The Otis College of Art and Design

Otis is an extremely hands on college. It will teach you all of the challenges in the art industry. The faculty has high expectations of your work. The education is priceless and well worth the money and time invested in the program. I highly recommend attending Otis.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

I am close to finishing my first year(foundation) at Otis, and it has been a real true workout. In your first year you take 6-7 classes per semester, 4 of which are studio classes and 2-3 of them being liberal art classes. I think the first semester is the hardest. Teachers expect a lot from you and work you up to get you at a level where you understand what its like to be a hard working designer/artist. The second semester in my opinion is easier. or maybe it just seems easier because you're already familiar with the courseload and whats expected.

You have to know how to manage your time, because you only have each class once a week spread out throughout the week. You get homework every day and have homework due everyday, there is no such thing as slacking off at this school, if you start to slip it can be really hard to get back on track.

the school staff is very supportive and look after your well being. if you're not doing well or feel you need help there is always counseling and tutoring available.

there is almost no social life at school and that is mainly because of the courseload you will have and get. a lot of the kids you befriend and meet are the kids within your section. the way otis is structured for foundation year is by section, so all the kids in your section(usually no more than 18 kids) end up having the same studio classes with you.

The one cool thing about Otis is that you will never be treated as a number here. You can call your teachers by their first names and you can be sure they'll know yours.

Overall the first year and foundation has been a positive experiance. I came into the school dreading foundation, because i wanted to already enter into my major, but having gone through it I cannot emphasize its importance. The fact that foundation teaches you all the basics of what you need to know and prepares you for entry into your major is priceless. This is coming from a kid who hated and didn't know how to draw or never cared to learn.One last bit of advice is that here at Otis, once you are a student, you cannot take english or art history outside of Otis, so if you dread or hate english and art history, my advice is to get that done at a community college and transfer the credits prior to coming. Doing so will open up your schedule and allow you to concentrate more on your studio work.

1st Year Male -- Class 2009

Education Quality: A, Social Life: C-

I have so far only completed one year at this school, but I hope this review might be useful to prospective freshmen.

The curriculum at Otis is very structured and guided. Like many have said, do not come to this school if you are not serious. It can be very challenging and overwhelming in terms of both the amount of work you receive and the tasks themselves. The Foundation (freshman) experience at Otis is excellent. The different course you are required to take teach you important concepts and skills that overlap with each other and the almost all of the professors I had were very experienced at driving home what they wanted you to get out of your work. It was my impression that they are very dedicated to your success as professionals.

If you are a serious student, your experience can be very rewarding. Be aware that it can get very tough and many slacker students will be weeded out in the process; the classes are long, also, and demand a lot of focus from you. Staying on top of things will benefit you and earn you respect from your professors.

My biggest disappointment was the social atmosphere. I didn't quite feel "at home" at Otis, and the student activities are nearly nonexistant. It can get quite lonely when you are consumed with work and there are no extracurriculars things to do (or if you simply do not have the time you can get a little on edge!). That is why it is important to be resourceful and find things to do around town. The students in my section were fantastic, but we still did not really see each other outside of class because we were so busy. Make sure you make friends though and find some other things to do or you will die!!!I will be entering the Digital Media department of Otis, which has a great reputation for what it teaches you. Toy Design and Fashion are also considered to be excellent, and all three are regarded to be the most difficult majors at this school. All in all I am satisfied with the education I received in the Foundation experience and expect the same for the following years.

1st Year Female -- Class 2008

Useful Schoolwork: A, Extracurricular Activities: D-