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Maryland Institute College of Art - MICA Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

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

  • 5 out of 5 people found this review useful.

    Michelle from NJ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The same can be said for many schools, but the education one receives at an art school especially varies from student to student on how seriously they take themselves and their work. After two years at MICA, I can definitely say that it's sometimes difficult to balance a social life as well as staying on path of finding a serious career, however nevertheless, the education I recieved from the school as well as Baltimore has impacted my life in such a way that I cannot imagine having gone to school anywhere else.
    Am enjoying being here

    I refuse to candy coat Baltimore- it's a tough city and not the place for everyone. The so called MICA campus is in an o.k. part of town, which a lot of people like to deem the MICA Bubble, as it encases itself into a somewhat permeable shelter. To get the best experience from the city, I cannot stress enough how much one must venture out and explore the city and get what it's really about. There is a lot it has to offer, as well as a lot of problems that are mostly brushed underneath a rug of sorts, however as a whole the city can be quite enjoyable. MICA, although the teachers easily vary and it's easy to lose yourself in stress, is a wonderful school and there's a reason why its so highly rated.
    Bang for the buck

    Art schools tend to be notoriously expensive, and MICA is no different. The main financial difference that sets apart this school from others is how much MICA really does help out with scholarships and funding. If you wholeheartedly seek out the financial help, MICA has much to offer.
    Tips for prospective students

    Take your work seriously, and be sure not to get off track. It's so easy to get lost and leave school with nothing worthwhile, so either take yourself seriously or you're wasting your own time and money. Living off campus is ridiculously cheaper than living on campus, although my freshman year in the Commons might have been the best year of my entire life. Sleep when you can. NEVER procrastinate, you will hate yourself for it. NEVER walk anywhere by yourself, there's a variety of idiots in this city that won't think twice about hurting you.
    Great for these types of students

    Adventurous, fun yet thick skinned, serious art enthusiasts

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    N.S. from PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I've only been here a month, but since I'm working at least 6 hours on work every day, I can actually feel myself improving, getting faster at drawing, and strong sense of composition. Also, the quality of my independent sketches and drawings are getting faster, too. The teachers for the first year are all very good teachers and many are easy to talk to and get to know.
    Am enjoying being here

    The college life is really great here. The majority of the freshman are all in one place and the rest are just 1 block away. There are so many events going on through the weekends and many fun things go on the weekday nights. Also with the student clubs meeting once a week or every other week, I can join multiple clubs to meet more people with similar interests.
    Bang for the buck

    It's definitely a lot of money, that's for sure, but I can see why though. The education is great, the dorms are apartment style which is something a lot of freshman don't get, the meals are a nice all you can eat buffet style (or a take-out option).
    Tips for prospective students

    Whatever you many hear, the community here is really open and welcoming. They really want you to take advantage of that and get involved. But also, if you're iffy about the area, definitely come see it for yourself to see if you would be alright here. There are a lot of shady areas and the school warns the students where not to go, but also provides good transportation for the students after hours.
    Great for these types of students

    Artists of technical abilities are here, yet everyone work just as hard as the next.

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Tom from Chagrin Falls, OH

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The first year at MICA provides an intensive crash-course in all areas of the arts, while successive years allow students to focus in on their chosen area(s) of study. The workload is very intense, but it would be next to impossible to come out of a year at MICA without greatly expanding one's knowledge and capability as an artist.
    Am enjoying being here

    Personally speaking, I love MICA. It is a tight-knit, welcoming, and freely accepting community with the explicit goal of nurturing the growth of young artists. The professors and students are, in my experience, wonderful people. While it can sometimes be an effort to find free time in between coursework, the wealth of opportunities to be found in and around MICA pay great dividends to those who seek them out.
    Bang for the buck

    Like all schools, MICA gives back to you according to what you put into it. That said, the school provides a wealth of opportunities for personal expression, fun, professional experience, and countless opportunities to grow as an artist and person. The quality of professors can vary, of course, but the quality of a MICA education is matchless.
    Tips for prospective students

    1. Be prepared to work often and hard. MICA is a fun place, but it is even more fun for those who manage their time and workload properly.
    2. Get some sleep sometimes.
    3. Remember that Baltimore is a big city and should be treated accordingly. There are many opportunities here, but you should exercise appropriate caution.
    4. Get to know your professors. They can and will help you.
    Great for these types of students

    Anyone who identifies as an artist or has big ideas they want to wrestle with will feel right at home at MICA. For a dedicated art school MICA is also surprisingly well-rounded, which played a big part in my decision to attend.

