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Cornish College of the Arts Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Cornish College of the Arts reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Cornish College of the Arts. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Cornish College of the Arts reviews, or contribute your own Cornish College of the Arts review if you're a current student there.

  • 12 out of 12 people found this review useful.

    Dudley from West Linn, OR

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

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    I'm a performance production major, with an emphasis on lighting design and stage management. I have known several people from my school who have gone there and graduated, and they have all said it's a fabulous school. There are a limited number of students and a lot of teachers, so you really get a lot of personal time with your instructor, no matter what major you are going to have.

    Will enjoy being here

    Cornish is located in the heart of Seattle, with several buildings spread out within a 20-block area. And, there's brand new dorms (as of 2009) that are converted motel rooms. So they're spacious, and each one has its own bathroom (!!). And, you'll be surrounded by people who are just as motivated and dedicated as you are.

    Bang for the buck

    Cornish is expensive, not going to lie. Then again, it's a private arts college. What would you expect? But if you really research it, and you really know it's right for you, it's totally worth it. You just have to be willing to go the extra mile.

    Tips for prospective students

    Go up and visit the campus prior to your interview/audition date. That way, you can get a feel for the kind of environment Cornish is. Sure, Seattle is a big city, but it has a small-city feel; but don't take my word on it, go up and visit it. Even if you go for a few days before your date, just get out and go experience Seattle. See a show! Listen to the accordion player down by Pikes Place! (Watch out for the fish!) And Cornish always has a dance or theater production going on; go up and see one! Make sure that you know what you're getting yourself into. If you're not from the city, it'll be something you have to get used to. Also, I recommend bringing a good pair of shoes; to see Seattle properly, you have to walk it.

    Great for these types of students

    Hardworking, dedicated students who know what they want to do for the next four years and beyond. Also great for students who want to get their names out there and network.

  • Mariya from Edmonds, WA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    i love how all the instructors at cornish are all here to get to know you on a personal level. they are passionate about your progress, and improvement in your talents.

    Tips for prospective students

    show up to class, i know it's redundant but it is so crucial, i'm in the design department and half of my grade is being in class. in class is where all the important things happen- critiques of your art work, one on one instruction with the professor, learning the material, and working on projects.

    Academic Rigor

    i love my classes, they all have something different to teach you. don't be afraid to ask instructors specifically on things you are interested in as well. there is structure, but surprisingly, the structure is helpful for you to unleash your creative potential.

    Dorm Life

    i comute, and never lived at the dorms, but from my friends, i hear it's a great way to introduce yourself to seattle if you haven't been living here before.

    Food and Dining

    the food is amazing, and you never get bored from weekly specials to everyday cooking of pizzas, hamburgers, salads, soups, and there are vegetarian and vegan options to choose from as well.

    What to do for fun

    well isn't your art form fun? i mean that's why you're here right? cornish is located right in seattle, and there are many places you can go to hang out, watch movies, shop, and explore.

    Bang for the buck

    cornish is worth every penny. the classes are small, my department head knows me by name. teachers know you and care about you. you literally get a one on one interaction with amazing instructors, artists, professionals in your chosen field. your networking will increase greatly and that is all worth it when you are serious about your art.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    be prepared to see people with so many diverse personalities, fashions, and self expression.

    Great for these types of students

    serious student who are passionate about their art. who breathe, live and can't get enough of doing what they love. for people like me, who know they can't do anything else but draw.

    Clubs and Activities

    there are many clubs/student interest groups to choose from and student leadership opportunities. i hear there's a quidditch, knitting, cheese tasting, movie watching, and many more student interest groups this year. i've been having my share of the fun in leadership.

    Campus Safety

    security and campus safety gives me a peace of mind. all big cities have their chances of lack of safety to college students, luckily the security at cornish is active 24/7 and is there for us. i have them on speed dial on my phone, just in case something happens.

  • Nichole from Blaine, WA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Cornish is an amazing school with professors that will inspire the students to delve deeply into their work. The creative environment also adds to the draw that this school has. Earning the nick-name Julliard West this is definitely a school for those passionate about their art.

