The University of the Arts Reviews
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Brittney from Warminster, PA
01/13/2010Reviewer is A current student here.
15 out of 16 people found this review useful. 1 of 22
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Art, Music, and Theatre lovers. People who like cities. Anyone who is outgoing and up for a challenge.
Tips for prospective students Don't be afraid of the price tag, apply and go for financial aid. It is a great school to attend. The programs are amazing and challenging.
Bang for the buck The tuition may be a bit steep but you learn so many things that you can't learn anywhere else.
Am enjoying being here I love University of the Arts. The teachers are incredibly helpful. I feel that U Arts is like a big extended family for me. It is also in Philadelphia which means that there is always something to do.
Am learning a lot My major is photography and in high school that was the only art class that I took with the exception of crafts. At University of the Arts I am learning all different forms of art that I wouldn't be able to learn anywhere else.
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Ixchel from Fredericksburg, VA
11/22/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
6 out of 6 people found this review useful. 2 of 22
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Uarts is great for any artist! Dancers, Musical Theater, Theater, Musicians, Vocal Performers, Illustrators, Animators, Painters, Sculptors, Photography, Graphic Design, Writers, to name a few. Anyone who wants to learn about their art in a creative environment with other students truly invested in their art form.
Tips for prospective students My advice would be to really be dedicated to whatever you choose. There are those few students who show no care at all towards their education which they are paying money for. Uarts is such a great learning opportunity that should not be wasted. Also talk with your financial aid councilor if you need financial help. Mine helped me with getting through first semester, and they are all really helpful.
Bang for the buck Although the price may be steep, there are other art school with a much higher tuition. I'd say that that it is deffinately worth it to come here for the amount of tuition. The school's programs, the spacious dorms, the meal plan, and location of the school make it a great investment.
Am enjoying being here My experience here is like nothing I could have imagined. Being a dancer here is such a great privilege. All the teachers here are so helpful and resourceful. They are currently working in their field of art and this makes them a good tool for students. There is such a mix of students from all over America and the globe. The city is a great place for art students to live and be creative. Philadelphia offers a lot of opportunities for Uarts students to show their work.
Am learning a lot I am a dance major here and I am learning an exponential amount of information. For starters, we not only learn about dance but with the new curriculum this year, we are expanding our learning to contemporary artists in other media and exploring with other mediums ourselves. As for the dance academics it is very informative and helpful. I am learning so much about my body, ballet, jazz, improv, and the dance community. They also offer dance related electives such as Student Composition with allows student to choreograph. The guest speakers we have had are really engaging including the renowned choreographer/ director Jeffery Page! Uarts has a lot to offer for those willing to learn. They offer a BFA program which includes other liberal arts classes like writing or Certificates program which is only 2 years and focuses intensely on your chosen major.
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RACHEL from Newark Valley, NY
05/27/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
4 out of 4 people found this review useful. 3 of 22
Categories Comments Great for these types of students anyone who wants to work in fine arts painting, illustration, graphic design, photography, film, radio, communications, dancing ( ballet, modern, tap, jazz, african, ect), musicians, composers, crafts majors, art history majors, art education majors, theater and acting majors. just about every art form is covered, but our fashion design is most likely lacking..
Tips for prospective students be prepared for a lot of homework depending on your major... if your a CAD or a Music Student expect a lot of homework, if your a dancer expect a lot of practice sessions.
Bang for the buck its still cheaper than going to MICA or PRATT... and the facilites are good. we have a full cintiq lab for animators!
Am enjoying being here its an easy atmosphere to work in, its usually easy to get along well with your classmates! i transferred in from another school and didnt know anyone, but it was easy to make friends in my major and other majors too! and your free to take classes that arent your major, for example if you draw you can take a yoga or karate class!
Am learning a lot Im an animation Student! an all of my teacher have experience working in the field! so most of your teachers know what they are talking about! but remember there will always be ne you disagree with but dont let it get you down!
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Anonymous
10/29/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 4 of 22
Categories Comments Will enjoy being here You definitely have to like living in an urban environment if you attend UArts. It's in the middle of Philly without a typical college campus.
Will learn a lot I attended the Summer Institute at UArts and loved it. I can only imagine that the BFA Musical Theatre will just as great. I know that the school has a top-ranked reputation.
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Brittany from Hamilton, NJ
02/06/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 5 of 22
Categories Comments Campus Safety Because the campus is in Center City, there is always a chance of crime, but the school does all they can to prevent it. There are guards at the door of every building, where you have to show your idea before you can enter. All guests must be signed in and if you ask, a guard will accompany you from one school building to another once it is dark.
