Memphis College of Art (MCA) Reviews
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Haley from Sarasota, FL
06/15/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 1 of 10
Categories Comments Campus Safety The campus security officers are wonderful. They are extremely friendly, know all the students, and are dedicated to keeping them safe. They always make sure to wish you a nice day or ask how your late night work is going. If you leave the school at night, they will either walk you to the car or watch you to make sure you get there safely.
Greek Life There is no greek life at MCA.
Clubs and Activities There are a few clubs specific to majors, such as the Ceramics Club and the Printmaking Club, however they don't seem to be a serious part of the school. There are only a few activities occasionally that are usually related to a special occasion such as a holiday. It doesn't seem like there's ever really a whole lot going on at the school in terms of extracurricular activity.
Great for these types of students If you are dedicated to bettering yourself as an artist, are serious about your education, and enjoy being challenged, then MCA is a great place for you!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus One thing that happens around every Halloween is the Pumpkin Toss, which is where students drop pumpkins off of the third floor to smash in an attempt to hit a target on the ground.
Bang for the buck MCA has a relatively low tuition rate for a private art school, not to mention the fact that they are generous when it comes to scholarships and financial aid. So I would definitely say that it's worth the money you pay.
What to do for fun The school offers free entry into the Memphis Zoo and the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, both of which I recommend visiting with friends or by yourself. MCA is located in the middle of the park, so it can be nice to sit outside and work in your sketchbook or take a walk on the path through the woods.
Food and Dining The school cafe, the Sleaze and Slime, is a very small dining area complete with tables, chairs, couches, and a TV. The food is actually pretty good, and not very expensive either! Definitely great for grabbing a snack between classes. There are a lot of drinks and snacks to choose from, and there's always vegetarian and healthy food options.
Dorm Life I stayed in Fogelman, which is the newest dorm at MCA. The apartment style dorm was really nice to have for my freshman year. You get your own room, share a bathroom with one other roommate, a roomy living room, and a full kitchen. The only grievance I have with Fogelman is the bug problem...We had to kill some roaches.
Academic Rigor The academic classes are stimulating and challenging, yet not overwhelming or unrealistic in the amount of work they assign. Studio classes are challenging, but not impossibly so. You should expect to spend at LEAST 6 hours a week on studio work, but it's nothing a serious student can't handle.
Tips for prospective students Make sure you put together a good portfolio when you apply. MCA offers some amazing portfolio scholarships that can pay for half or more of your schooling! Also, become familiar with and keep in touch with the people in administration. They are usually mindful of any situation you may be in and are willing to help!
In three sentences MCA is a small school, meaning the classes are small so that you can develop close relationships with your professors and fellow students. There's always studio space available as well as access to outside areas to get some fresh air. The school also possesses a caring and helpful staff that will usually work with you to solve any problems that you might experience while attending MCA.
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DeJante from Upper Marlboro, MD
12/17/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 2 people found this review useful. 2 of 10
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Party goers Novice to expert artist serious artist
Bang for the buck Totally worth it, and it's a cheap school with a lpt of scholarships.
Am enjoying being here It's a mixture of hard fun and hard work.
Am learning a lot I am learning more things in art than I've ever learned in high school.
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Herbert from Memphis, TN
01/18/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
0 out of 2 people found this review useful. 3 of 10
Categories Comments Food and Dining The food is okay.
Dorm Life I didn't live on campus.
Academic Rigor MCA has a great academic program.
Tips for prospective students Be prepared to work your butt off.
In three sentences MCA is a great school to attend. Compared to other art institution the tuition is fairly reasonable. Overall Memphis College of Arts is an excellent school.
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Elena from Memphis, TN
04/06/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
4 of 10
Categories Comments Campus Safety Students are given I.D. badges with and electronic key swipe for entering the school. There is also a shuttle that runs from the dorms to the school at any time. The guards are very friendly and great at their jobs. They would even go out of their way to drive you to your apartment(not part of the school) just to make sure you got home safe. The guards take their job very seriously.
What to do for fun There is always some event happening in Memphis. Admission is free for MCA students at the Brooks Museum of Art, and at the Memphis Zoo.
Food and Dining There is only one place in the school to get food. Its good but I would suggest learning how to cook.
Dorm Life The dorms are good but you save more money getting your own apartment off campus
Academic Rigor Tough at first but becomes fun once you get the hang of how everything works.
Tips for prospective students Don't take bad critiques personally, they make you stronger as an artist and help you develop your work.
In three sentences MCA gives an individualized education. Great for people who prefer a small classroom and teachers that actually care about you. More conceptually based than most other art colleges.
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Dilland from Greer, SC
09/09/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 5 of 10
Categories Comments Campus Safety this is the only focus of the school. decent security.
Bang for the buck There is nothing to express a reason why the tuition is this expensive
Academic Rigor the work load is ridiculous.
Tips for prospective students I would seriously consider another art school, they are no longer immursed in the fine arts as they once were, but you will do fine if all you want is a graphic design or photography degree.
In three sentences DO NOT ATTEND. these people are losing everyone's freaking money. You will not get the most for your college experience, go to a more public university, or even a technical college.