    Tips for prospective students

    Come to the campus and check it out! The school has many shows and performances year round for prospective students to see. Come with an open mind and a thirst for your art that is greater than any fear of failing.

    Academic Rigor

    For each major that a student has chosen there is a high expectation in the work that they produce during their time here. The teachers expect that you love the art more than food, so to speak, and will push you to master your field.

    Dorm Life

    The resident halls are refurbished hotels - meaning that every room is quite spacious and has it's own private bathroom. There are several lounges on each floor and the community spaces are clean and inviting.

    Food and Dining

    The cafe is completely organic and has a fabulous chef in its kitchens. The produce is bought fresh down at the local market. There are three meals a day with a snack time in the afternoon with a great variety of meals each day.

    What to do for fun

    Cornish is located in Seattle's downtown area so any entertainment is practically on your doorstep! A ten minute walk in any direction can get you to the beach, capitol hill, the heart of downtown or a bus station to take you elsewhere.

    Campus Safety

    Access to any of Cornish's buildings beside the main office is by key card only. There are cameras posted at each building and I've never been to the security office without seeing a guard watching the screens. Rotational shuttles are used to transfer students to any classes on Capitol hill. On-call shuttles are also offered for students staying out late.

  • Keenan from SEATTLE, WA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Cornish is one of the best places on Earth for me. The teachers and faculty are all experts in their field and I am learning at a rate I did not know I was capable of. This school has not only made me feel a part of the world, but also it has given me a place to belong to.

    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure that you are able to get up early. The homework load sounds a lot worse than it actually is and if you really love your art, you will not have an issue doing some work toward it.

    Academic Rigor

    The classes put forth information at a steady pace which allows the student to grasp the knowledge on the topic.

    Dorm Life

    All rooms have their own private bathroom. That is something really nice to have. I miss having an oven, but other than that, I have no complaints.

    Food and Dining

    The food is all organic and freshly made by professional chefs.

    What to do for fun

    You are in the heart of the city! You can go into downtown in a matter of minutes by just walking. You are 10 minutes away from Capitol Hill and the shopping that they have.

    Bang for the buck

    I think that the school is very expensive, but the education you receive is absolutely top notch and is going to provide useful to your future.

    Great for these types of students

    Students who are looking to be completely immersed in the arts.

    Clubs and Activities

    There is a club for everyone. If you have an interest that isn't a club, you have the ability to make it one with very little effort.

    Campus Safety

    Campus security is on call 24 hours and offer free shuttled rides from any location within 1 mile of campus.

  • Jasmin from Seattle, WA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Cornish provides small class sizes and a definite opportunity to have one-on-one experience with your professors, which provides special attention for your interests. Cornish will provide you with all the resources to expand your learning horizons.

    Am enjoying being here

    It is a very small community, full of artists who are working towards a similar goal. It's so enlightening to work interdisciplinary with students of other majors.

    Bang for the buck

    In the art department, most of the resources you need are available. All of our studio classes have rewarding equipment and lab hours are convenient. You can also check out equipment; film and digital cameras, video cameras, lights and even a green screen.

    Tips for prospective students

    Visit the campus and familiarize yourself, the dorms are the nicest I've seen out of any other college. Their programs are designed for students who have a general idea of what direction they'd like to go for pursuing their degree. The classes are designed specifically for each major.

    Great for these types of students

    Great for students who want to contribute their talent to a tight-knit artist community, who are motivated in creating a better world for artists and pushing the boundaries for what a private arts college can accomplish.

  • Juan from Des Moines, WA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    As a student of the Fine Arts program, I have learned the importance of process in the creation of art. The Cornish Art Faculty show great interest in the manner in which the individual creates art. I have learned from all my professors, who are all also working artists, about how to deliver a concept through the combination of research, self-determination and technique. Above all, the Art Faculty will help the individual look into one's art and the art of others in order to have diverse discussions which, in the end, simply help the young artist foster new ideas.
    In addition to the Art Department, the individual has the ability to use the other departments at Cornish (Dance, Theater, Performance Production, Design, and Music) in order to fuel one's inspiration, or to create cross-disciplinary projects. Thus, Cornish not only offers the ability to learn from the professors, but also, allows for students to teach and learn from other students.

