Memphis College of Art
Memphis, TN, USA

Reviews

Memphis College of Art

Elena from Memphis, TN

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.
Tips for prospective students
Don't take bad critiques personally, they make you stronger as an artist and help you develop your work.
Academic Rigor
Tough at first but becomes fun once you get the hang of how everything works.
Dorm Life
The dorms are good but you save more money getting your own apartment off campus
Food and Dining
There is only one place in the school to get food. Its good but I would suggest learning how to cook.
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.
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.

Mina from Maryville, TN

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A lot of the teachers here are pretty legit, a few of them may seem off-putting at first, but once you get to know them, you learn to respect their oddities and you can get some pretty meaningful lessons out of them. Many of the students are stuck up, but there are also a lot of friendly students as well, you just have to know the right ones. You learn a lot, but you also get a good feel of how rigorous your work outside of college will be.
Tips for prospective students
Take your classes seriously, you aren't paying thousands of dollars to sit around and not show up or not turn in work. You aren't going to get any respect from your teachers here if you go about that way. Get used to calling your teachers by their first names, it may seem odd at first, but most of them prefer it that way. Be ready to spend a lot of money on supplies your first year. Get used to not getting off for things like Good Friday like you do in High School.
Dorm Life
Most everything is up to date. We can't really change lightbulbs on our own due to EPA regulations, but if you place a work order (which they'll explain, it's super easy), maintenance is pretty quick about doing that. So long as you respect the others living in the dorm, there's no worries about living on campus. All of the buildings are safe and close to campus.
Food and Dining
These guys are the bomb. The kitchen staff really gets to know you, and they're super friendly. The food they make is awesome, especially the sweet stuff like cakes and brownies. Some of the food can be a little greasy, but they're planning on adding more healthy options as well. There are plenty of Vegetarian options here.
What to do for fun
Downtown is nearby, as is the Cooper-Young neighborhood. There's lots of food options off campus. As a student, you'll get free access to a gym and the zoo (so long as you have your sketchbook). The park is always nearby and it's really fun to just bike around or watch the dogs play in the dog park.
Clubs and Activities
There's not really a diverse group of clubs and they're mostly art related. I know there's a GSA, a running club, Pottery, Comics, Illustration, Painting, Printmaking, Japanese Culture, and a non-official Christian club. The staff is pretty lenient about starting new clubs.
Campus Safety
Security really does try their hardest. They're very friendly people and will most of the time walk you back to your car if you're spending the night at school. The school is all one building, so there's not walking back and forth from one department to the next, and it's open 24/7. If you have a bike, make sure to register it with them, and you get a free U shaped lock. It's recommended to get that kind of lock anyway, as there have been several bike thefts. They'll text you for the most part if classes are canceled, or there's been trouble in the area.

Emily from Vancleave, MS

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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!
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.
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.
Food and Dining
The food is not bad, but I preferred to eat from my groceries.
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.
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!
Greek Life
No greek life.
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.

Joshua from Memphis, TN

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.
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!
Academic Rigor
The work load is intense, but your personal growth is just as large, so well worth the effort it requires of you.
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.
Food and Dining
The cafeteria is small, with a small menu, but the food is good, a little expensive at times.
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!
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!
Great for these types of students
Anyone expressive, in any way. People who love people, and love being creative!
Clubs and Activities
Running, animation, Japanese culture, painting, film, kick ball, ultimate frisbee
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.