The School of Visual Arts

Date: Mar 15 2013
Major: Design Arts - Industrial Design/Graphic Design/etc (This Major's Salary over time)
I never, ever write comments on any message boards or anything like this. However, seeing some of the bad reviews really struck me as shocking. I understand that everyone is different and experiences the school, faculty and other students in a unique way, but I think some of these bad reviews are completely biased and undeserved.

I transferred to SVA to the computer arts program last semester and I am about to complete my first full year at the school. I'll start off by saying that I have learned more here in just several months than I have in my entire school career, including my past experience at another college. I am actually pleasantly surprised at how much I have improved. My friends and family have noticed and pointed it out often as well. All of the teachers I have had have pushed me to work hard, improve as well as to express myself through my art. They are also some of the coolest teachers I have ever had. They mostly all hold jobs outside of teaching at the school and I've even had a few already that were stoked to try to hook students up with internships. I'm not doubting that there are some faculty members that are not so great as a couple of the other reviews mentioned, but you're going to find that at ANY school. Check ratemyprofessor.com and ask around before you take any teacher for your class. The amount of home work isn't unbearable. I still have plenty of free time on the weekend to enjoy myself, but I will say that I am definitely kept busy during the week. It's something that should be expected with any good school to help you learn, however.

The only down sides about the school, in my opinion, is the expensive tuition and social life. My family and I don't have much money, honestly. I was able to come to SVA through the highest scholarship they offer, as well as help from financial aid. I would not recommend going to an expensive NYC school if you can not get in on a scholarship or if you don't have much money. Tuition plus housing is just too much to afford. Also, it is a bit hard to make good friends at first. I could not afford to live in the dorms (where many students meet/hang out), so I'm commuting from a cheaper area in Brooklyn. I've made friends in my classes and through out NYC just from going out in my spare time. New York is an awesome, eventful city.

I have a lot more I could say about the school, but I'll leave it at that! I recommend SVA to anyone who can afford it, with scholarships or otherwise. So far, it has been an outstanding learning experience! :)