Student Reviews

Art Center College of Design (Art Center) Reviews

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• Brandon from Quartz Hill, CA

  08/04/2011

  Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

  6 out of 8 people found this review useful. 1 of 11

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Graduate Independent Art-Oriented Passionate Determined Rich Wealthy
  Tips for prospective students	You should already be moving toward your professional goals when applying to attend the Art Center; its the only way to get the full experience out of the school.
  Bang for the buck	I have no problem being independent, in fact, I consider myself self-sufficient. But if I pay $90,000 in tuition, I expect the BEST service and resources in every way possible and I just did not anticipate I would receive it if I attended. Don't get me wrong, the Art Center most likely does one of the best jobs at helping the students become some of the greatest prepared professionals in their certain abnormal industries. Before you even start one class they demand a lot from their students, from the portfolios to the 5 written statements and application they make mandatory to be accepted. High expectations and demands for you students are not a bad thing by any means, but for one of the highest tuitions I have ever seen, I also have high expectations of which it doesn't seem like they have enough resources to meet.
  Will enjoy being here	For a while I thought Art Center was the place for me. Living in the Los Angeles area and knowing Pasadena as being arguably the most beautiful city in Los Angeles probably helped me reach this decision before even visiting the campus. The Art Center's Hillside campus is of course a reflection of the city's beauty. All of its facilities are perfect in every way. While visiting I learned that it was a commuter school (meaning basically everyone commutes from different areas to attend everyday). That didn't bother me at first but as the tour went on, it seemed to set the lonely, unsocial mood that I gathered from the rest of the campus. The worst part being the commuter attitude seemed to overtake the whole staff's personalities. Most of whom I met seemed withdrawn or borderline rude. It seemed as if I attended, I would be on my own to fend for myself. When looking for a college I look for personality; it should be an environment that promotes collaboration and social interaction.
  Will learn a lot	I only took the tour which was about 2 hours long. The Art Center without a doubt has the resources to help the determined student excel in their chosen career. With things like a full library (only dedicated to the arts), two auditoriums to show finished projects, and extensive equipment to get industry experience in any major it is definitely hard for other vocational type schools like the Art Center to compete.

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• Aaron from Canoga Park, CA

  04/10/2012

  Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

  2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 2 of 11

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Creative, hard-working, work well under pressure.
  Bang for the buck	Expensive, but provides a world class education that employers take note of. If pursuing fine arts, gallerists are also taking notice. While attending, exploit the great resources of the campus!
  Food and Dining	Food on campus is available. Finer dining is available in Pasadena's affluent Old Town, adjacent to the South Campus.
  Dorm Life	No dorms, but Pasadena has a good amount of young people and is close enough to L.A. to offer other social life options.
  Academic Rigor	From what I hear from my undergraduate friends and graduate students in the program that I am starting, that the rigor is quite strenuous. The staff and students advise against having any other job while attending. Be prepared to immerse yourself in the academic lifestyle.
  Tips for prospective students	Go to the campus, talk to faculty. Making the physical connection to the place and the staff will give you the best understanding of the program and give the staff an opportunity to match your face with your application when it comes time to apply. I applied for a graduate program and started investigating the curriculum, the staff and the students a year before applying. The caliber of work at graduate level is quite good, and portfolios and essays are required, so give yourself ample time to research before applying.
  In three sentences	The best art school on the West Coast. Great faculty, great campus, great resources. Expensive, but at this private non-profit, you get what you pay for.

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• Saba from Iran-Islamic Republic Of

  09/16/2010

  Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

  1 out of 2 people found this review useful. 1 person found it offensive. 3 of 11

  Categories	Comments
  Will learn a lot	Its my biggest educational dream

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• Jeehye from Pasadena, CA

  04/30/2012

  Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

  1 out of 2 people found this review useful. 4 of 11

  Categories	Comments
  Food and Dining	Most of the food in the cafeteria is pretty good. They have a salad special every day and lots of variety every week.
  Dorm Life	There is no dorm.

