Otis College of Art and Design
Los Angeles, CA, USA

Reviews

Otis College of Art and Design

Nicole from Los Angeles, CA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
OTIS is an amazing place, I went to a few other schools before settling down here and I learned more in the first weeks at OTIS than I did in and entire year at some other schools.
Am enjoying being here
The faculty is all very nice and you really feel like they are all approachable. Even within the first couple of days of being there, going through the registration process and so forth, people that I talked to the day before actually remembered me and details about my situation after only a pretty short conversation.
Bang for the buck
It can be pretty expensive, but as an art school student, it's pretty much par for the course. Try to plan ahead and spend carefully, I'm sure that you'll spend a lot at the close by Graphaids.
Great for these types of students
This school is great for students interested in art you really crave a sense of community. You are divided into sections during your foundation (freshman) year and this really sets the tone for your next years at OTIS.

Erick from Omaha, NE

researching this school
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
THey have been so helpful in the college application proccess making things so much easier for me
Will enjoy being here
i am very excited to hopefully attend this school
Bang for the buck
it is expsensive so apply apply apply for scholarships

Veronica from Torrance, CA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have learned so much over the past two semesters. ( I came in Spring/ Summer) Which makes me a sophomore in the fall. I learned so much more than I could at a community college.
Am enjoying being here
Some professors need to learn constructive criticism other than that I enjoy being here. It is my first and only choice. I don't regret coming over. Transfering as a foundation student was the best choice of my life.
Bang for the buck
I transfered from a community college and have seen how my artwork has improved over two semesters I came in Spring/ Summer. Which is very brutal and I don't reccomend people doing.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you work hard and turn your work in. A lot of people think Art School is like high school. Or community college. Professors don't know how to get it across and become frustrated what part of 3 days missed, or don't turn in your work do people not understand. If you are not up for the challenge don't waste your parents money.
Great for these types of students
Hard Working, Not Complaining about working and reworking work.

Natasha from Los Angeles, CA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Otis is a perfect place for anyone interested in making his or her artistic pursuits a full-time professional career. The students are determined, talented, creative individuals who have the opportunity to learn everything about the basics of art and beyond from some of the best teachers in the world. All in all, the level of education available at Otis College of Art and Design is one of the best artistically in the country.
Tips for prospective students
Foundation year may seem kind of frightening from a perspective student's point of view, but the level of information you will retain and use for the rest of your life is not comparable to any experience I have ever had before. I would recommend keeping an open mind and having a very detailed schedule in order to manage your time most effectively as to not get overwhelmed by the heavy workload.
Academic Rigor
Not only is the artistic pursuit at this school at a very high level but the liberal arts classes are also intellectually challenging. The students are reacquired to take art history classes each year while in school along with English and writing courses and a math course. The combination of traditional and experimental drawing courses, digital courses, and 3-dimensional sculpting classes makes for a well-rounded education.
Dorm Life
The dorm living is certainly one of the most glamorous aspects of freshman year at Otis. Four students live together in the beautiful Playa Del Oro apartment complex in a spacious two-bedroom unit. The amenities include a pool, sauna, hot tub, grills, work out area, computer room, and entertainment area. It is just a block from the main campus with everything a person could need in walking distance.
Food and Dining
Although there are many options in the cafeteria, including vegetarian and gluten free alternatives, the overall quality is simply mediocre and the price is extremely high. I would recommend dining elsewhere like the beautiful farmer's market across the street in the park every Wednesday.
What to do for fun
There is a bowling alley right next to the campus but as far as on campus fun, Otis often has visiting artist lectures, gallery openings and exhibits, field trips, and other various events for students to enjoy. During finals week, the school provides dinner to any student who comes to claim it which is a major perk during the most stressful time of the year.
Bang for the buck
Most things in the cafeteria are over-priced but I often get a cup of rice which has carrots, peas, and other veggies in it with salsa on top for only $2.00. The best deal on campus. Also sometimes art supply stores come set up and sell discounted merchandise to the students, occasionally even giving things away for free.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
One interesting tradition at Otis is the cube project in Form and Space class during Foundation year. Each wave of students has to build a cube from paper, one from cardboard, and a pyramid from foam board. Another interesting tradition is the socratic seminar with Michael Schrier at Los Angeles County Museum of Art. One of my favorite traditions was in the Life Drawing course, we compared our first day drawings with our last day drawings. That was definitely a day full of laughs.
Clubs and Activities
There are not too many clubs at Otis because the students are so busy with school assignments and jobs but there are several activities and celebrations at Otis every month.
Campus Safety
The students have ID cards and an X number that they are reacquired to sign in with when entering the school grounds after hours. The campus is open 24 hours and there is always a security guard or two around.

CJ from LA, CA

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Everything you've heard about Otis is true. This particular college does not fail to impress its students with the wide availability of academic programs, the amiable faculty, and the fantastic web of networking. Otis provides challenges each and every day in various aspects yet whilst supplying its eager students a sense of spontaneity and fun.
Tips for prospective students
If a class starts at 10:00 AM, be there by 9:15 AM. You'll thank me later.
Academic Rigor
Not for the faint of heart or those prone to procrastinating. Time management is key in order to succeed in classes.
Dorm Life
I've had my share of experiencing inconsiderate roommates, loud hallmates, and high strung RAs. I think I'll pass on dorm life this time around. But just because the previous school I attended failed to offer me a blissful memory does not mean I should fault it on Otis. I'm sure dorm life for its fresh meat is doing well.
Food and Dining
Apparently cheese fries from The Counter does not compare to the infamous cheese fries derived from Otis Campus Dining Hall Kitchen.
What to do for fun
Fool around in the backend of the library, sip early morning coffee by the fountain, briskly walk within and throughout the open pavement of the quad, instagram photos of knocked out peers, continue study hall in cafes located in DTLA (which is literally right down the street).
Bang for the buck
A promised future in a field you're especially passionate about is worth every pretty dime.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Unlike UCLA's annual underwear run, Otis paves the way for free expression of eccentric personalities and neurotic yet delightful beings.
Great for these types of students
Not for the sane but for the insanely risk-taking, creative.
Clubs and Activities
If you hated high school, this is what they mean when they say college gets a whole lot better.
Greek Life
More like Greek food. Like I mentioned earlier, get up on those cheese fries..STAT.
Campus Safety
Safety is for the timid. You'd have to be on the verge of insanity in order to push yourself to the limit and discover your capability.