    Am enjoying being here

    The Fine Arts program at Cornish has brought a great sense of exploration of life in order to foster my goals as a professional artist. I enjoy the small class sizes, where every single professor knows who I am, and also knows what kind of work I create. The classes themselves are engaging and keep me interested in learning more about the historic and modern art world, as well as exploring how the modern artist fits into this timeline. Finally, it truly is a remarkable experience being surrounded by other types of artists, who are all truly engaged in their discipline.

    Bang for the buck

    The tuition can seem rather daunting, however, Cornish provides an experience that no other large private or public university can bring to a young artist. Financial aid is available, in addition to merit based aid. It does pay to work hard at Cornish because this work ethic partially determines if one receives merit based aid. It is important to remember that education is an investment in one's future. Cornish does provide a future where the investment will truly pay off.

    Tips for prospective students

    Truly be open to hear the perspective of other artists.
    Don't be hard-headed about your own practice; leave room for expansion.
    Have passion for the work you do.

    Great for these types of students

    Hard-working individuals who are open to simply learning more than just technique at art school.

  • Jenisa from Seattle, WA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    In the Visual Art department at Cornish, all of the professors are or have been professional, working artists. Our small class sizes allow us plenty of time to draw from their experience and use their support and knowledge to grow. There are also many opportunities for internships, gallery work, showing your work and getting productive critique, and above all, opportunities every day to collaborate with the other arts disciplines.

    Am enjoying being here

    Cornish is a very close-knit community, big enough to avoid negative competition and exclusion, but small enough to find a lot of new friends who understand your art and speak your language. The Student Leadership Council (of which I'm a member) is also very inviting, provides a forum for all kinds of student-chosen topics, and puts on events that are creative and actually fun. The city is also a great inspiration, offering a lot of both natural and urban beauty as well as a receptive and interesting arts community outside of campus.

    Bang for the buck

    There are lots of bucks required, true, but compared to other art schools you could attend, this one is worth it to the last penny. Trade the tuition now for a real boost toward a true career in the arts, and once you make it (and you'll have a better chance of making it here), your loans will get paid off.

    Tips for prospective students

    The chair of the Art department, Bonnie Biggs, advised me to read Art in America magazine the Summer before I attended, and she was right to do so: I was so inspired to start creating, and also knew how the current art world looked. Also, attend National Portfolio day in January before you come back for your Admissions portfolio review, and that way you will get college level feedback beforehand, and also be less nervous.

    Great for these types of students

    Intensely creative, dedicated experimenters, collaborative artists, multi-talented people, those who care most about learning their art, people who want to have a career in the art world and not just a degree.

  • Deanna from Vancouver, WA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am very happy that I go here. This school can help you in so many ways. The students are friendly, the teachers know their stuff and even how that can apply to you. They give great feedback and can point you in the direction you need to go with their notes. They let you experience all of it.

    Am enjoying being here

    I get to go to class and play while learning, what more could I ask for.

    Bang for the buck

    Really you get out of these classes what you put in, since at least in the Theater major it is so important to be in class. The teachers are all very knowledgeable about their field and can help you in so many ways.

    Tips for prospective students

    If you really are interested, see if you can shadow a class. I have seen quite a few people do that this year.

  • Sean from North Bend, OR

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

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    I have heard NOTHING but good about this college! I've met a couple of the instructors and learned just from talking to them in a non-learning setting.

    Will enjoy being here

    Anyone who's looking for a vibrant environment will feel right at home here. It's located in Seattle, WA, so anyone looking for an OPEN-MINDED, ACCEPTING environment is looking in the right place here, too.

    Bang for the buck

    This... is really expensive. Not gonna lie. I've gotten lucky in my funding because of the financial aid package I was awarded, but I wouldn't be able to go if I hadn't gotten all of the aid I have.