PNCA has a rigorous environment with dedicated students and faculty who are genuinely interested in their fields of study. Courses are challenging and rewarding. Being part of this community means thinking critically and working creatively.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
If you can figure out how to be a full time student without a part time job, you will be much more focused on your coursework. Being a student here is a lifestyle that takes a lot of commitment physically, financially, intellectually, and emotionally. This place is amazing, but if you have too much going on in your life outside of class, things will be difficult for you. Do what you can to save money before enrolling. If you find yourself starving while you're here, there are resources to help you, but sometimes the best thing you can do is to step back for a moment and take a semester off to work.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
You will never be finished with your work. I took a semester off this spring, partly for financial reasons, and partly to read all the stuff I skimmed over last fall. Everything you make, write, and say is open for critique. This art school isn't for finger painters, unless they are critically engaged, well-researched finger painters.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
You basically share a two bedroom apartment with up to four people, but the hallway smells really weird and the dorms are miles from campus.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Portland has lots of things to do on the cheap. Free art and music, inexpensive yet delicious food carts, lush parks, block parties, second run movie theaters, etc. Our culture is youthful, progressive, and out to have a good time.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
For a private school with highly qualified faculty, this is a pretty inexpensive institution.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Our mascot is a sloth. Our only sport is kickball. Our only opponents go to OCAC, the craft school in portland.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
PNCA has a rigorous environment with dedicated students and faculty who are genuinely interested in their fields of study. Courses are challenging and rewarding. Being part of this community means thinking critically and working creatively.
If you can figure out how to be a full time student without a part time job, you will be much more focused on your coursework. Being a student here is a lifestyle that takes a lot of commitment physically, financially, intellectually, and emotionally. This place is amazing, but if you have too much going on in your life outside of class, things will be difficult for you. Do what you can to save money before enrolling. If you find yourself starving while you're here, there are resources to help you, but sometimes the best thing you can do is to step back for a moment and take a semester off to work.
You will never be finished with your work. I took a semester off this spring, partly for financial reasons, and partly to read all the stuff I skimmed over last fall. Everything you make, write, and say is open for critique. This art school isn't for finger painters, unless they are critically engaged, well-researched finger painters.
You basically share a two bedroom apartment with up to four people, but the hallway smells really weird and the dorms are miles from campus.
Portland has lots of things to do on the cheap. Free art and music, inexpensive yet delicious food carts, lush parks, block parties, second run movie theaters, etc. Our culture is youthful, progressive, and out to have a good time.
For a private school with highly qualified faculty, this is a pretty inexpensive institution.
Our mascot is a sloth. Our only sport is kickball. Our only opponents go to OCAC, the craft school in portland.
Critical, creative thinkers and makers