Cornish College of the Arts
Seattle, WA, USA

Reviews

Cornish College of the Arts

Dudley from West Linn, OR

researching this school
15 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Elizabeth from Spanaway, WA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It's amazing to actually be taught by practicing artists, this school really does have so many resources for it's students. This school; the teachers, the students, the assignments, they really make you break away from your comfort zone and go past the boundaries that you have built up for yourself. Your experience here will challenge you and push you and help you to become a great artist.
Tips for prospective students
My biggest tips would be to be passionate about what you do, really give it your all and work hard on your assignments, it honestly pays off. Don't be afraid to try new things, because I guarantee that you will be asked(made) to do something outside of your comfort zone at some point. Be open-minded and USE YOUR RESOURCES.
Academic Rigor
The work can be intense, that's for sure, but if you work really hard and don't procrastinate than you will be fine. Everything is pretty much hands on and takes a lot of time to work on an assignment, so it's not stuff you can really do overnight.
Dorm Life
The Residence Halls are alright. They are old motels so they are indeed..old. People are always loud after curfew, the walls are very thin so it can be distracting at times. And some of the rooms have a lot of problems and it sometimes the maintenance people don't get to it right away. BUT it is very close to the school, only about a 5 minute walk, which is very convenient. You also get to live with your classmates which is actually pretty fun, especially when they're all art students. And it's located close to downtown. Awesome? Very.
Food and Dining
The food is pretty delicious at the Cafe. They have different meals every night with vegetarian/vegan choices.
What to do for fun
It's Seattle!! There are tons of things to do! If you like to shop, the malls are only a 15 minute walk from the dorms, along with other shops along the way. Pike Place, Pioneer Square, Belltown, the U-District, Seattle Center are not that far away. You can walk almost anywhere, and if not, the bus system isn't to difficult to figure out.
Just walk around and explore and you will find awesome places.

P.S.- There is an espresso place in Belltown called Uptown Espresso, they have the best Chai. Check it.
Clubs and Activities
There are many different clubs around the school. Hiking club, cheese tasting club, etc.
Campus Safety
Very safe. There are shuttles that can take you to and from campuses and back to the dorms,also a security guy walks through the dorms around the night time.

Teri from Kenmore, WA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Cornish College of the Arts is a topnotch fine art school, for those who are serious about their art. Class sizes are small, with a student-to-teacher ratio of only 8:1. Students are helped and encouraged to find their own voice and develop their own personal style.
Tips for prospective students
Cornish is right in the heart of downtown Seattle, with lots of interesting things to do. There are also lots of opportunities for collaboration with students from other departments, such as dance, theater, and music. It's a really fun place for creative people!
Academic Rigor
The professors expect students to do their most creative work here. The electives and humanities classes are interdisciplinary, and many are focused on fascinating topics. And, it's a good school if you hate math.
Dorm Life
I don't live in the dorms, but I hear they are pretty good. They are close by.
Food and Dining
The food's pretty good, but if you're super picky you can go to Whole Foods and get something healthier.
What to do for fun
Lots of fun things to do around Seattle! Capitol Hill is nearby, with lots of relatively cheap places to eat and drink. And there are tons of outdoorsy things to do too - kayaking, rock climbing, or whatever you're into. The Seattle Art Museum and downtown library are great resources.
Bang for the buck
In terms of a fine art education, this is a whole lot better than a state university. I've done both, and private art school - specifically Cornish - is way better. It is expensive, but there's financial aid available. Fine art majors can also get merit-based scholarships if their GPA is 3.0 or higher.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The school mascot is a Cornish game hen named Henny! Cornish also has a professional-quality gallery, and every year the BFA Show is one of the highlights of the Seattle arts community. Each student artist gets his or her own professionally lighted gallery space in the BFA Show their senior year.
Great for these types of students
Creative, artistic types and people who are extremely passionate about their art.
Clubs and Activities
Lots of clubs and activities. The SIGs (student activity groups) cover just about any interest you could think of, and if there isn't one already, you can start one easily and get a few hundred bucks for activities.
Greek Life
none
Campus Safety
The campus security guys are really nice and will walk you to your car when it's dark out. There are lots of shuttles going to the dorms and Capitol Hill - scheduled shuttles as well as ones you call when you need to go somewhere (free for students). Parking is a bit of a hassle, but that's to be expected in an urban setting.

