California College of the Arts - CCA Reviews
Check out reviews left by other students, or leave your own review. You could win a free scholarship!
-
Emma from Los Angeles, CA
12/27/2010Reviewer is A current student here.
9 out of 9 people found this review useful. 1 of 18
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Artistic, open-minded, works better in smaller environments (academically), loves to be involved with community, loves diverse culture.
Tips for prospective students the more background you have in art, the better it is to do well at CCA. it is best to prepare a portfolio before your senior year in high school so you have less to worry about when you apply to schools. portfolios should contain your best works. try to show all the different types of mediums you know how to use (paints, graphite, digital media, etc) and your different artistic skills (through drawing, video editing, animation, painting). remember to let yourself show through your artworks. as for gpa/grades/sat scores/ap scores, try to do well in school and testing. the more well-rounded you are, the more appealing you will be to the school. also, it increases your chances of getting more scholarships!
Bang for the buck Most students get financial aid or scholarships if they're a US citizen or permanent resident, so tuition isn't too expensive, but international students have to pay the full tuition price.
Am enjoying being here although there arent many student organizations, there are lots of things to do to make friends and get involved. its easiest to make friends in your classes. i like the environment because it is very urban and san francisco and berkeley are less than an hour away by public transportation. theres a lot of good food places around, but can be a bit pricey.
Am learning a lot In all the courses, you will get something out of it even if its not related to your major. Some teachers are helpful, but some don't know what they're doing... (especially in core classes). coursework/projects aren't difficult, but time consuming. you have to manage your time well. you learn more by working hard on all projects and from critiques (feedback from fellow students and professors) which give suggestions/commentary on how to improve your project. It's not too challenging and not too easy.
Login to rate or flag the reviews
-
Matthew from Oakland, CA
01/05/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
9 out of 9 people found this review useful. 2 of 18
Categories Comments Great for these types of students WORK WORK WORK. This school will bring you lots of success, and you will learn more than you could imagine. but you have to be willing to put in the time and the effort. If your not supposed to be here, you wont be, the work will take over you and swallow you whole if you are not cut out for it.
Tips for prospective students you get out as much as you put in. work alot and just be psyched on it. You will learn as much as you want to.
Bang for the buck Yeah, the school is very expensive, but you get what you pay for. you will learn so much, and be turned on to alot of amazing resources. I have already had gallery offerings, and internships with top notch artists because of my school
Am enjoying being here Oakland is an amazing place. The amount of art and music you are exposed to (which is very important to me) is tremendous. I cant even count how many gallery openings i went to in the first month of school, and how many famous artists I met. The amount of things to do in the bay area is almost overwhelming. I would be impressed if you could manage to have a boring day or night. The people are really nice and welcoming. The campus is very friendly. all of the people are willing to help you out. I have heard alot of people say that the people at art school are hard to get along with. I had 6 really good friends before the sun set on my first day.
Am learning a lot I am deeply passionate about art. I have been drawing since i was a baby, and my love for creating has only grown since then. My technical skills were sub par prior to attending CCA. In my first semester i learned how to draw, how to REALLY draw. it was amazing. my drawing teacher taught me how to get proportions right, use simultanious contrast of value, render accurate shadows, and how to draw faces. I learned how to use every kind of tool known to man for drawing. I even learned how to draw with ink. In my 2d class my teacher pushed me on how to incorporate these concepts that she could tell i had into my work, therefore really pushing my credibility as an artist. Thanks to art history I can name almost any piece of widely known art work created since the cave paintings at lascaux. I had never done any photography work, but in the first hour of my photography class I fully understood how a camera worked, knew how to load film, and was shooting. By the end of the semester I knew almost everything there was to know about black and white photography. I could print fiber prints larger than 16 by 20, I could shoot medium format, and I could tone with sepia. It was incredible. I cant wait for my color film class next semester. Last but not least was english. I have never been a fan of english class. I hated writing essays, and i wasnt a huge fan of reading. My teacher had me writing essays for FUN in a week. In my class we did analysis of music, and were writing 10 page essays by the end of the semester.
Login to rate or flag the reviews
-
Brittney from Hillside, IL
07/26/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 3 of 18
Categories Comments Great for these types of students This school is great for people who love art and are willing to take artistic risks, get dirty, and have fun.
