School of Visual Arts Reviews

"The teachers there only want students there to keep their paychecks. The painting teacher said shes on copious amounts of anti depressants, and the drawing teacher has huge amounts of favoritism to the point of admitting when confronted. This school actively struggles to keep fine arts students since they dont give you much. I paid $500 one day to basically go to the museum and the teacher didnt lecture just said "go have fun" i get that art is about the experience but im paying to learn not be "watched" over like a daycare. The teachers also give freedom but nit pick when you bring your work in. The very worst was the teacher when confronted since we didnt have heat in the classroom we asked where the fine arts students money is going the teacher once asked the faculty that and they told him and I qoute " Get your nose out of places it doesn't belong!" this institution is a joke and isnt an amazing choice."

"I took one of SVA photography certificate class and they did not give me much time for shooting. Even I was a line for the shooting list, some students break into it and write down their names. So easily I become a last person for the shooting and I did not have much time to take photos because the instructor wanted to break down the sets soon as possible. Also one of the class, I was a only person who was not received shoot in whole sets and also I was in the last person to shoot. It was most horrible class and personally I do not recommend to take class at SVA."

"I chose to attend the School of Visual Arts because the faculty are all working artists. This not only allows students to learn under honored professionals in their respective fields, an incredible opportunity in itself, but also provides honest insight into the art industry and how to navigate it once out of school. I graduated in 2015 and still receive gallery invites and guidance from my favorite professor. The teachers are eager to watch your art grow and hungry to help. The Mentor Show in the Photography program also connects you with professionals outside of the school. I was paired with a director of one of my favorite museums- truly a stunning experience. Overall, the School of Visual Arts provides countless opportunities to grow, you just need to take them."

"The best thing about attending SVA would be the level of talent of the students that attend. They will always keep you on your toes when it comes to creativity. I found myself learning a great deal from my fellow classmates. The classes are relatively small, so your instructors can really get to know you and how you work."

"For self driven individuals. Expensive. Great location in Manhattan."

"The students/teachers I met there changed my life. I would't give up my experience there for anything. Like with most schools, it's all up to you how your schooling will be."

"The students/teachers I met there changed my life. I would't give up my experience there for anything. Like with most schools, it's all up to you how your schooling will be."

"Every year since my graduation have just been amazed at the way the SVA Graphic Design & Advertising department has grown. I always see the students in featured articles in the field, claiming the best art director positions, and winning international awards. It's nice that the programs have grown with the times. I think the #1 asset they've built their foundation on is investing in more part-time faculty than full-time. In these fields you want a top level active professional. Someone who only has time to teach one 3-hour class a week. Someone who knows what's happening right now and is a part of what the future of the field is. They have incredible professors. Somewhere, annually, there is a top 100 GD working professionals in the world list, and every year I see dozens of names that are also professors at SVA."

"Enrolling into this program may have been one of the best decisions I have ever made. It's a two year program, only accepting 20 students per year. All of the professors are venerated professionals in their field, and many of the most successful illustrators today have come through this program. I have just completed the first year, and my evolution is distinct. I've become more prolific, and my drawing skills have strengthened. I can go on all day about how much I've benefited thus far, but instead I will say that it is highly unlikely that any MFA illustration programs in the US and abroad compares to the profoundly transformative experience that this program offers."

"You are very connected to the artworld at SVA, you can take clases with very important curators working in renowned museums around the world. The only con that I perceive is the affordability, it is quite expensive and luckily I was elligable for some scholarships but even because of this I will still have to use student loans."

"I think School of Visual Arts offers a great graduate program but I struggle with the expenses as an international student."

"I love my graduate program! We have supportive faculty members that care about the growth and development of their students. I am learning a lot from my classes, professors, and my classmates. S.V.A. has a great community that allows us to network with others who are involved in the arts, as well as program activities that allows us to connect with each other. This is a great experience so far and I cannot wait to see where it takes me in the near future. The only con is the financial support. The program does not offer assistantships outside of work study, unlike many other graduate programs. This would be very helpful for the students trying to pay for school and to gain work experience in their field."

"Students should look up for the classes and teachers that best fit their educational goals, simply following the curriculum(mandatory courses) isn't enough, for me the most challenging learning experiences came from teacher that other students recommended and those that I previously knew through their artistic practice. The school has all the resources you need but they won't be available to you if you don't seek them. The photography department is one of the best at SVA, one thing that I wish we had that other schools and other departments do have, is our own studios to continue to do work outside the classroom."

"PROS: HIGH CALIBER NETWORK, LOTS OF FACULTY SUPPORT, CHALLENGING, LOTS OF ENCOURAGEMENT CONS: EXPENSIVE PROGRAM IN AN EXPENSIVE CITY"

"Pros are the diversity of students and multiple opinions they bring to classes. In addition the program is good at introducing possible employers and building student networks. Cons are the cost of the program."

"School of Visual Arts is one of the best school you will ever find in this field. All the professors are working professional in the field, passionate about art and teaching students. Facilities are the best, the school provide most of equipment that you will need to creat visual works."

"Pros: Great program for computer arts, impressive faulty and past alumni. In the heart of New York City. Cons: Expensive program to attend."

"The pros of an MFA at SVA are plenty. I feel part of a very talented and hardworking community of artists. Moreover, I have the support and encouragement of enthusiastic faculty. SVA also promises access to the thousands of renown SVA Alumni."

"The pros include knowledgeable faculty, quality of education they provide, and the internship that starts from the first semester, which is very helpful. However, the cons are that SVA itself is not the best place for trying to find resources - whether it is for your research, homework, etc. Library is small and their research database is lacking - especially for those who are studying art therapy, which is a discipline combining psychology and art. The use of art materials provided by the department are monitored and limited - which is ironic. Transportation is difficult - there is only one shuttle bus that goes around the different dorms but otherwise you have to take the subway to get to the different buildings scattered in the city. Also, there is alot alot alot of workload that includes writing. Writing seems to be very important for this particular department. If you are weak in writing, beware."

"This program is one of the most rewarding programs I've encountered. The level of thought and consideration that has gone into crafting this program is absolutely brilliant and the curriculum is extremely rigorous. I have learned an unbelievable amount of important history and philosophy in this program and it has changed my thinking in regards to how I view and understood the (art) world around me. Every text and class discussion connects, and creates a path to continue to seek and understand what is beyond what the eye can see and what the mind can comprehend."