  • 2 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Lauren from Elkton, MD

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

    Categories Rating Comments

  • 1 out of 8 people found this review useful.

    Jodie-Anne from Jamaica

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

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Cindy from Blacksburg, VA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    MICA is the best location for artists to learn their trade in a supportive environment. There are many involvement opportunities both on campus and in the community. There is a healthy amount of competition, creating a competitive, effective learning environment.
    Tips for prospective students

    Really work on critique skills as you will spend half of your studio time doing just that.
    Academic Rigor

    Sometimes it really depends on the class, but most of the time you will be challenged.
    Dorm Life

    Most people's door are always open, figuratively speaking. The college really makes sure that there is a sense of community.
    Food and Dining

    There are only two options, but they are quite delicious.
    What to do for fun

    There is always the option of the inner harbor, or going to Towson. There are usually events on campus every night, also.
    Clubs and Activities

    A BUNCH of clubs and organizations, definitely something for everyone.
    Greek Life

    Non-existant.
    Campus Safety

    There is a strong campus security unit that patrols 24/7.

  • Student from Lawrence, KS

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    MICA is a great college if you want to think, breath, live art. It is one of the top art colleges in the United States or maybe even in the world. Attending MICA is very very pricy, but I think it's worth it with the education, experience and connections I receive from them.
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't sleep and work your butts off.
    Academic Rigor

    It's an art school. We don't really focus much on the academic side of things.
    But if you're considering about academic rigor as art rigor then it's very rigorous. Most everyone works hard, and everyone loves being there.
    Dorm Life

    Very nice dorms. Three dorms: Commons (for freshmen only) :kinda looks like a very nice jail, Meyerhoff: Use to be a hospital, but very clean and looks like a hotel, and Gateway: very modern, big windows, bamboo garden inside
    Food and Dining

    Very good. Pretty fresh. There are options for vegans as well.
    What to do for fun

    Um....art? idk
    Bang for the buck

    A little bit pricy, but it is a great school to be in.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    The school treats us well during finals week.
    Great for these types of students

    Artists that are serious about learning.
    Clubs and Activities

    Some diversity clubs, but not highlighted.
    Greek Life

    None. Thank goodness because I don't think artists and sororities will get along well.
    Campus Safety

    I mean for Baltimore, MICA is pretty safe.

  • Katherine from Richmond, VA

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

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Nice campus of three or four blocks in a neat up and coming city.
    Tips for prospective students

    Talk to one of their admissions representatives and know some basic information about the school.
    Academic Rigor

    Classes seem interesting, buildings are set up kind of strange.
    Dorm Life

    pretty buildings but could not see an actual dorm.
    Food and Dining

    Lots of food options.
    What to do for fun

    smaller campus so not as much to do unless you go around the city.
    Bang for the buck

    On the expensive side even for an art school.
    Clubs and Activities

    Various clubs nothing super interesting or exciting.
    Campus Safety

    pretty safe of course they have to be.

