Reviews

I think this school has a lot to offer the artistic mind.

I am very excited to be going to Montserrat in the fall, the campus is nice, as well as the friendly people I met when I visited.

Montserrat is one of the least expensive schools that I had looked at, and had the best programs, atmosphere, and housing of the many colleges I visited.

Artists that are actually a bit more normal. I noticed that at some other art colleges, many students seemed to be trying to out-wierd each other.

A small cozy school for students interested in learning any form of art. Based more on classical art than digital, but offer excellent programs in both, simply have more in fine arts. Very supportive staff and friendly environment.

It's a BFA program, meaning you spend more time focusing on your art, rather than rounded studies. Require very little to no humanities or other classes apart from studios. Very important to be motivated to focus on art and not just doodle through.

Very important to stay up on assignments and classes. The studio hours are long and there are a few a week. Good for students who can sit down and paint for hours, otherwise if you can't sit still and work, the time will drag on for a very long time.

Very nice dorms. Spacious and are essentially legitimate houses; with roommates. Full kitchen, which means no cafeteria, but it's great to get used to living independently rather than depending on a meal plan. Everything is within walking distance of the dorms, so food shopping isn't hard and there is even a lovely beach a few blocks away.

Excellent cafes and restaurant near by. A stop&shop within a mile.

Beach, mall not too far(need a car though, you can walk to the beach though). There are cafes and bars and essentially it's a small town community.

A bit overpriced at first glance, but between all the scholarships they provide and financial aid they assist you with, a rather reasonable school for the prices.

People more interested in focusing on art rather than a rounded education.

Not many since the school is small, but they're all interesting and well taken care of.

24/7 security staff, that you can call at any time for any reason what so ever. The campus is really safe, but even if you feel a bit nervous about walking from the school building to your dorm later at night, they are required to walk you if you request it. All dorms are no more than a block away from the main building so even then it's nothing to worry about.

I'd give it an A+, BUT I can't say Montserrat is perfect- It's an established school with a good curriculum, but it isn't as intense as an art school should be, in comparison to RISD. I still struggle with basic techniques that should have been reinforced since Freshmen/Sophomore year. But, Professors are easy to talk to and are fantastic resources - if you ask for it.

Look for internships early. When you're looking to become an artist, internships for professions like this are hard to find if you start out late - or don't know where to look. Start looking soon after you start school!

Professors are sometimes very lenient with workload and grading - which isn't very good if you're looking for an honest assessment of your artistic ability. So you have to work hard and talk with your professors to get the most out of your education. The more work and effort you put into something, the better your grade - and personal experience.

Our dorms are NOT closet-sized rooms. They are APARTMENTS! They are designed to help you feel like you're actually living on your own and taking responsibility for yourself. Not to mention it it spacious and comfortable. There are plenty of eateries around, Stop&Shop is very close, and RA's (student residence assistants) are very informative and approachable.

There are lots of really nice places to go out and eat. We have food plans, but they aren't typical - rather they focus on eateries in the area and give student discounts on food - since we don't have a cafeteria.

We're a train-ride away from Boston - a great place to enjoy cultural entertainment. There isn't a lot to do in Beverly except go out, eat, watch a movie at the Cabot Cinema, maybe go to the mall in Danvers. But within the school, there are a few clubs run by students that meet on weekdays and weekends - typically once a week. A great gathering opportunity to meet people and relax with friends.

We've got a few clubs going, run by Montserrat Students. They are cozy and fun, and meet after hours in the main building to enjoy the space and quiet. It's even okay to get a little noisy - as long as all the classes for the day are done!

Security guards are present and accessible, and are prepared to handle every emergency- from small scuffles, to car troubles, to physical injury, to dire safety issues such as, say, a particularly wild student.

Montserrat College of Art is a small tight community. The staff is so helpful and supportive to everyone. The college accepts you as a whole person not just a student.

*Don't over pack
*Don't be closed minded
*Get involved in the activities here like midnight breakfast.

You can take the train into Boston for the day
There is a beach down the street you can go to
There is the Cabot theater.

It is a small college with a big heart. Just because it is small doesn't mean you don't get a great education. The classes will challenge you and make you be the best you can be. The dorms feel like home not sterile environment like other college dorms.

The whole town of Beverly supports the college.

Artist
People who want a great education but in a small environment.
People who want to noticed as a person not just a number.

There is always something to do. The student center has an open mike night. During finals there have midnight breakfast. During freshmen orientation that have different activities to make you feel at home and develop friendships.

The dorms are in walking distance to the campus. Being a small town everyone knows everyone. I lived in Philly for a year and wasn't allowed outside after 8pm due to safety. Here I don't have that.

Montserrat is dedicated to seeing their students succeed during school and after graduation. There are a variety of classes and majors to focus on and plenty of real world connections students can make by talking to and working with professional artists. Being a small school, it is a very supportive environment for students.

Montserrat is a great school if you are dedicated to visual arts. Also, I would recommend bringing a bike since freshmen aren't allowed to have cars on campus.

The classes push you to try new things and take risks. There is a lot of art to do, but not much related to math or science.

Dorms are usually comfortable and even have a full kitchen to be shared between house-mates.

Montserrat does not have a cafeteria. Students need to either cook for themselves or go to a local restaurant, which there are a lot of in Beverly. I actually like being able to cook my own meals, so I don't mind not having a meal plan.

There are a lot of places within walking distance, like movie theaters, cafes, shops, and a beach a couple of blocks away. The train station is also near by, in case you wanted to take a trip to Boston or Salem.

There is a large variety of clubs you can join, but if you can't find the one you have in mind you can start your own!

Campus security is always available to students.

This school has a number of recognized and artistic instructors which make learning more fun. The instructors have great insight on the type of work students create and great criticism.

Summers seem long as well as winters when you have a place like Montserrat. Everyone who knows who I am knows that I love coming to this school. I can't imagine how I will feel when I become a Senior.

Although Montserrat is tough on the wallet, I must say that it is worth every penny. The Writing Center has wonderful Tutors that are available to all students on any and every topic. Tutors alone can be a hefty price if paid elsewhere. It was wonderful to see that the staff and faculty take the time to not only get to know you but remember you as well. I could not ask for a better educational institution for me.

Come and take a tour. If you are interested in the Art, I am sure you will love what you see! The first time I came to the school, I took a deep breath and just KNEW I was home.

Photography, Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Graphic Design, Art Education, Book binding, Letterpress and many more I can not think of at the moment.

If you need additional information, check out the schools home page.
www.montserrat.edu