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California College of the Arts - CCA Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See California College of the Arts - CCA reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending California College of the Arts - CCA. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free California College of the Arts - CCA reviews, or contribute your own California College of the Arts - CCA review if you're a current student there.

  • 7 out of 7 people found this review useful.

    Matthew from Oakland, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am deeply passionate about art. I have been drawing since i was a baby, and my love for creating has only grown since then. My technical skills were sub par prior to attending CCA. In my first semester i learned how to draw, how to REALLY draw. it was amazing. my drawing teacher taught me how to get proportions right, use simultanious contrast of value, render accurate shadows, and how to draw faces. I learned how to use every kind of tool known to man for drawing. I even learned how to draw with ink. In my 2d class my teacher pushed me on how to incorporate these concepts that she could tell i had into my work, therefore really pushing my credibility as an artist. Thanks to art history I can name almost any piece of widely known art work created since the cave paintings at lascaux. I had never done any photography work, but in the first hour of my photography class I fully understood how a camera worked, knew how to load film, and was shooting. By the end of the semester I knew almost everything there was to know about black and white photography. I could print fiber prints larger than 16 by 20, I could shoot medium format, and I could tone with sepia. It was incredible. I cant wait for my color film class next semester. Last but not least was english. I have never been a fan of english class. I hated writing essays, and i wasnt a huge fan of reading. My teacher had me writing essays for FUN in a week. In my class we did analysis of music, and were writing 10 page essays by the end of the semester.
    Am enjoying being here

    Oakland is an amazing place. The amount of art and music you are exposed to (which is very important to me) is tremendous. I cant even count how many gallery openings i went to in the first month of school, and how many famous artists I met. The amount of things to do in the bay area is almost overwhelming. I would be impressed if you could manage to have a boring day or night. The people are really nice and welcoming. The campus is very friendly. all of the people are willing to help you out. I have heard alot of people say that the people at art school are hard to get along with. I had 6 really good friends before the sun set on my first day.
    Bang for the buck

    Yeah, the school is very expensive, but you get what you pay for. you will learn so much, and be turned on to alot of amazing resources. I have already had gallery offerings, and internships with top notch artists because of my school
    Tips for prospective students

    you get out as much as you put in. work alot and just be psyched on it. You will learn as much as you want to.
    Great for these types of students

    WORK WORK WORK. This school will bring you lots of success, and you will learn more than you could imagine. but you have to be willing to put in the time and the effort. If your not supposed to be here, you wont be, the work will take over you and swallow you whole if you are not cut out for it.

  • 7 out of 7 people found this review useful.

    Emma from Los Angeles, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    In all the courses, you will get something out of it even if its not related to your major. Some teachers are helpful, but some don't know what they're doing... (especially in core classes). coursework/projects aren't difficult, but time consuming. you have to manage your time well. you learn more by working hard on all projects and from critiques (feedback from fellow students and professors) which give suggestions/commentary on how to improve your project. It's not too challenging and not too easy.
    Am enjoying being here

    although there arent many student organizations, there are lots of things to do to make friends and get involved. its easiest to make friends in your classes. i like the environment because it is very urban and san francisco and berkeley are less than an hour away by public transportation. theres a lot of good food places around, but can be a bit pricey.
    Bang for the buck

    Most students get financial aid or scholarships if they're a US citizen or permanent resident, so tuition isn't too expensive, but international students have to pay the full tuition price.
    Tips for prospective students

    the more background you have in art, the better it is to do well at CCA. it is best to prepare a portfolio before your senior year in high school so you have less to worry about when you apply to schools. portfolios should contain your best works. try to show all the different types of mediums you know how to use (paints, graphite, digital media, etc) and your different artistic skills (through drawing, video editing, animation, painting). remember to let yourself show through your artworks. as for gpa/grades/sat scores/ap scores, try to do well in school and testing. the more well-rounded you are, the more appealing you will be to the school. also, it increases your chances of getting more scholarships!
    Great for these types of students

    Artistic, open-minded, works better in smaller environments (academically), loves to be involved with community, loves diverse culture.

  • 7 out of 12 people found this review useful. 1 person found this inaccurate.

    Ragene from Downers Grove, IL

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Brittney from Hillside, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am a second year now, and i have learned soooo much. I came into the school not knowing any art terms or artist names and stuff like that. I was self taught until I came to CCA, and it was a good choice!
    I have learned so much history and technique, with both traditional and digital medium.
    Also I am an animation major and the program is great. It teaches animation techniques, story telling, story boarding, concept art, special effects, etc, etc.