  • Allison

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    If you adore art, need art, and want to be immersed in an art environment for four years- this is your school. It is completely centered around both the students' and teachers' passion for art. There are many opportunities to have your work seen and critiqued by professionals outside the school.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be prepared to work. Nothing is more daunting then coming to this school thinking the projects are going to be easy simply because they are art. It's tough. Freshman year is hardest (next to senior year) but completely life-changing. AKA Learn some good time management skills.
    Academic Rigor

    Not so much for an academically inclined student as an art student. However, MICA does allow students to take classes at nearby colleges. The art courses will help you improve, without a doubt. It's like an art student boot camp.
    Dorm Life

    There are some nice places to live on MICA's campus. After the first year, options become more open. There are common areas in (and outside of) each dorm building for socializing and clubs. The dorms are apartment-style (bedrooms, living room, kitchen, and bathroom).
    Food and Dining

    MICA has quite a few cafes as well as its main cafeteria. The are various types of food to suit your eating habits, such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free food.
    What to do for fun

    There are a couple free buses that surround the MICA campus and can take you to other college campuses as well as places like the Baltimore Inner Harbor (where there is plenty of fun to be had). There is a lightrail nested against the MICA campus that can take you to surrounding cities and towns, and a train that can take you to New York or DC (costs money).
    Bang for the buck

    It's a good school. But it is an undisputed fact that you will be spending quite a bit of money if you decide to go here- whether it be for materials or other such things. If you decide to take the plunge and go into debt (which you would probably be doing for other schools anyhow) then be prepared to do the work. You are basically paying to be given the assignments and it would be in your best interest to do it. If you pay and do the work, you will improve dramatically.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    There are so many strange things on this campus. There are the little quirks such as the three day long Halloween special (which features a costumed dance- this year was Star Wars themed). Many of the events here are free and include free food and fun. The resident assistants have even more events for the freshmen- make your own chalk, bind your own sketchbook, Tarzan and Marzipan, high-heel races, etc...
    Great for these types of students

    Hard working students. You must be ready to work. You must also love art. If you are looking for a couple art classes but expecting the rest to be academic- then this is not the place for you.
    Clubs and Activities

    So many clubs and so little time. Literally. While much of your time will be taken up with work, there are plenty of clubs to look in to. There is a club for just about everything. I really mean everything. They have club fairs at the beginning of each semester; don't be afraid to look at them all. The people are extremely nice.
    Greek Life

    There is none.
    Campus Safety

    There are no major incidents that happen on the campus. They have night shuttles and walking escorts that will help you get back to your dorm safely. They also have a text-message alert system that will allow you to know any dangerous events that have happened in MICA's vicinity.

  • Karina from Baltimore, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    it is a free spirited, comfortable and exciting institute. the proffesors are amazing, the students diverse and the campus very beautiful. i feel i am recieving a great education.
    Tips for prospective students

    although it may be a bit pricey, the people are great, the classes equipted with new everything and the proffesors willing to understand your processof growth and learning.
    Academic Rigor

    lets be completly honest this is college and college takes work and detication, and if you are not serious about your education, do not enroll.
    Dorm Life

    the dorms are regular dorms, but as an art school the studio are amazing, and this year will be renovated once more to provide more space and environment suitable for the artist.
    Food and Dining

    there are many place to eat on campus and a couple cafes. there is amazing local dining in every direction possible. so you never get bored, order in, dine out, or go to a local grocery store. its location is great.
    What to do for fun

    mica has thier own shuttle system and yello bus system. the yellow buses bring you to far away mall and shopping and entertainment centers, the shuttles bring you home at night or drop you off where ever you want to go. also baltimore has its own purple bus route that is free that brings you to the best place of baltimore-the harbor, where there are bars, shopping, eating, the aquarium and so much more.
    Bang for the buck

    again, although it may be pricey its worth it. mica has their own book store, health and fitness facility, own medical center, library studio building, tech lab, and its amazing, everything is at your finger tips. they pay a lot of attention to what the students may need.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    the mica campus celebrates and honors all holidays and belief systems, so that the students feel as comfortable as possible.
    Great for these types of students

    students come in from all over the world, asia, europe, distant caribbean island, south america etc.
    Clubs and Activities

    the clubs and activities are so diverse and too many to count.
    Greek Life

    i am not sure what to say, there is a greek town in baltimore-its beutiful.
    Campus Safety

    there safety cameras and security guards on rounds and at their posts every where. and the shuttle brings you home at night. and there are other phone and computer activated safety programs you can be a part of.