Tips for prospective students Be confident! Prepare your best portfolio and have faith it's strong enough. Once you are excepted don't be afraid to call the school if you have questions about billing, registering for classes, etc. When I was incoming my enrollment counselor was on my speed dial. They are happy to help.
Bang for the buck This school costs a lot. But you learn a lot, and it's enjoyable. So it does level out somewhat. Just stay focus so you don't fail any classes 'cuz that's money you won't be seeing again.
Am enjoying being here I have met many many amazing people in and out of class. Most of my friends are out of major and they tend to be the ones that help me the most with ideas. Because they aren't animation majors they tend to think about things in a different way that offend helpful. Also don't hide away in your dorm room! work is important but you need to be social as well.
Am learning a lot I am a second year now, and i have learned soooo much. I came into the school not knowing any art terms or artist names and stuff like that. I was self taught until I came to CCA, and it was a good choice! I have learned so much history and technique, with both traditional and digital medium. Also I am an animation major and the program is great. It teaches animation techniques, story telling, story boarding, concept art, special effects, etc, etc.
Login to rate or flag the reviews
-
Joshua from Oakland, CA
01/25/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 4 of 18
Categories Comments Campus Safety good security that will walk you to your car late at night.
Greek Life none
Clubs and Activities there are some events around campus but im not particularly involved.
Great for these types of students designers, architects, printmakers, industrial design.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus the school is on a hill and there is a cool lookout point that overlooks the bay area.
Bang for the buck i get a lot of financial aid.
What to do for fun people go to the city or there is a really good music scene around here. lots of bars cus its near berkeley. a total college town
Food and Dining there is a safeway nearby and lots of little restaurants around the oakland campus.
Dorm Life i never lived in the dorms but i know people make good friends there.
Academic Rigor i get straight as but i've always been that student that doesn't try hard and does well anyways. people say its difficult but i think most people are lazy.
Tips for prospective students don't go if you are interested in making art and not knowing what youre doing. if you like art history and want to make art about art go there. good for design but the fine arts are somewhat lacking.
In three sentences attached to art history. mostly conceptually charged teachers. design over fine arts.
Login to rate or flag the reviews
-
Dallas
06/10/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 5 of 18
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Creative + Determined
Bang for the buck CCA is expensive. But I'd like to say its worth it. Students are pushed to the limit so that they become the best in the field. Its not well known, but CCA is a great school. (Its on the Forbes list of Top 60 Global Design Schools)
What to do for fun When you get free time, SF has lots of different neighborhoods with different vibes, and they're fun to explore.
Food and Dining CCA has cafes on each campus which are meh. I prefer to go to the restaurants around campus, which are tasty, but in SF all close too early.
Dorm Life I lived at the Cal. St. dorms and for a dorm, it could be way worse. Its very expensive, but SF is expensive. However the communal kitchen (1 kitchen for 5 floors,) is always FLITHY. Also, I highly recommend getting your own mini fridge, otherwise your food will get stolen.
Academic Rigor It is less rigorous for some majors, but students figure out fast if they are committed and can keep up to course demands. Classes start at 8am and get out at 10:15 pm and are either 3 or 6 hours each. This plus homework time takes some getting used to, and you quickly start scheduling everything, including showers.
Tips for prospective students College will not be a frat party at CCA. Lots of sleepless nights and weekends spent working at school. The tradeoff is that you form a family with your classmates, and that you will graduate having worked your booty off doing something you love. A lot of talented passionate students that when we get the chance, party pretty well.
In three sentences I Transfered to CCA after my 2nd year of another great design school on the east coast, (I changed my major and decided to go to the school that was known for the program.) I've been at CCA a year and will be finishing my degree there for sure. 25 or less core class sizes, and most teachers work in the field that they teach.
Login to rate or flag the reviews
-
Quinton from El Paso, TX
12/17/2010Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
1 out of 3 people found this review useful. 6 of 18
Categories Comments Great for these types of students I think this university would be a good choice for who want to pursue a degree in the field of arts.
Tips for prospective students I am a prospective student I don't have any tips.
Bang for the buck Unknown at this time.
Will enjoy being here I enjoy being in California. I think I will enjoy attending this university I look forward to learning animations and earning my Bachelor's in that field.
Will learn a lot I'm hoping to learn about computer and character animations.