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• Kevin from Yuba City, CA

  07/01/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 5 of 11

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Security here is great. They're chill and relaxed. Students like the Art Center security team and feel legitimately safe on campus.
  Greek Life	Not much here. Then again, you probably won't have time for this.
  Clubs and Activities	The Student Government at Art Center is awesome, 'nuff said. There are a multitude of activities and events held year-long, every term. You won't find a hoard of clubs like you would at a larger college but Art Center holds its own, offering plenty of clubs for everyone.
  Great for these types of students	Students who love what they do, enjoy working hard and want to be the best.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	The campus is absolutely gorgeous. Hidden and secluded on top of a beautiful hill, the school overlooks all of Los Angeles. It's funny that even local residents are unfamiliar with where the school is and what it is. Deer and other wildlife wandering about are the usual. Art Center is also renowned for bringing in the best guest speakers consisting of well-known and distinguished people in the industry.
  Bang for the buck	Art Center was recently named the most expensive art school in the U.S. It is pricey, no joke. It's easy to say it's not worth it, but when looking at how successful students are upon graduating, it kind of is worth the price. Artists here become the best of the best. The connections and opportunities made possible here are priceless. If you can afford it, you won't be disappointed.
  What to do for fun	You're in Los Angeles. What can't you do? Easy access to near any attraction and entertainment.
  Food and Dining	On-campus dining is overall satisfactory. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner all day long and all week excluding Sunday. There is a wide variety of food and whereas at first it may seem pricey, in retrospect, the prices are appropriate.
  Dorm Life	On-campus housing is not provided here unfortunately. But there are plenty of housing options within Pasadena and all of Los Angeles.
  Academic Rigor	Don't expect to sleep. One of the reasons why Art Center is one of the premier art schools is the amount of work and time you're required to put in. The homework load is vast, intimidating even. The instructors here will push you and push you because they understand that DOING is the only way you'll surpass that gap from amateur to professional. It's not easy. Developing a tough skin helps as well.
  Tips for prospective students	Be good at what you do and love what you do. If not, you'll be devoured alive. Understand that talent isn't produced here, rather talent is honed and perfected here. Maintaining that fire to be great is a must because it is taxing.
  In three sentences	Art Center is comprised of some of the most talented up-and-coming artists ranging in a variety of fields. As a student, you're surrounded by an atmosphere of immense creativity and brilliance. Here, you'll discover a beautiful network of life-long friends and allies as you uncover and refine your artistic voice and style; it's near-impossible not to.

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• Sumaya from Saudi Arabia

  11/04/2011

  Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

  0 out of 4 people found this review useful. 6 of 11

  Categories	Comments
  Bang for the buck	sure
  Will enjoy being here	sure
  Will learn a lot	sure

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• Daniel from La Crescenta, CA

  09/05/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  7 of 11

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	First off, no one can every find the campus. Its a long drive up a road hidden inside plantation on the mountain. We have great security who constantly guard the premisses every second of the day. Also the wild life around us seem to protect us!
  Great for these types of students	Any type of student is warmly welcomed. We have student from the age of 17 to the age of 56. All different ethnicities and interests, there is no such thing as a minority. I never thought I would fit into this school when if first drove out here from New Jersey, but I was wrong! I've met the best types of people here. Everyone truly cares and helps each other out.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	It's a must that after every midterm or final, we all get together and celebrate. The choice are very firm. It's either Korean BBQ or Taco Trucks. You can not break the tradition!!!
  What to do for fun	Having a campus in such a beautiful location, there is not much else you would want to do, beside watching the beautiful landscape. There is a basketball court on campus which allows us to interact with other majors. We have tons of clubs catered to a variety of different interests. Remote Controlled vehicles have been a recent hit. There is a hidden little trail which contains an awesome track for off-roading a little monster truck. Mountain biking is a must! Beautiful scenic trials within a small distance. If your not working throughout the night, then you'll definitely having fun otherwise!
  Food and Dining	There is an onsite cafeteria and the hours are from 8am-8-pm. (and the food is great) Vending machines are equipped with a variety of drinks and snacks. The only problem is being located on the hillside of a mountain, any other type of food requires a lengthy commute.
  Dorm Life	There are no dormitories for our campus. The school focuses on utilizing their time solely on education. This can be a Pro or a Con for some, but for me it's a plus. As a designer you want to explore the world around you, not confine yourself to a little campus in the beautiful city of Los Angeles.
  Academic Rigor	Art Center College of Design is known globally for there fundamentals. If you ever heard the saying learn to crawl before walking? Well, this is the department where Art Center specializes. Countless all-nighters and coffee, but the results of your work will make other's jaw drop.
  Tips for prospective students	Practice, practice and more practice. At first everything may seem overwhelming, but remember the best of us started out as amateurs. Do not be afraid to fall, because when you do, you will stand up taller. School is meant to make mistakes, because if not, then you won't know whats right or wrong.
  In three sentences	Art Center has provided me with not only the skills to excell in my profession, but more of a life lesson. Our school takes pride in simulating the real world. Currently working professionals to state of the art equipment, this is the place to not only learn but to pave your future.