Fran

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Otis is a very challenging art institution and the students sacrifice a lot in order to achieve their goals there. In the end, all the hard work pays off, and these students turn into the artists they have always dreamed of becoming. Furthermore, they change the world one medium at a time.
Tips for prospective students
If you plan on attending Otis, make sure you understand what you're putting yourself through. You need the drive, the passion, in order to make it here. I have not yet started officially, but I will in a few days. From what I heard, I have the biggest challenges ahead of me, but I'm willing to jump all those hurdles in the way.
Academic Rigor
The instructors make it clear that they want to put their students working at a professional pace, even at day one.
Dorm Life
Pricey, so if you live near it's best to just commute.
Food and Dining
Haven't really dined near there, but I love food all the time.
What to do for fun
It's an art school, what DON'T you do for fun? haha. Interesting people there, so there's never a dull moment.
Bang for the buck
Very pricey, so make sure you have means of some financial aid. The price to pay is worth it in the end though.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
I'll get back to you on that once I find out. Well, I guess there is one thing. apparently our mascot is an Owl? That's pretty cool.
Great for these types of students
Artistic, weird (weird is good, don't worry), ambitious, passionate, can run on no sleep, adventurous, and organized.
Clubs and Activities
I haven't really seen or heard of any clubs. Activities, maybe, but not clubs.
Greek Life
I don't think so?
Campus Safety
Security guards on campus all the time. Anyways, you have enough weird art tools to use one someone in case anyone jumps you. You're good.

Alison from Los Angeles, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
At this school, you get a lot of individual attention from your mentors. Classes are small, and you know everyone in your class. You can always find a way to mold the curriculum to get what you want out of it.
Tips for prospective students
Get ready to work hard! It's pretty easy to get in, but it's whether or not you can survive the workload.
Academic Rigor
Time management is the key.
Dorm Life
Housing is held in the really nice Playa del Oro apartments down the street. It's only open to first-year students, but there are plenty of other apartments in the area that are close driving distance.
Food and Dining
Restaurants, food trucks, fruit stands, coffee shops, you name it.
What to do for fun
It's literally by the beach! And if it's not beach weather, there's always Koreatown.

Jessica from National City, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
otis is amazing and challenging. the staff are helpful and eager to teach. wonderful experience even though hard, very rewarding experience.
Tips for prospective students
be ready to work and build yourself up to what is expected of you. don't procrastinate and always give everything your all. retain a positive attitude and just have fun!
Academic Rigor
really challenging and makes you think and plan ahead. worth every min.
Dorm Life
i don't live in the dorms, but they are located in a luxury apartment complex.
Food and Dining
the cafe has good homemade food, is slightly expensive and small.
What to do for fun
the classes are fun and we have some club activities. the student activities always have something planned, usually including free food!
Bang for the buck
we gain connections, have access to the latest technology, and have professionals in the field as instructors.
Great for these types of students
artists, of course!! anyone creative and hard working.
Clubs and Activities
slightly off the radar, but they are available for all to join!
Campus Safety
24/7 security guard that will lock the gates and let you out at night. the campus is open 24/7, so the take safety seriously. all labs have techs there for assistance.

Kurt from North Las Vegas, NV

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I learned so much about what I want to do as an artist through friends, instructors and faculties. I even learn new things through class works, group works and life events.
Am enjoying being here
Otis focuses on the technical and conceptual sides of art. Otis often has guest from companies and famous artists to speak to the students. I enjoy learning new things every day inside and outside of Otis.
Bang for the buck
Otis is located in Los Angeles and there a lot of great companies in the city. Otis offers great programs to train you to be ready in the professional environment.
Tips for prospective students
Time management, have supplies ready, try to get a lot of sleep and eat healthy.
Great for these types of students
Students who are hard-working dedicated and passionate. Students should be ready and willing to learn. Students should be humble and respectable towards others. Students who have dreams and goals that they know Otis will help them achieve.

Jessie from Moorpark, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
As a first year student there are very specific guidelines for projects but that makes projects with a little lenience even more exciting. You are taught how to be a hard-worker and successful. If you do not work hard, you will not succeed in your classes.
Am enjoying being here
At first it was a hard environment to adapt to. I was commuting over an hour daily to get to school which was a very difficult situation. As far as a socializing environment there is something called a section and depending on what time you want to have courses puts you in a section. For the first semester I had most of my classes with the same students. Now in second semester I have only a few of the same students in my other classes. This gave me the opportunity to get to know other students and make some friends!
Bang for the buck
This is a private art school. There are also unforseen expenses for art supplies or projects that you will be assigned. My best advice is to find another student that wants to split the cost of materials.
Tips for prospective students
Stay on top of your work. Do it ASAP because you WILL only get more. I find writing a lot of To Do lists help. Also I am trying out an app on my iPod called iHW and it has your class schedule and hw assignments for each class. Check your school email!!
Great for these types of students
Driven, creative, intelligent individuals that want to be the best in their field of study. People that want to speak to their teacher on a first name basis and have classes as small as 13. This is serious but fun business.