technical side of things, like how to use computers and programs, don't know your art lingo or can't get things done on time. Don't waste your time, its not an easy school and though they claim they will teach you to draw, the only way you are going to learn is if you want to learn to draw with every fiber of your being and nothing else in this world matters. San Francisco was an amazing place to learn, the school has students from different majors work together to help build your portfolios. If you are thinking about doing graphic design, go New Media, which does graphic design and so much more and the classes are very fun and knowledgeable. The Advertising program was fun, but the first year classes are intense so people will drop like flies or switch to account planning because they can't execute their ideas. The online classes aren't as demanding as the onsite classes, but are convenient if you juggle both and saves you time going downtown to class. I wouldn't recommend the online program, just because living in San Francisco is really such an awesome experience and though it is expensive to live there it is well worth it.

3rd Year Female -- Class 2010

Collaboration/Competitive: A+, Extracurricular Activities: C

I read the negative comments from some other students and wonder if they went to the same school as I did. I loved this school. It challenged me and helped me and let me be the weird person I am. I am now doing well in my career - thank you school! If you want to be YOURSELF and try all kinds of strange things and styles and modes of dress with most people cheering you on, come here.

4th Year Female -- Class 2004

Surrounding City: A+, Campus Maintenance: C+

I am an online student, so some of the questions I rated just a B because I have no clue what the campus is like, social activities, resources, etc. The school should put a N/A in those areas for the online students.

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 And I have had some issues with the curriculum being outdated.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.

1st Year Female -- Class 2013

Useful Schoolwork: A, Collaboration/Competitive: B-