The Academy of Art University

I attended the academy for a year, from fall 06 until spring 07. I decided to change my career path and left the academy and I do think I regret that. I did learn a whole lot at that school, both academically and about myself. I mean I can't tell you how much I have learned in such short period of time. The projects were geared to help you gain skills and confidence, and sort of steer you into the right direction and I appreciated that because I'm no true artist but the academy will surely make you feel that you are. The only thing that was a turn off to me was the students. They were kind of snooty and not that friendly. But I would go back to that school in a heartbeat. I'm actually reconsidering it as I speak.

1st Year Female -- Class 2012

Education Quality: A, Campus Aesthetics: C

This is the type of University where it is the students responsibility to get all that they can from the program. It is not a school where students go just to "try something different." You need to be willing and able to take advantage of the system, ask about which classes are good to take with which instructors. From my experience in the Illustration department, the faculty are helpful and approachable. Of course they all can't be winners, but you must put in the effort to pick out the bad ones.

The technical training for illustration students is excellent, and the best thing the academy has to offer are workshops, essentially free classes for students to attend and practice. There are instructors present to help if needed, but once again, its up to the student to actually attend.

While we have some well-equipped facilities, there could be a lot more done in providing the students with tools not usually accessible outside of school. Illustration is taking a more and more digital route, and more computers and tablets at student's disposals is not such an impractical idea.

Bottom line, only ambition will get you through this school. There are some really amazing students amidst those mediocre ones, adn those are the ones that should be your competition, because they sure as hell will still be there when you graduate.By the way, if you go to this school, take it on campus. It boggles my mind how people expect to get so much out of an online class, especially concerning the visual arts.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2009

Education Quality: A+, Campus Maintenance: D

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