The School of Visual Arts

Date: Nov 02 2009
Major: Design Arts - Industrial Design/Graphic Design/etc (This Major's Salary over time)
After having attended this school I feel like I've not lost or gained anything. For the money spent, I could have probably received a degree in a more "professional" major, and probably would have a better shot at getting a good paying job. The technology in the school is lacking, considering they charge so much per semester, especially if you include living on their "campus."

The learning experience isn't always there because many of the professors are selfish, and try to do things their own way, instead of the industry's way (we're here to learn how to get a job, and to provide for ourselves, along with developing our talents, not to listen to someone tell jokes or ranting about their morning or previous night all period long), and spend very little time teaching. Speaking of getting a job (graphic design) - there are no mandatory classes that teach you basic laws of how to deal with your clients. Nothing about contracts, agreements, etc. If you want to learn that, then you have to learn it on your own time, or get a job at a place which will teach you. Only few professors encourage students to go out and learn beyond what's taught in class. Most simply go in, give an assignment, and send you on your way after useless critiques where you don't get any good feedback. If it's a large class it's impossible to go over every student's work.

Many of the students lack confidence which makes it difficult to approach them, or make friends with them, while others have difficulty with the English language (out of country). At times I felt like I was wandering around the place all by myself because so many people acted too shy.

If you aren't a very sociable or a competitive person, find yourself a cheaper school. This school has a lot to offer in terms of networking and (possible) business opportunities, but you have to be an extremely self-motivated person to take advantage of these things. Otherwise you're just wasting your money, and putting yourself into great debt. There are cheaper schools out there that teach the same thing, and don't empty your wallet. Considering the stuff taught at this school, you can probably learn most of it on your own if you're willing to put a lot of hours into it, and obtain enough experience (be it working freelance, or internships) which would make potential employers overlook the fact that you didn't go to school to get a degree.