The Virginia Marti College of Art and Design

The graphic design was a waste of both time and money. I did not learn anything pertaining to design. For example, the "typography" class consisted of just calligraphy. All of the useful information I learned, such as kerning, leading, rivers, grey space, ect., was learned from friends attending other schools. The teachers are helpful, but rarely help or give valid critiques. They seems to settle for mediocrity in their students at the best of times. What really takes this college from mediocre to awful, is how much they charge. You may be getting a 2 year degree, but you would pay far less, and get a much higher level of education going elsewhere.

One of the main things the school offered was a 98% placement rating, which is probably inflated and incorrect. The only thing they did for everyone in my major was send Craigslist ads weekly. You get an AD, which many colleges DO NOT accept credits from and interviewers see as more as a burden than something good. Many of the teachers refuse to learn new standards in the fields, and instead teach out-dated technology due to that is what they feel comfortable with. Many of the teachers don't even know how to use the programs they are teaching. Also make sure to ALWAYS set up your own classes. Many people who went to the school with me had to go for almost 3 years, due the registrar set up the class schedules so it would be near impossible to complete in 2 years without cramming the last half-year.

In a good view though, some of the teachers are the greatest people I've ever met, and same with the students. You always feel comfortable and at home at the school, and always feel comfortable enough to ask questions about the material.If they were to lower some of the prices (such as the insane $300 extra for every PC related class), train their staff more and possibly offer a Bachelors degree instead, it would be a good choice; but with the current economy and these flaws I feel it would be unwise to choose this school if you have other choices