Greek Life There is currently no Greek Life at the University.
Clubs and Activities Along with the more common clubs (LGBT, Writing, things like that), there are also ones like the Fencing Team. There is currently not an abundance of clubs, but you could start your own if there are none you want to join.
Bang for the buck It's expensive here, but more than likely you will get some sort of financial aid from the school. I feel as though the price is worth it, because you are making so many connections in your field and have so many opportunities that many other students at different universities do not.
What to do for fun There is not a very big party scene, so if that is what you're looking for UArts may not be the school for you. But because you are in the center of Philly, there are plenty of venues, museums, parks, historic landmarks and store for you to explore.
Food and Dining The dining hall Terra is far from spectacular, but the food is edible. They have a variety of foods, including vegetarian and vegan options. There are also two other smaller dining areas in other building the offer quick service food such as pizza and sandwiches.
Dorm Life Dorms are only guaranteed for incoming freshmen; once you become an upperclassman you either have to find an apartment, which is what most people do, or enter the housing lottery. The dorms are generally pretty nice. In Spruce, in our two person room, we have our own bathroom, three closets, our bedroom and a small kitchenette. The rooms also come with a mini fridge and a microwave which is nice.
Academic Rigor You will have to work once you are here. Dance majors normally go from 8AM until 6PM every night of the week. Other majors are not so tough, but there is a fair amount of work. Most of the professors want to see you become successful and will work you hard to make it happen.
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Masad from Philadelphia, PA
02/11/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 6 of 22
Categories Comments Campus Safety the security on campus is really tight so you better have your id or you screwed lol.
Greek Life there are a few but they just started so its to soon to say anything.
Clubs and Activities you have allot of clubs and organizations to choose from depending on your major. During Orientation is when you'll get to meet all of the club presidents and ask questions.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus At the end of every year the dance majors have a farewell bash to say goodbye to the seniors who are graduating and at the beginning we have one to welcome new students so they can get to know the department and the dancers its allot of fun.
What to do for fun the school is located in center city which is downtown Philly so there is so many things to do and history to see and so you always have a story to tell.
Food and Dining We have three dining halls and really convent hours so you can miss one meal time and still not miss a meal and the Food is really Good.
Dorm Life The campus is beautiful and the student are very diverse so you are bound to have a very well rounded experience.
Academic Rigor The University of the Arts Has teachers Who Have A Lot of knowledge about the Field that there in and because of this you know that your getting a great education.
Tips for prospective students Get involved, there is so much to do so you'll never get board.
In three sentences I love My school! and I love Philly.
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Trevor from Bethlehem, PA
05/05/2013Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 7 of 22
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Musicians with an intense hunger to explore and expand musical horizons as well as improve greatly as a musician. Any prospective artist looking to share their expressions with the rest of the world. The artist with a vision or idea with the potential to have an impact on the majority of the world.
What to do for fun Explore the city of Philadelphia. Perform and showcase your art in the real world. See shows, concerts, ensembles and performances from other majors.
Food and Dining Outside of the university itself, the wonderful city of Philadelphia provides many options for dining and exploring unique and diverse cultures.
Dorm Life Have not yet lived it, therefor, I have no idea.
Academic Rigor UArts provides academic and intense performance standards to challenge the student and put them into real world situations.
Tips for prospective students Apply and audition early. Expect a challenge as well as a unique learning and performing environment.
In three sentences The University of the Arts is a wonderful institution for those reaching a higher education in the performing and visual arts, etc. As a top choice school, UArts has a very happening jazz department and is full of high-caliber musicians to challenge any musician. The surrounding areas of UArts also provide a very rich and unique learning environment for any artist looking to express their art.
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Angela from Caldwell, NJ
01/09/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
8 of 22
Categories Comments Campus Safety Security guards at every building and always looking out for your safety.
Greek Life none
Clubs and Activities Not a lot of clubs unfortunately, but a lot of volunteer activities.
Great for these types of students Great for hardworking students.
What to do for fun Dorm's usually have movie nights and other activities for students to get together and have fun.
Food and Dining Not so good right now, but they are trying to improve and once the new dining hall is finished it might be much better.
Dorm Life Depending on which dorm building you get, living in the dorms could be either good or bad.
Academic Rigor Constantly pushing students and long classes with plenty of homework.
