Reviews
California Institute of the Arts
Marvin from Norwalk, CA
a current student here
Categories | Comments |
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In three sentences | Really awesome if you know what you want. This university is all about the business, you don't want to muck around waiting for someone to tell you what you're going to do. |
Tips for prospective students | Be yourself. Recruiters are much more looking for unique voices than they are people who are trying to impress. |
Academic Rigor | This is a tricky question, because it's entirely self-driven. The HP/P/LP/NP system seem to encourage students to not care about class, but the more effort you put into your classes the more you'll personally get out of them as artists. This is supported by the fact that most programs allow you to pick and choose most of your classes after your first year, or even within your first year. |
Dorm Life | I've really enjoyed my on-campus apartment so far. My only complaint is that facilities are old, so things constantly need fixing. |
Food and Dining | I personally really like the dining hall. It's good around 80% of the time, and when it's not it's a good excuse to vary up your meals anyway. |
What to do for fun | There are lots of parties. But if you want any sort of city life at all, you'll find yourself heading to LA often. |
Bang for the buck | Again, this depends on how much you're willing to put into it yourself. Personally, as a filmmaker, I've already made such huge leaps and bounds in terms of both personal growth as a filmmaker and understanding of how to navigate the film industry after graduation, so it's been really valuable. |
Great for these types of students | Self-driven. |
NS from Los Angeles, CA
a current student here
Categories | Comments |
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In three sentences | As an artist, you dream of going to a place where like minded individuals share your colorful visions- and CalARTS brings students like this together. The landscape is enriching and the talent is infinite. The school is small but the opportunities grand. |
Tips for prospective students | Do your research. Try to connect with students that already go there, and also with ones that have been accepted. Be ready for intense, focused study- just because it's an art school doesn't mean it's easy, the professors (who are well respected, successful intellects) expect the very best. |
Academic Rigor | It's demanding- if you expect to be the best. |
Dorm Life | I live off-campus, so I would suggest checking with Student Services to find out more about on-campus housing. |
Food and Dining | I usually bring my own lunch and snacks. However, I do munch at Tatum Coffee House occasionally..it's nice, and the view is awesome! |
What to do for fun | Meeting up with friends on campus or at the Cafe to relieve stress or brainstorm about ideas is always delightful. |
Bang for the buck | It's expensive and the buildings could use some maintenance. However, the programs and professors are incredible, so it's worth the higher price. |
Clubs and Activities | There are lots of clubs and activities to join and opportunities to do so. People like to post flyers outside of Student Affairs and online at the CalARTS community board. |
Erin from Saugus, CA
a current student here
Categories | Comments |
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In three sentences | CalArts is a wonderful choice for any student looking to stretch their artistic abilities. The faculty are very nurturing and helpful. The classes can be difficult, but it's worth the great education. |
Tips for prospective students | Start early with applying for scholarships! This school is possible for anyone interested but you will need financial help if you're not from a wealthy family. I have almost no money at all to put toward college, but after scholarships, grants and loans, I've made it work! |
Academic Rigor | Students are encouraged to be full-time, which can mean a heavy workload. Each class is different, but overall you can expect to be required to put in some effort. The classes aren't easy, but they are typically fun and interesting. |
Dorm Life | Living in the dorms is a very popular decision at CalArts. Many students enjoy living in the dorms and act like a family of neighbors. |
Food and Dining | Very good food for a school cafeteria and school cafe. The main cafeteria provides many options for vegetarians. Keep in mind that the school only accepts cash, so get used to that. |
What to do for fun | There are many campus events on a regular basis. CalArts is an art conservatory, so you can expect to find concerts, performances, exhibits, and many other displays of student, faculty, and guest work every day. |
Bang for the buck | It's a really expensive school, so look for scholarships and really take advantage of the classes, guest seminars, and performances the school has to offer. That said, the faculty, students, and guests are amazing and you are exposed to a lot of possibilities at CalArts that you would never see at other colleges. |
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus | Known for the best annual Halloween party in Los Angeles! No matter where I am in LA, I always here, Oh, you go to CalArts? That's the school with the crazy Halloween party!!!. I also hear a lot of, Didn't Tim Burton graduate from that school? which he did. |
Great for these types of students | Perfect for driven, artistic, innovative people. CalArts offers the opportunity to grow as an artist and encourages the student to try new types of art. However, you have to make sure that you are self-motivated enough to get the work done because it can be easy to fall behind. |
Clubs and Activities | There's a club for just about everything. On registration day you will find booths set up with tons of club options. |
Greek Life | No Fraternities or Sororities here |
Campus Safety | CalArts is a very small campus with security patrol 24/7. I have never felt unsafe at this school and appreciate the security. |
Tomas from Novato, CA
a current student here
Categories | Comments |
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In three sentences | this college is amazing. a lot of hard work, but plenty of friendly faces. i'm so glad i cam to this school |
Tips for prospective students | apply yourself, but don't overwork yourself. try to set times to sleep, everyone needs sleep, and i can tell you from experience how much it sucks to go days with very little of it. |
Academic Rigor | the teachers are supportive and love creativity when it comes to animation. |
Dorm Life | great, an easy place to meet up with friends. |
Food and Dining | nice, but can get old from time to time |
What to do for fun | hiking, sleeping, talking with friends, sleeping, finding inspiration through other students works, sleeping...did i mention sleeping? |
Bang for the buck | this school is very expensive, but a good way to look at it is a down payment on the rest of your life. |
Campus Safety | great, and great to work with |
Mengna from Stevenson Ranch, CA
a current student here
Categories | Comments |
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In three sentences | It is excellent for imaginative people who come from a strong technical trained background, to explore their creative sides of their artistic forms. |
Tips for prospective students | be prepared to have very little sleep. Calarts gets very crazy with your own metier studies and critical studies. |
Academic Rigor | A lot of paper writings. |
Dorm Life | Best memories I have had. meeting new people, make a lot of friends. the RAs are very nice. |
Food and Dining | food sucks at Calarts! |
What to do for fun | Not much in the city of Valencia, but you own a car, it's only 30 minutes up north from LA. |
Bang for the buck | School can be very unorganized. One thing very important is time management. it is one crucial key for surviving at this school |
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus | Calarts has a clothing optional pool and a smoking hill. |
Great for these types of students | fun, creative, imaginative, hard working. |
Clubs and Activities | soccer, tennis, swimming, political, film, music,dance. |
Campus Safety | It's getting better and more strict. |
Celeste
a current student here
Categories | Comments |
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In three sentences | Very challenging courses. Small student to teacher ratio which is excellent. Very expensive. |
Tips for prospective students | Probably need a car. |
What to do for fun | Not much going on in Valencia but lots of people have parties. |
Greek Life | None |
Campus Safety | Safe |