Nichole from Blaine, WA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Makena from Seattle, WA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A small school for all of the arts. Mixing art, theatre, music, dance, design and performance production together-creating a community of creative people. A fantastic learning enviroment.
Tips for prospective students
Your portfolio is all the matters in getting in to this school. Focus focus focus on creating work that you're proud of and want to continue making while you're at school.
Academic Rigor
This school is less about learning english and science (i'm not even sure if we have a science class or math class here) but we are very rigorous and learning our specific art technical aspects and concepts behind it. You can't slack off in this school. It's very intense and the teachers are personable and they know when you're work isn't meeting your own personal standard.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is fantastic because the dorms are literally a 3 minute walk away from the main campus. Each dorm room has their own bathroom (to share with the roommate if you have one). Wonderful free wifi. Communual kitchen and tv rooms.
Food and Dining
The cafeteria is ok, but it's very expensive and they try to be healthy so it gets boring after a while. There is a whole foods right across the school though so you have your options.
What to do for fun
There are a bunch of 19+ clubs around Seattle and tons of Student interest groups at school to be a part. As a visual art major I usually just do my art for fun with my friends. lol
Great for these types of students
Focused, driven, and self led.
Greek Life
0 greek life. We're an art school guys!
Campus Safety
Very very safe! The school is open till midnight and there are security around but they're never needed.

Micaela from Vashon, WA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Cornish is an inspiring place. Every department is overflowing with passion and innovative ideas. I love how the visual and performing arts are together in one school.
Tips for prospective students
Look at all the departments before deciding which one to apply to. I started in the performance production department but learned that the design department was a better fit for me.
Academic Rigor
You cannot rush the design process. The only way I found to do well in my classes was to give every thing I had to it. The work load is a lot but it can be done.
Dorm Life
The dorms are old motels that the school bought. Plus side, you have 1 roommate and you two get your own bathroom and the downside is you live in an old motel. The dorms have laundry, kitchen, rec room and practice spaces for musicians.
Food and Dining
All organic and local, really amazing actually. They try to over fancy some simple dishes that get lost but the pizza bar will never do you wrong.
What to do for fun
Open mic nights and performances of all departments year round. There is always something happening.
Bang for the buck
I love my school but it is expensive. You have to work to get scholarships and grants to keep loans down but the financial aid department is very helpful.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Sudden performances held in the cafe! Yearly drag show is always amazing.
Great for these types of students
Artistic and open minded students.
Clubs and Activities
Everything you could imagine. Every department has clubs focused on that discipline and then we have things like a Quidditch team and wine and cheese club.
Greek Life
No Greek life. No football teams. No cheerleaders. Its rather heavenly.
Campus Safety
Very safe. Campus security is always around and you get get a ride or walk from a security member at night if you give them a call. There is also a van that can give you a ride if it is late at night.

Keenan from SEATTLE, WA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Deanna from Vancouver, WA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Cheyenne from Whittier, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
So far the classes I have taken have challenged me in all aspects when it comes to the performing arts. I have such a hunger for growth and this school feeds me what I need. I can't wait to see what's in store for my next three years because coming here really gives you what you pay for.
Academic Rigor
Because the school is arts based you don't have many academic classes but we are required to take a humanities and science class each year. You really get pushed in your HS classes especially if your a student looking to grow in writing or science. They really not messing around when it comes to assignments, there motto is simply to treat everyday like a job interview.
Dorm Life
Great! I love the dorms because it doesn't get to loud and noisy. Everyone is pretty respectful around our rooms, kitchen, and laundry room. The community is fun and its a comfortable environment to live in.
Food and Dining
There is no going wrong with the food at this school. Its very organic and healthy plus the choices of food they give you aren't hard to decide from. Very gourmet like and delicious!
What to do for fun
We are kept pretty busy here but we all get along with people outside of our department. One thing we like to do is walk around Seattle and view places we haven't been too. The weather could be so beautiful sometimes that a nice walk and breath of fresh air clears your mind.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Best place to go to that we love meeting at is a coffee shop by the school or any of the Starbucks because you will the see the most Cornish students there and always know someone.
Great for these types of students
Who want to grow in the arts and make a difference for how things are done nowadays. We college students here are very serious about what we do but we have doing it. I chose to come here because I knew that it would be a challenged and I was prepared to get the work. If you have a drive then go for it because in the end no one stops you but yourself. You learn that a lot at this school. If you want to learn then apply!
Clubs and Activities
There are different things the school puts up just to get people to come and get to know others. Like I said the community is great and very close. The activities could go from a movie night to a open dance club, a drag show to an open mic night.
Campus Safety
We are very secured and the security people are really funny and nice to have around. There not just making sure everything is good manner but they also like to have a good relationship with the people in the school to show that our safety is first.

Mariya from Edmonds, WA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.