Tips for prospective students Don't over think about your major, take different classes then you would usually take and you might end up changing majors.
In three sentences Very Informative about different art techniques and styles. Constantly pushing students to improve their art and learn about modern artists. Teachers are excellent and professional.
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George from Philadelphia, PA
03/27/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 9 of 22
Categories Comments What to do for fun EVERYTHING. There is always something going on in this school or in the city.
Tips for prospective students Professionalism is everything. Be prepared for it all.
In three sentences It is an amazing school for students that have the passion for the arts.
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Julia from West Orange, NJ
05/03/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
10 of 22
Categories Comments Campus Safety There is security at every building. You need to show ID to get in, and all guests need to sign in and out. I feel very safe.
Great for these types of students Individuals who need somewhere to express themselves. Also dedicated students.
Bang for the buck Definitely worth the money in my opinion. I know it is a bit more expensive than other schools, but I really do think it is worth it.
What to do for fun We are right in Philly! There is tons to do for fun. There is Rittenhouse, a few clubs that have college nights, comedy clubs, and so much more.
Food and Dining The main dining hall isn't that good. But the grab and goes are good.
Dorm Life The dorm rooms are amazing. It is like having my own apartment.
Academic Rigor The academic classes are good. But it also depends on the teachers.
Tips for prospective students Don't be scared to ask for help if you need it. The University has so many ways to keep you on track.
In three sentences I love it here. I think the programs, across the board are fantastic, and the teachers are amazing. It is such an amazing school.
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Khrista from Fairless Hills, PA
05/10/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
11 of 22
Categories Comments Campus Safety Security is very serious about their job! They check ID in every building and they are very nice people.
Clubs and Activities There is plenty to do around the city, but the student activities committee makes sure that every student is at least involved in one club or at least introduced to all activities that go on year round
Bang for the buck The school is a little expensive but if you workd hard they will make sure that you will be rewarded
Food and Dining We just built a new dinning facility and I must say it is Excellent!
Dorm Life Dorms are awesome. You meet people from all over the country and world.
Academic Rigor You should always want and need to study. People think that going to school in the Performance Arts is easy. It's not easy, everyday you will be taught something new and interesting! It is up to you to want to go even further to become an excellent musician.
Tips for prospective students Great school for becoming a better person and Musician.
In three sentences This school is a school of business. Every faculty member wants you to succeed and grow in music. When you step in there as a student you leave each class everyday a better musician.
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Henry from Philadelphia, PA
05/23/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
12 of 22
Categories Comments Campus Safety Street smarts is also a part of the education you receive at the University of the Arts (out side of a classroom). although there is security.
Greek Life South street has Greek celebrations.
Clubs and Activities There are Rock climbing clubs, dodgeball clubs, rights clubs, academic clubs, council clubs, women clubs, entrepreneur clubs, and many more. the best part is that if a student takes the initiative they can organize there own club club.
Great for these types of students Artist! Creators! Designers!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus There are nice spots everywhere because The University of the Arts is downtown Philadelphia. My advise would be, Seek and ye shell find going out an exploring is how everyone find there individual locations to share with others.
Bang for the buck The University of the Arts is an expensive school. Take advantage of any an every scholarship opportunity as you possibly can. Don't let money come between your dreams. Think creatively interms of your Art and finance!
What to do for fun Skate, Park, River (x2), arcade, bar, clubs, jazz clubs, shop.. a lot, go out to eat, nature trails, sight seeing, the famous South street and The Gallery, museums, and Uarts shows.
Food and Dining The food is good but could be more available to the students. Very new meal plans system (2011).
Dorm Life In love with the apartment style dorming, and my experiences have been nothing sort of amazing.
Academic Rigor I am very much satisfied with my education.
Tips for prospective students Take advantage of everything you can fit in to a healthy schedule. Do what you love and seek out opportunities.
In three sentences I think this school has a very creative environment with. The education here For Graphic Design is amazingly satisfying. Still need some development interms of meal plan, student payment services, and their registar.
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Gina from Marlton, NJ
07/10/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
13 of 22
Categories Comments Campus Safety There is security in all buildings however i would not suggest walking alone at night in the city. I know of students have gotten mugged right in front of your building. Just be careful.
What to do for fun Philadelphia is a city of fun.
Food and Dining There is a cafeteria that any student can go to as long as you have an id card. The food is actually pretty good and differs everyday.
Dorm Life I do not know what dorm life is like on campus. I am married and commute to school on days i have classes.