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• John Ives. Pasadena

  09/05/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  8 of 11

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Results may vary. Art students are poor students. when funds get tight supplies goes missing. Aside from theft there seems to be no problem other than attacks from wildlife i.e. rattlesnakes, bobcats and mountain lions
  Clubs and Activities	Too many to mention them all. But one more interesting program the school has developed would but Design matters and their project Safe Agua. Where a group of students went to a town in chile that had no running water. They studied all issues people had with getting safe drinking water, such as people with disabilities, or lack of filtration so on and so forth. They researched the data and designed solutions for the town that were cost effective and with products that were easily accessible.
  Great for these types of students	Anyone who is focused and willing to put full effort into any form of art.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	The whole facility is unusual. Built on a hillside with unique architecture, a ravine that runs under the building, Hiking trails around the campus, and wildlife that consists of deer, bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, and rattlesnakes.
  Bang for the buck	Its not cheap. But if arts what you want to do its the place to be. So its the price you pay to get the best possible education in you field.
  What to do for fun	Its an art school everything is fun! There are so many activities to partake in from study abroad programs, yoga, hiking, to school activities. The best part is that we get to go to school to learn how to turn our passions into our careers.
  Food and Dining	Ive have one meal there so far but from the turkey sandwich that i bit into it was very good with fresh ingredients and they kept good nutrition in mind. Plus the cafeteria is open 24 hours on school days due to the intensive programs.
  Dorm Life	We are not offered Student housing at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. Which is the another reason i need help funding my education there. If you are not familiar with Pasadena it is located just north of Los Angeles and rent is not cheap. most single room apartments range from $1000 to $2000 a month
  Academic Rigor	I am currently in orientation week, where the staff and host students have made it very clear that my time at Art College Center of Design will be rigorous. In my few times having toured the school i have seen students intensively working away on projects often times pulling all nighters and it is not rare to see students sleeping on couches in the halls of school.
  Tips for prospective students	check it out!
  In three sentences	Very impressive alumni list. great career opportunities and connections for students. High level of education from instructors that are currently working in the disciplines that the teach.

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• Art Student

  10/31/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  9 of 11

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Very safe, security is on top of things and will notify you of any activity you need to look out for.
  What to do for fun	Yoga, contests around school, clubs, school events. There's also a hiking trail behind the school. Old town is also full of shops and diners if you get bored.
  Food and Dining	Food it okay, sometimes they do something new every week. Culture week is when the cafeteria introduces international dishes like Korean BBQ or sushi.
  Dorm Life	No dorms available!
  Academic Rigor	Very challenging, so be prepared to work 40 hours a week or more! You may have to pull all nighters, but once you're settled, you'll get used to the work load.
  Tips for prospective students	Visit the campus and schedule a meeting with a counselor to go over your portfolio. They are very helpful and will let you know what you need to do to improve or if there's a scholarship deadline.
  In three sentences	At Art Center you will get a massive bill for the education. However, it is worth it. Your skills will be top quality, most people graduating from here get jobs before they graduate or immediately after, and the experiences and friendships here last for a lifetime.

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• Alfonso from Panorama City, CA

  03/29/2013

  Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

  10 of 11

  Categories	Comments
  Bang for the buck	At the end of it, any education pays off.
  What to do for fun	It's outdoors so you can do so much when you have free time. From playing a little bit of sports, to picnic, to photography to painting/drawing.
  Food and Dining	Food and dining is great. There's food dispensaries and machines all over campus. The cafeteria makes awesome food.
  Dorm Life	There is no dorms.
  Academic Rigor	It seems like academically, it will be extremely demanding.
  Tips for prospective students	Work on your portfolio and take it serious. Work hard but dont worry too much.
  In three sentences	I am not a student yet, I got accepted. I'm an now working on the hard part, paying for it.

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• Betsy

  05/19/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  11 of 11

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Very safe, security guards are everywhere, and willing to help.
  What to do for fun	Sports, hobbies, school events, sight see in LA, clubs in LA. Clubs and organizations, eating in downtown Pasadena.
  Food and Dining	Mediocre food, for an above average price. Only place to eat is the cafeteria since the hillside campus is located up in the mountains. While south campus is surrounded by or close to places to eat and shop.
  Dorm Life	Sadly no dorms but there are rumors that they will be building one next to the south campus.
  Academic Rigor	Hard work pays off, Teachers are are subjective and are open to different styles. They know what they're doing to make students into successful artists.
  Tips for prospective students	Be strong willed! Make friends and connections Take a break when you need to
  In three sentences	Rigorous curriculum, high standards Rewarding outcomes of work of art through critical thinking Passionate students and teachers that motivate

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