Review of University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Describe your college in three sentences.
UNCSA is a tight-knit community of truly talented and ambitious artists. The rigorous courses prepare students to be truly immersed into their desired careers. This school may not have as much of a typical college experience, but it definitely is a refreshing approach to education.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Make sure before accepting to attend that you are positive that you truly want to pursue your art form. While at UNCSA, students live and breathe their art/major and it is pretty binding (you can't easily switch between programs.) UNCSA is an art school in every way- the students are talented and love to share their passion, so if what you would study here isn't truly your passion it may not be the school for you.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Well, in terms of arts classes the rigor is very intense. Students are expected to keep up with their courses and are often expected to practice their art on weekends and breaks (film students crew on movies, music, drama and dance students have performances which they need to prepare for.)
The academic classes at the school however... are quite relaxed. Academics certainly are not the focal point of this school. Students have often have the mentality that the academic classes are just the mandatory thing they have to endure in order to take their arts classes. There is not a diverse variety of academic classes offer either, but the school is also very small.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
The dorms are adequate, but they're no palace. They just re-painted a lot last year so they look better, but they are small and basically just a place to go to pass out after a long day of classes.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
Once again, the food is good but not great in terms of college dining. Since the school is so small, however, you can't expect them to have unlimited options. They do cater well to vegetarians and vegans, and the food is usually pretty healthy. Students can get Meal Exchange at the school cafe The Pickle Jar if they miss a cafeteria meal, which is pretty convenient. They often have themed nights at the cafeteria which adds some fun to otherwise predictable meals.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
The school is right next to downtown Winston-Salem, which is an enjoyable arts community with gallery hops, live music and thrift shops. It is also next to historic Old Salem which is a very scenic and enjoyable area, all themed like 1700's North Carolina. The Hanes Mall is nearby. The campus itself normally has great activities happening- you can go see your peers in a ballet, play, or show, you can go to a movie screening in the film school's ACE theater, and there is an on campus coffee house, The What, where open mic nights are often hosted.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
You aren't going to find many art conservatories for this price that have such a hands-on and intense education. Students who graduate from UNCSA are ready to take on their field, and the community of this school creates amazing close friendships.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There is a place outside of the student commons called The Elephants where students smoke cigarettes and talk. The school's mascot is also pretty unusual- The Fighting Pickle- so expect a lot of pickle things. Most of the parties are themed.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Open- minded and dedicated indivduals.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There really isn't any clubs at the school, but there is plenty to take part in when not in class. Students fill their time in practice rooms or painting movie sets.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
No greek life.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
The campus police always seem to be around. They are helpful and caring, but sometimes it seems they are there even when students may not want them to be. Overall the campus is very secure.
UNCSA is a tight-knit community of truly talented and ambitious artists. The rigorous courses prepare students to be truly immersed into their desired careers. This school may not have as much of a typical college experience, but it definitely is a refreshing approach to education.
Make sure before accepting to attend that you are positive that you truly want to pursue your art form. While at UNCSA, students live and breathe their art/major and it is pretty binding (you can't easily switch between programs.) UNCSA is an art school in every way- the students are talented and love to share their passion, so if what you would study here isn't truly your passion it may not be the school for you.
Well, in terms of arts classes the rigor is very intense. Students are expected to keep up with their courses and are often expected to practice their art on weekends and breaks (film students crew on movies, music, drama and dance students have performances which they need to prepare for.) The academic classes at the school however... are quite relaxed. Academics certainly are not the focal point of this school. Students have often have the mentality that the academic classes are just the mandatory thing they have to endure in order to take their arts classes. There is not a diverse variety of academic classes offer either, but the school is also very small.
The dorms are adequate, but they're no palace. They just re-painted a lot last year so they look better, but they are small and basically just a place to go to pass out after a long day of classes.
Once again, the food is good but not great in terms of college dining. Since the school is so small, however, you can't expect them to have unlimited options. They do cater well to vegetarians and vegans, and the food is usually pretty healthy. Students can get Meal Exchange at the school cafe The Pickle Jar if they miss a cafeteria meal, which is pretty convenient. They often have themed nights at the cafeteria which adds some fun to otherwise predictable meals.
The school is right next to downtown Winston-Salem, which is an enjoyable arts community with gallery hops, live music and thrift shops. It is also next to historic Old Salem which is a very scenic and enjoyable area, all themed like 1700's North Carolina. The Hanes Mall is nearby. The campus itself normally has great activities happening- you can go see your peers in a ballet, play, or show, you can go to a movie screening in the film school's ACE theater, and there is an on campus coffee house, The What, where open mic nights are often hosted.
You aren't going to find many art conservatories for this price that have such a hands-on and intense education. Students who graduate from UNCSA are ready to take on their field, and the community of this school creates amazing close friendships.
There is a place outside of the student commons called The Elephants where students smoke cigarettes and talk. The school's mascot is also pretty unusual- The Fighting Pickle- so expect a lot of pickle things. Most of the parties are themed.
Open- minded and dedicated indivduals.
There really isn't any clubs at the school, but there is plenty to take part in when not in class. Students fill their time in practice rooms or painting movie sets.
No greek life.
The campus police always seem to be around. They are helpful and caring, but sometimes it seems they are there even when students may not want them to be. Overall the campus is very secure.