Academic Rigor I find that the courseload is difficult but it can be managed just by managing your time properly and always keeping a calendar.
Tips for prospective students Enjoy your time in school and work as hard as you can. Be prepared to learn from some of the best professors.
In three sentences I am so happy that i am attending the University of the Arts. I love the photography program and the professors are wonderful. It is a fantastic school for all ages.
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Alexa from Houston, TX
07/24/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
14 of 22
Categories Comments Campus Safety UArts has an alert system if anything is ever wrong. Dorms and buildings are guarded round the clock by campus security. They have a shuttle to take kids who live far away from campus home from school at night. UArts protects it's students to the best of their ability.
Greek Life There is one fraternity that is apart of the theater school.
Clubs and Activities There are a ton of ensembles, groups and unions that a UArts Student can join.
Great for these types of students UArts is best for out-going and risk taking people. Parties aren't always accessible, so they best way to have a good time is to meet people. It's also perfect for people who want something completely different than a typical high school experience.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Mamma Mia's and Paolo's Pizzaria are key UArts Students locations. Fox and Hound on Tuesday nights is also a hot spot for UArts kids to be.
What to do for fun You live in center city Philadelphia. What isn't there to do for fun? You live in the heart of the city and it's very exciting.
Food and Dining The dining halls make surprisingly good food. It has a wide range of choices because the university knowns that we have a lot of vegans and vegetarians within the art school.
Dorm Life The dorms are awesome. They are a great way to make new friends and really feel like a big UArts community. School spirit is at its finest in this area.
Academic Rigor You get to be thrown into a bunch of classes in your major of choice. The liberal arts classes are easy, you just have to show up and turn in your work on time.
Tips for prospective students Come with an open mind and a great attitude. Prepare to learn how little you actually know and to be inspired by everyone from the drum majors to the photography majors.
In three sentences UArts allows every student to explore who they truly want to be once they receive their diploma. The School of Music has exposed me to so many different styles that inspire me everyday. It sincerely is an art school and gives you the freedom to become and artist in any field you choose.
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MaShante from Charlotte, NC
10/11/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
15 of 22
Categories Comments Campus Safety I always feel very safe on campus.
Clubs and Activities Uarts offers so many clubs!!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The outfest is located near Spruce residence hall. It's a festival that celebrates homosexuality.
What to do for fun Philadelphia is an exciting city! Theres always fun stuff to do. Parties, museums, ballets, stage plays, etc.
Food and Dining Meal plans are very expensive at Uarts! The food does not match the price.
Dorm Life The dorms are very big! They resemble big studio apartments.
Academic Rigor Although this is an Arts school academics are taken very seriously.
Tips for prospective students Make sure you take your education seriously. For an example, if you are a dance major and you like to dance then uarts isn't the place for you. Love what you do!
In three sentences I love Uarts. The teachers are very nurturing and the care about your future.You are guaranteed to have a promising future after receiving such a great education from Uarts!
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Charles from Lake Orion, MI
10/28/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
16 of 22
Categories Comments What to do for fun hang out with friends, drink, go to clubs and bars.
Food and Dining Dining service is available and almost always open for students to use.
Academic Rigor Great core classes and the Elective/ Liberal arts are easy going and actually interesting.
Tips for prospective students Try anything you like at UArts. Its one of the only schools with such a wide array of options for an artist to choose from.
In three sentences A worthwhile University to help create a better artist. It is a great place to perfect a specific art in which you want to expand upon. Exceptional institution for bettering ones passion.
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Sarah from Germantown, MD
12/17/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
17 of 22
Categories Comments Campus Safety This campus is located in what must be the safest part of Philadelphia, so it's not too bad. And there's security in every building that are available if you need them.
Greek Life Nonexistent. But there is Alpha Psi Omega, a theatre honor society, for any theatre major wanting to have a little taste of semi-greek life.
Clubs and Activities There's not a whole lot of activities, and usually most students don't go out for them because they don't have time.
Great for these types of students Art kids. You need to be able to hang around art kids and get along with art kids because that's all you'll be seeing for the next four years. There's also a very large and strong gay community, especially in the performing arts, so if you're not for that this is not the school for you.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Every major has their own set of traditions.
Bang for the buck The educational value is good, but the commodities like dining and dorms are way overpriced.
What to do for fun This school is all about people and their artistic crafts so there's not a whole lot of time for fun. Usually we just hang out and around Philadelphia when we have free time. This includes shopping down Walnut and South Street and going to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Food and Dining The University of the Arts just added a new dining hall 2 years ago. But it's not too good. The selection is terrible and the food usually just sits out there and you're required to eat the 19-meal-a-week meal plan when you're living in the dorms. And the price is super expensive for that. In one word: no.