Login to rate or flag the reviews
-
Cameron from San Antonio, TX
09/09/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
1 out of 2 people found this review useful. 7 of 18
Categories Comments Tips for prospective students Im researching this college and WILL apply
Will enjoy being here Close to family and friends
Will learn a lot Looks like it provides a great learning experience
Login to rate or flag the reviews
-
Emily from Cleveland, TN
12/09/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
1 out of 2 people found this review useful. 8 of 18
Categories Comments Bang for the buck From what I have found, it seems like this school is great at working with students financially.
Will enjoy being here The campus looks very welcoming. I hope i get to make it my home for college!
Will learn a lot This school looks absolutely perfect for me! I want to go into film writing and I could learn a lot at this school.
Login to rate or flag the reviews
-
Jane from Union City, CA
03/29/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 9 of 18
Categories Comments Campus Safety Campus is relatively safe despite a few occurrences a few years ago. BEWARE of parking your car on the street in both Oakland and San Francisco campuses. Car break-ins are very common.
Great for these types of students Artists and designers, hipsters with interest in art/design
Bang for the buck It's okay to be unsure about your future when you arrive to CCA. The academic advisors know their stuff and can guide you to the right program.
What to do for fun Walk around Oakland or Bart over to either SF or Berkeley. Very diverse communities.
Food and Dining Appeals to vegetarians.
Dorm Life Small dorms, off campus apartments across the street in the Oakland campus.
Academic Rigor Can be difficult depending on your professors.
Tips for prospective students Research your professors/courses before registering for your class--make sure you know what you're getting into. Don't be shy, be open during discussions and critiques.
In three sentences Fine Arts community is great, friendly and knowledgeable faculty and staff.
Login to rate or flag the reviews
-
Cinthia from Oakland, CA
05/13/2012Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 10 of 18
Categories Comments What to do for fun Bike friendly streets and growing population of cyclists, their are outdoor activities such as parks for hiking or exploring and of course San Francisco.
Food and Dining Oakland has an enormous range of food choices from burgers and fries to exotic cuisine.
Dorm Life Have never lived in the dorms at the California College of Arts campus but have heard and seen reviews from past students who have lived in the dorms that they have had an amazing experience.
Academic Rigor Offer an individualized major which is considered a type of honors program that lets you build and structure your own curriculum. However before anything the school must approve it and they offer a class that will help you structure what it is that you would like to pursue.
Tips for prospective students Some tips to offer to students looking to pursue their education at California College of the Arts would be to check out their website first and foremost for more information on the programs offered, financial aid. Also to visit both campuses in person or at least take the online tours and speak with one of their friendly advisors to answer any questions you may have that the website did not answer or you are unclear about. Apply, you will never know what possibilities can open up for you unless you help yourself to find out and try.
In three sentences California College of the Arts has a unique and rigorous program created for the conscious modern day artist. Their curriculum and resources prepares students to combine art with the communities both around the institution and the world. Preparing alumni to face the battles of continuing to purse a career in art outside of the school.
Login to rate or flag the reviews
-
Jasmine from Oakland, CA
06/03/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 11 of 18
Categories Comments Campus Safety There is Security everywhere. It's not hard to run across a security guard. the campus it pretty small. There are not any problems with safety.
Greek Life Greek life does not apply to CCA.
Clubs and Activities There are a lot of clubs that you can be apart of. You can also create a club of your own you just need to have a minimum of five people. To know what clubs are available you can look it up on the CCA site.
Great for these types of students I would say the great thing about being a design or art student would be that you can make you work noticeable and collaborate with others that have talented imaginations as well.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus I cant say.
What to do for fun To be honest there is not much to do unless you want to travel into the city. There are clubs to go to in SF and in Oakland it best not to venture at night time unless you stay in the Berkeley area on Telegraph Ave near Berkeley University there you will find college students everywhere. That would be for the minglers. Emeryville on Bay Street is also a cool area just to go to the movies and chill.
Food and Dining There is a Cafe called A2 on both campuses. I would say that both are good for a quick snack or lunch. but over all when it comes to meals theres is not much of a variety. On the Berkeley Campus you can walk down college Ave and be sure to find a Variety of places to eat within walking distance. On the SF Campus you have wolfs and Axis cafes. Wolfs has a better price range then Axis which can be expensive. you can walk a few blocks and reach whole foods.
