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Otis College of Art and Design Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

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

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    May

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    In Foundation (freshman) year, you will be learning a lot of technical skills, but it really depends on who your teachers are. Foundation students are divided into sections, and each section has it's own set of teachers with their own style of teaching. I'm in section D, and I really like the teachers in this section. In this year, they are not necessarily teaching creativity, or rather , the amount of creative activities you will do is a tad limited. However, once you get pass the basics, it should get better.
    Am enjoying being here

    Since each section is small, the teacher can really help you as a unique individual. Your section mates are stuck with you in every studio class, so it's not hard to make new friends. The school itself has a pretty nice campus (though small) but I wish there was more of a artsy vibe in the buildings. Also, do not come here if you want a traditional college life. There are no extracurricular clubs and no foreign language classes. There will also not be much time to explore the city.
    Bang for the buck

    The teachers will pile up a LOT of homework on you. Be prepared for sleep deprivation (yes, even as a freshman), but be prepared to learn a lot as well. You will also be spending more money on art supplies than you expect.
    Tips for prospective students

    * Try to get into the Honors Program. It's difficult, but quite satisfying.
    * It's nice to have a car, especially if you're in housing and you want to explore the city. (You might not have as much time as you like, but just in case.)
    * There's no official cafeteria, so learn some basic Korean words. (It'll make sense if you come here.)
    * Try to buy used course readers and textbooks from students, not online. (It's much cheaper this way, trust me.)
    * The closest art store is Graphaids, but if you have a car, look for another one. This particular Graphaids overprices their items.
    * Don't be a procrastinator. This school is great if you want to change these bad habits.
    * Keep doing what you love.
    Great for these types of students

    This school is great for dedicated people who haven't really decided what art major they would love to go into. (You'll have a whole year to decide.) I think this school is also great for Toy Design, Fashion Design, and Digital Media majors. The other majors are good as well, but this school is particularly good for the aforementioned majors (or so I've heard.)

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Mollie from San Diego, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The good thing about Otis curriculum is that they offer multiple classes coming from all areas of art. You will learn about painting, color theories, wood working and 3D design, life drawing and much more during your Foundation (freshman) year. You may be familiar with many things, but there is always something you will learn. Personally I am learning new things about myself, my work habits, and how I interact with the art world.
    Am enjoying being here

    In your first year all the freshman are split into small class sections (I'm in section J). You will become close to a lot of your classmates which I have and am enjoying the new friendships very much. I also live in student housing and love being able to do as I please and create my own schedule (freedom is great). I do wish there could be more clubs or sports activities, something to unite the students more.
    Bang for the buck

    I came to Otis expecting an in-depth study of multiple types of art studies, particularly life drawing, which is exactly what I got. It isn't focused so much on artsy personal expression so much as it is a development of skills. With time I am noticing however we are allowed more say into the projects and am expecting next year to really kick off with personal expression and artistic input.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you were expecting a typical college freshman experience, go elsewhere because there are a lack of clubs or fancy sorority-esq activities. Otis, among many art colleges and general universities now-a-days cost both arms and a leg, so be sure you want to invest your time and money in your education. Check out plenty of loans and scholarships available here or on other websites like fastwebs.com.
    Great for these types of students

    Otis is good for those who like to work hard and with intent. Most Otis students (at least the ones who are doing well in their classes and having fun) are dedicated and bent on learning new things.

  • Jessica from National City, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.

  • Bevin from Santa Fe, NM

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    This is a real-world college experience designed to help students find work in their chosen art majors.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be sure to plan on having extra money for all those art supplies.
    Academic Rigor

    I get all the help I need.
    Dorm Life

    Don't live in a dorm.
    What to do for fun

    LA is a vast learning ground from its museums to its galleries and beaches!
    Bang for the buck

    This school is very different from the first art school I attended. This one will help me find a job that I will enjoy.
    Great for these types of students

    Hard working friendly ones.
    Greek Life

    none
    Campus Safety

    It's good.

  • Kurt from North Las Vegas, NV

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.

  • Erick from Omaha, NE

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

    Categories Rating Comments
    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

  • Nicole from Los Angeles, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.

  • Veronica from Torrance, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.

  • Jessie from Moorpark, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.

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