Dorm Life The dorms are really nice. Most are set up like mini-apartments. But they're super expensive and you're required to enroll in the largest meal plan which adds onto the price. It's also only really available to freshman. Plus, some facilities need to be improved.
Academic Rigor The school will challenge you in new ways in the area that you major in. Just because it's an art school does not mean there's less work. In fact, I believe there's more. The teachers really expect your best all the time.
Tips for prospective students Be completely in love with what you are doing, because that's what you're committing yourself to for the next four years.
In three sentences The University of the Arts is a fantastic school that is all about art. They try to make a community of artists by allowing and requiring students to take classes outside their attended field. It's location also highlights it's opportunities for various different kinds of art forms.
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Jason from Newtown Square, PA
12/21/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
18 of 22
Categories Comments Bang for the buck The tuition is a lot and its hard to manage but dreams aren't easy
What to do for fun Your in Center City Philadelphia. Theres so much to do around town you never get bored really.
Tips for prospective students Be prepared to work your tail off. The experience is totally worth it though.
In three sentences University of the Arts is a dream come true. I'm getting to do what I love in a caring yet challenging setting. I highly recommend it for any artist.
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Lauren from Glen Mills, PA
12/22/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
19 of 22
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Students who don't mind being exposed to only art all of the time.
What to do for fun UArts is located on the nicest strip of Broad Street with thousands of things to do around the are, like shopping, eating, and lots of recreational things.
In three sentences UArts seems to have a nice artistic community. I love their location right in the middle of the Avenue of the Arts.
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Ebonee from Philadelphia, PA
01/08/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
20 of 22
Categories Comments Tips for prospective students Don't be nervous! Everyone is super nice and accepting. Everyone fits in and support is never hard to find!
In three sentences This school has a great faculty. It's easy for everyone to network and enjoy going to school. Integration into the school is simple and fun!
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Nicole from Ithaca, NY
01/08/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
21 of 22
Categories Comments Campus Safety There are several guards at entrances to every Uarts building, including the dorms. They can even escort you between school buildings if it's late and you're uneasy about walking by yourself.
What to do for fun There's a lot to do being right in the middle of a great city like Philadelphia.There's a bunch of really pretty parks, a ton of places to shop, eat, see shows. There are always things going on, even a few farmers markets which is really awesome.
Food and Dining The most disgusting, greasy excuse for food, really. Very limited options for people with dietary restrictions. There is often things like hair or flies found in the food. They also don't label the food very often. If you have the choice, don't waste your money on a meal plan.
Dorm Life The dorm I live in is awful. There are stains everywhere and the rooms are so small, you barely have enough room to walk between the beds. The maintenance people take FOREVER even for emergencies. Also, the windows are screwed shut!
Academic Rigor If you're passionate and keep up with your work, the academic rigor of this school isn't very much. If you ever get behind in your work though, it's VERY difficult to catch up again and your grade suffers a lot.
Tips for prospective students Communicate with your teachers. It's absolutely key for success in any sort of college. The majority of the teachers are very nice and understanding if you're having trouble with something.
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Melissa from Townsend, DE
01/09/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
22 of 22
Categories Comments Campus Safety It's the city, so you have to use common sense about where you go and how late it is. For the most part we live in a really safe area, even most times of the night, but try having at least one other person with you!
Greek Life None
Clubs and Activities Really cool clubs like fencing, but finding the time for them will be difficult depending on your major.
Bang for the buck It really depends on your department, teachers, and hard work. You can luck out out with teachers, but if you don't your work may suffer. Overall a great program if you're hardworking.
What to do for fun You'll live in the city, so you can walk just about everywhere, never experiencing a dull moment.
Food and Dining Again, terrible food and service for a ridiculous amount of money; don't buy into it!
Dorm Life Awful room-mate pairings, poor meal plan required, way to pricey. Get an apartment with some people ASAP.
Academic Rigor Animation really is the hardest major at this school, be prepared to love this/your department, but suffer a serious lack of sleep.
Tips for prospective students Thoroughly research teachers and their field experience, before selecting!
In three sentences Although some fantastic teachers work here, the program has been altered quite a bit since my freshman year. Drawing is a necessary skill in animation and illustration, but have been removed from freshman curriculum (a poor decision).
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