Dorm Life The dorms can be disgusting. I do not stay in the dorms but the few times i have visited I'm glad i didn't live in the dorms.
Academic Rigor A very competitive school. can be harsh on project presentation when reviewing and giving a critique. Make sure you know what it is you are presenting and present it well. Know the in and outs of a project by detail. The teachers give great feedback.
Tips for prospective students Make sure this is the school you'd like to go to. To transferrable credits are not very organized, therefore you can waste time attending CCA. Make sure you are 100% interested. this school is for someone who plans on graduating when attending.
In three sentences California College of the Arts is a great school. Very Diverse. The teachers give you a lot of attention and support to help open your mind to wider design strategies. I love working with other student when collaborating. A great school for design.
Login to rate or flag the reviews
-
Chelsa from Corona, CA
06/04/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 12 of 18
Categories Comments Campus Safety There's always someone on campus that you can call if you get caught in a situation or if you're worried about walking somewhere at night. They're also really nice if you're outside late and want someone to have a chat with.
Greek Life No such thing here.
Great for these types of students Artists...pretty much. If you feel like you fit into that category come here.
Bang for the buck To be honest, I hate paying so much to go to school. I feel like education should be a free opportunity for everyone, but since that's not the way things work, CCA is as good a school as any other, and better for artists. The campus offers a great place for art, and is like no other college campus you've ever seen. The people are nice and the teachers are working artists as well. If you love art it's a great community of people to be around to further your career.
What to do for fun There's a lot to do in the Bay Area. Around the Oakland campus there's College Ave. which is full of shops and dining, and only a few minutes away from the Bart station to take you to anywhere else you want to go in the Bay. Berkeley is right around the corner, which has even more shops, food, and bars if you're of age. They're are also a lot of activities that go on on the Oakland campus throughout the years. Art openings, free food days and lots of other art themed activities.
Food and Dining CCA does not have the normal dining plan that other schools have. In fact, there's no meal plan at all. There's a small fridge and microwave in every room, and a full kitchen set up in the common rooms. There's is also a cafe on each campus that offers a variety of foods, however it gets a little pricey if you eat there too often (but the food is great). The best option is really just to get a costco sized pack of cup o' noodles.
Dorm Life CCA only asks that you live in the dorms for your first year of schooling. Dorm living can really suck, especially if you get stuck with someone that you don't want to live with. But they do let you switch rooms with a good reason. And it's great for meeting people and making friends, and ultimately it'll make your college experience better.
Academic Rigor This school is very intensive for your major. The core classes are given way less emphasis than classes intended for your major, but those classes can be pretty difficult but ultimately rewarding.
Tips for prospective students Try your best to get as much financial aid as possible before attending. A number of people find the price to steep and end up leaving before they are able to finish their degree. If you can figure out a way to get your money in order, this school will be great for you.
In three sentences CCA is a great school for all types of artistic majors. It's especially great for those interested in writing and very receptive for writers of all sorts. Though the price is steep I recommend attending if you can afford it.
Login to rate or flag the reviews
-
Eduardo from Oakland, CA
07/20/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 13 of 18
Categories Comments Campus Safety We have security guards, but nothing ever happens around our school. our campuses are located in good areas where there isn't much to worry about.
Greek Life No Greek life in an Art school
Clubs and Activities I have no time for clubs, I have a job and I'm a full time student doing a double major.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus I got to an art school, so most of these kids have unusual traditions, but after a few years you get use to it.
Bang for the buck I believe I am getting a good education at CCA, and will have a great portfolio when school is done.
What to do for fun For fun I tend to arrange soccer games or any other sport that my friends might be interested in playing. brings us together apart from school and gives us some time to be out doors and relaxing.
Food and Dining We have a caffe in both our campuses that sell delicious food at reasonable prices.
Dorm Life Never lived in the dorms, so i cant rate it.
Academic Rigor Most Classes that I have taken are moderate in how rigorous they are.
Tips for prospective students Time management, as an Artist you don't have the luxury to sit around and wait for last minute to start your project, not always will you be able to come up with something on the spot.
In three sentences In a scale from 1 to 10, I give California College of the Arts an seven. In my 3 years at CCA I have come across teachers that are not adequate to be teaching, some have no experience and some have the experience but are just poor teachers. As far as the curriculum I believe that for my major, a lot could be added to improve it.