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Jordan from Memphis, TN
10/20/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
6 of 10
Categories Comments Campus Safety The security guards here are great. All of them obviously love their job and are all very nice people. They are always happy to help you out or let you in when your card doesn't work (I couldn't get into my laundry room for weeks!!!) They really make me feel safe.
What to do for fun Students get to visit the Memphis Zoo and Brooks Museum for free. Across the street is a small music hall. Every month, the school has Visiting Artist Lectures that are free. Sometimes a pretty famous artist will be speaking.
Food and Dining There isn't a traditional cafeteria here, but instead a small cafe that has some pre-prepared food and some made-to-order. The food is okay.
Dorm Life It really depends on which dorm you live in. There are apartments shared by two people, apartments shared by 4, and houses for 6 to 8 people. As long as you and your roommate(s) get along, it's all fine. I will say, there are a lot of problems with roaches. Just saying.
Academic Rigor Teachers here expect a lot from you. Some classes require a lot of work outside of the class.
Tips for prospective students Absolutely know for sure what you want to major in, there aren't a lot of choices here. Be prepared to keep up with at least 3 sketchbooks. Also be prepared to fill every single page of them. Don't be discouraged by all of the foundations classes. Everyone has to take them and it's only your freshman year.
In three sentences This school is in some debt, so the actual building isn't as nice as other colleges. The professors here are great and they really care. Some classes here are really interesting as well!
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Anonymous
12/06/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
7 of 10
Categories Comments Campus Safety Very safe security staff 24-7 Shuttle buses are available to and from dorms to get you to classes
Clubs and Activities Runners club, Photo club, or create your own club
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Activities such as movie night, canoe trips, bowling are just a few
Bang for the buck Price is high but student ratio is low and you get what you need.
What to do for fun Sight see downtown Memphis or go across the street to the Brooks Museum or Memphis Zoo
Tips for prospective students Be ready to work hard
In three sentences School is in a beautiful location next to a park. Great facility at school. Faculty and staff are nice.
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from Memphis, TN
12/10/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
8 of 10
Categories Comments Greek Life None.
Bang for the buck The school gives out a lot of financial aid and scholarships.
Food and Dining The cafeteria is tiny and the food is like high school food. Usually a last resort.
Dorm Life I never lived in the dorms. They are apartment style. Rules are lenient.
Academic Rigor The classes in liberal arts are not difficult at all. The art classes are usually fairly demanding, but intro classes are often a waste of time.
In three sentences A small school with potential but experiencing financial problems. Hence, the academics and opportunities are not as good as larger schools.
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Joshua from Memphis, TN
02/19/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
9 of 10
Categories Comments Campus Safety MCA has an AMAZING campus safety team! on call 24/7 and always present! They are friendly and do their job, all with out interfering in your daily business.
Clubs and Activities Running, animation, Japanese culture, painting, film, kick ball, ultimate frisbee
Great for these types of students Anyone expressive, in any way. People who love people, and love being creative!
Bang for the buck You get amazing value for money at MCA, you learn things you didn't even know that you didn't know!
What to do for fun Overton Park, the Memphis Zoo and the brooks museum are right next to MCA, and downtown Memphis has loads of night life and cultural gatherings!
Food and Dining The cafeteria is small, with a small menu, but the food is good, a little expensive at times.
Dorm Life You have a wide variety to chose from when it comes to dorms, some are notably better than others, over all they are good, and there are always other students to socialize with.
Academic Rigor The work load is intense, but your personal growth is just as large, so well worth the effort it requires of you.
Tips for prospective students dont be afraid of trying things out, MCA has so much to offer, and wether or not you know what you want to major in, MCA has amazing classes, so try them out!
In three sentences MCA has an amazing faculty, who are competent, informed and well able to teach the areas they are involved in. The content of the classes are relevant and challenging, and the community is warm and friendly.
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Emily from Vancleave, MS
06/18/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
10 of 10
Categories Comments Campus Safety Wow! Where do I even begin? MCA has 24/7 security that can be reached by phone and is always available at the security desk located inside the school's lobby. The school is open 24/7. Not only can the security be reached by phone, but they also make hourly rounds at the dorms and campus area. It's really nice for myself and my parents to know that I am safe at all times.
Greek Life No greek life.
Clubs and Activities MCA may not have sports and fraternities, but they do have a club for everything! Even if they don't have a club for one's particular interest, new clubs can easily be started!
What to do for fun The possibilities are endless! The school is located in the park, so one can easily get lost under the vast sky as they lay on the luscious grass that stretches before the school. Also, downtown Memphis always offers music, good food, and entertainment on the weekends, as well as Cooper Young.
Food and Dining The food is not bad, but I preferred to eat from my groceries.
Dorm Life Dorm life is fabulous! In my first year, I never once saw a bug! They are very clean and spacious. In addition, they are surrounded by a security gate that can only be accessed by dorm residents and security.
Tips for prospective students If you have the slightest interest in pursuing art, Memphis College of art is the place to be! Not only are the faculty and students inspiring and friendly, but the environment is also a major plus, as the school is located in the heart of the eclectic Memphis. Memphis always has fun activities to offer, but one must not get too distracted from the very challenging curriculum and studio assignments.
In three sentences Memphis College of Art is a wonderful place to become a skilled artist. With a very small number of about four hundred students, it is much easier to get personal attention and help from the art professors. Though there is only one building, the facilities are great!
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