Home / College Discussion / CampusVibe / School of the Art Institute of Chicago Bookmark and Share

School of the Art Institute of Chicago Visit Report by CarmelKevin

Visit to School of the Art Institute of Chicago in November 2009 by CarmelKevin
(Parent of Student, HS Class of 2011)
(Member since October 23 2009 with 0 posts)
 
3 of 3 people found this visit report helpful

Visit Activities:


Admissions Interview: Yes - My daughter met with an adviser for a portfolio review. Being that she's still a HS junior, she just got feedback and tips on improving it.

Information Session: No - No general session.

Campus Tour: Yes - Tours given by current students.

Campus:


Friendliness/Courtesy of Students:
5 - Excellent
5 - Excellent



Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff:
Did not meet any staff.


Appearance of Campus:
4 - Very Good
4 - Very Good



Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness:
4 - Very Good
4 - Very Good
Campus is in downtown Chicago spread out over several buildings. Buildings are not new, but neither are they falling down... let's call them "used".


Dormitories:
5 - Excellent
5 - Excellent
The dorm we toured is actually a new building. Rooms are quite large! Includes a full kitchen (minus the stove). Private bathroom. 24 hour art studios on the top floor.


Security/Safety:
4 - Very Good
4 - Very Good
Security staff mans each building. Students required to swipe card to get in. Visitors must check in and get passes.


Overall Campus Impression:
5 - Excellent
5 - Excellent


Off-Campus:


Area Immediately Around Campus:
5 - Excellent
5 - Excellent



City/Town/Community:
5 - Excellent
5 - Excellent
Great location if you're looking to get into the arts!

Campus Visit Notes for School of the Art Institute of Chicago


Visit Description:

Most classes do not give traditional grades, they are pass/fail instead. Most classes do not even give tests, they instead rely on critiques of your work in front of the class.

There are no majors. Instead students are getting a BFA, with a concentration in a certain area. The student is responsible for guiding his own path.

First year is mostly filled with core classes. It's described as hard and not a lot of fun. Sophomore year on you then get more into your area of specialty.