    Am enjoying being here

    I have met many many amazing people in and out of class. Most of my friends are out of major and they tend to be the ones that help me the most with ideas. Because they aren't animation majors they tend to think about things in a different way that offend helpful. Also don't hide away in your dorm room! work is important but you need to be social as well.
    Bang for the buck

    This school costs a lot. But you learn a lot, and it's enjoyable. So it does level out somewhat. Just stay focus so you don't fail any classes 'cuz that's money you won't be seeing again.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be confident! Prepare your best portfolio and have faith it's strong enough. Once you are excepted don't be afraid to call the school if you have questions about billing, registering for classes, etc. When I was incoming my enrollment counselor was on my speed dial. They are happy to help.
    Great for these types of students

    This school is great for people who love art and are willing to take artistic risks, get dirty, and have fun.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Quinton from El Paso, TX

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    I'm hoping to learn about computer and character animations.
    Will enjoy being here

    I enjoy being in California. I think I will enjoy attending this university I look forward to learning animations and earning my Bachelor's in that field.
    Bang for the buck

    Unknown at this time.
    Tips for prospective students

    I am a prospective student I don't have any tips.
    Great for these types of students

    I think this university would be a good choice for who want to pursue a degree in the field of arts.

  • 0 out of 2 people found this review useful. 1 person found this inaccurate.

    Raina from Portland, OR

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Cinthia from Oakland, CA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    California College of the Arts has a unique and rigorous program created for the conscious modern day artist. Their curriculum and resources prepares students to combine art with the communities both around the institution and the world. Preparing alumni to face the battles of continuing to purse a career in art outside of the school.
    Tips for prospective students

    Some tips to offer to students looking to pursue their education at California College of the Arts would be to check out their website first and foremost for more information on the programs offered, financial aid. Also to visit both campuses in person or at least take the online tours and speak with one of their friendly advisors to answer any questions you may have that the website did not answer or you are unclear about. Apply, you will never know what possibilities can open up for you unless you help yourself to find out and try.
    Academic Rigor

    Offer an individualized major which is considered a type of honors program that lets you build and structure your own curriculum. However before anything the school must approve it and they offer a class that will help you structure what it is that you would like to pursue.
    Dorm Life

    Have never lived in the dorms at the California College of Arts campus but have heard and seen reviews from past students who have lived in the dorms that they have had an amazing experience.
    Food and Dining

    Oakland has an enormous range of food choices from burgers and fries to exotic cuisine.
    What to do for fun

    Bike friendly streets and growing population of cyclists, their are outdoor activities such as parks for hiking or exploring and of course San Francisco.

  • Jane from Union City, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Fine Arts community is great, friendly and knowledgeable faculty and staff.
    Tips for prospective students

    Research your professors/courses before registering for your class--make sure you know what you're getting into. Don't be shy, be open during discussions and critiques.
    Academic Rigor

    Can be difficult depending on your professors.
    Dorm Life

    Small dorms, off campus apartments across the street in the Oakland campus.
    Food and Dining

    Appeals to vegetarians.
    What to do for fun

    Walk around Oakland or Bart over to either SF or Berkeley. Very diverse communities.
    Bang for the buck

    It's okay to be unsure about your future when you arrive to CCA. The academic advisors know their stuff and can guide you to the right program.
    Great for these types of students

    Artists and designers, hipsters with interest in art/design
    Campus Safety

    Campus is relatively safe despite a few occurrences a few years ago. BEWARE of parking your car on the street in both Oakland and San Francisco campuses. Car break-ins are very common.

  • Joshua from Oakland, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    attached to art history. mostly conceptually charged teachers. design over fine arts.
    Tips for prospective students

    don't go if you are interested in making art and not knowing what youre doing. if you like art history and want to make art about art go there. good for design but the fine arts are somewhat lacking.
    Academic Rigor

    i get straight as but i've always been that student that doesn't try hard and does well anyways. people say its difficult but i think most people are lazy.
    Dorm Life

    i never lived in the dorms but i know people make good friends there.
    Food and Dining

    there is a safeway nearby and lots of little restaurants around the oakland campus.
    What to do for fun

    people go to the city or there is a really good music scene around here. lots of bars cus its near berkeley. a total college town
    Bang for the buck

    i get a lot of financial aid.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    the school is on a hill and there is a cool lookout point that overlooks the bay area.
    Great for these types of students

    designers, architects, printmakers, industrial design.
    Clubs and Activities

    there are some events around campus but im not particularly involved.
    Greek Life

    none
    Campus Safety

    good security that will walk you to your car late at night.

  • Emily from Cleveland, TN

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    This school looks absolutely perfect for me! I want to go into film writing and I could learn a lot at this school.
    Will enjoy being here

    The campus looks very welcoming. I hope i get to make it my home for college!
    Bang for the buck

    From what I have found, it seems like this school is great at working with students financially.

  • Cameron from San Antonio, TX

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    Looks like it provides a great learning experience
    Will enjoy being here

    Close to family and friends
    Tips for prospective students

    Im researching this college and WILL apply

  • James from San Ramon, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am learning a lot thing that I've never knew about. I get a lot of help and feedback from my professors and fellow colleagues.
    Am enjoying being here

    I love how the environment is like in this school. I really enjoy being at the SF campus.
    Tips for prospective students

    You will enjoy being here.
    Great for these types of students

    This university is great for architecture, interior design, graphic design, and animation majors.

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