Login to rate or flag the reviews
-
Someone from San Francisco
07/30/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 14 of 18
Categories Comments Campus Safety 24/7 Public Safety. They even escort you to and from the studios, apartments, and bus stops when it gets dark.
Bang for the buck You get almost 24/7 access to the studios and library. You even get free entry to some of San Francisco's best museums.
Food and Dining CCA doesn't have a meal plan, but the on-campus cafe and the nearby restaurants and grocery stores are perfect for a student's budget.
Dorm Life Never lived in the dorms, but I've heard that it's lively. And the best part is that you get to live near people who share your interests in art.
Academic Rigor Instructors push you the limit, pulling every ounce of artistic talent, even if you didn't know you had any, out and into your art. Every instructor encourages individuality.
In three sentences A place where every art interacts and mixes together. CCA encourages students to interact with other majors and strengthen connections for the future. With teachers who are currently working in the art world, students get a taste of what their lives will be like after graduation.
Login to rate or flag the reviews
-
Bianca from San Francisco, CA
09/13/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 15 of 18
Categories Comments Campus Safety There is security all around campus keeping us safe from the typical city life conditions i.e.: homeless, pickpockets.
Greek Life none
Clubs and Activities There are countless clubs and community activists at CCA. If you are interested in something, there is bound to be a club about it.
Great for these types of students Anyone who loves Art, Design, Culture, or something new...should attend CCA
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus There is a wonderful park located on the SF campus where all students meet, eat, or greet.
What to do for fun Both campuses are located in the heart of design districts. There are many places to see as far as art, food, and culture. There many bars, venues, and street culture at every corner.
Food and Dining There is different types of food everywhere for everyone.
Dorm Life Dorm life is young and exciting!
Academic Rigor Just enough of a push to know you are working hard but flexible enough to enjoy yourself.
Tips for prospective students All prospective students should come prepared to work with all mediums and experience new ways of art and design.
In three sentences CCA is one of the most mixed environments I have ever been. It is an innovative and exciting school filled with so many disciplines. Students are constantly engaging with one another.
Login to rate or flag the reviews
-
Kalyn from Roxbury, MA
09/14/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 16 of 18
Categories Comments Campus Safety They are on call, whenever and wherever.
Great for these types of students Artist.
What to do for fun Visit Berkley, San Francisco, all of California.
Food and Dining CCA doesn't provide a meal plan but cooking with different cultures is a great way to meet new people.
Dorm Life It's a community, everyone knows your name and you aren't just someone who lives in 214
Academic Rigor The teachers are professionals who have worked in the business and can help you reach your goals.
Tips for prospective students Try your hardest not to procrastinate. Also, make sure your work is the best work you submit and even if it's not, believe that it is because once you attend CCA, they can help you.
In three sentences California College of the Arts is amazing,they let their students strive and want the best for them not only as students but as people as well. Also, they have an incredible diversity population, every corner you turn, you meet someone with a different background. To put it shortly, everyone should attend to CCA.
Login to rate or flag the reviews
-
James from San Ramon, CA
07/29/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
17 of 18
Categories Comments Great for these types of students This university is great for architecture, interior design, graphic design, and animation majors.
Tips for prospective students You will enjoy being here and meet people that will have similar majors with you.
Am enjoying being here I love how the environment is like in this school. I really enjoy being at the SF campus.
Academic Rigor I am learning a lot of things that I've never knew about. I get a lot of help and feedback from my professors and fellow colleagues.
Login to rate or flag the reviews
-
Student from Providence, RI
09/07/2012Reviewer is A past student here.
0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 18 of 18
Categories Comments What to do for fun Went to SF and Berkeley.
Food and Dining I had to buy my own food from the nearby stores. Make sure to bring your own cooking utensils!
Dorm Life The dorm rooms in Oakland are narrow but the community rooms are spacious and have nice kitchens. I shared a room with another girl during pre-college, and our bathroom connected us to an adjacent double room. At that time the halls were co-ed.
Academic Rigor It was pre-college, how serious can students be? There was some talent and scholarships were offered though.
In three sentences Reasonably priced art college that is located near San Francisco. It has rich resources (alumni, environment etc.) and many different majors to choose from. Try out their pre-college program.
Login to rate or flag the reviews
