Admissions

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.

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.

ask for scholarships and aid, they are fairly generous. living on campus is pretty great and there are tons of apartments nearby that are nice. it can get a bit pricey, but still cheaper than the dorms, and there are evening safety shuttles offered by mica that will take you to your door if it's close by. be prepared for a lot of work and show up to class! don't sign up for a class if you're going to slack off, that denies a class slot to someone who really needs it. you will need to be on top of registration as most classes fill up quickly! make sure you plan out your degree with an advisor so you can hit all the requirements - it's too expensive to waste time and then have to take an extra semester.

I would suggest visiting MICA before applying, because it is such a great school that you have to experience it before you apply. I would also say that MICA is one of the very few schools where it's just as amazing as the pictures in it's catalog. It's helpful to become friends with other prospective students, whether it's on Facebook or when you visit the school.

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.

Make sure you brainstorm and keep your options open for different ideas and projects. Time management with be your best friend with your projects do not slack off or wait last minute to finish something problems will arise if you wait to long to do something. Also watch the local stores such as Utrec and Plaza, they have a lot of sales that can help you cut costs. Don't be afraid to use things from the trash either the recycling bin may be your best friend.

MICA is for students who are passionate and willing to work hard, so be prepared for a lot of work! Remember to be yourself and don't take everything too seriously. Be open to new ideas and people, and you will learn everything that is great about art, MICA, and Baltimore.

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

Get in contact with your admissions officer. It helps put a name to the portfolio and they can give you tips on how to improve your portfolio.

If you are from a suburban and city area then MICA is a wonderful campus for you. The campus is in Baltimore City along Bolton Hill and every one in the area is friendly. The school does a wonderful job creating a genuine campus feel for an art school.