California College of the Arts

Let's start out by saying the people in my program are a mixed bag. If you're going to find anyone amazing at this school it's in this department. But they're the exception not the rule. Along with that there isn't enough space for people to work, aren't enough program licensees for everyone, and the staff managing the space is overworked and underpaid.

The curriculum is also a huge waste of time. If you ever wanted to learn about vaginal knitting it's your time to shine. But if you were looking for a well rounded generalized education consisting of history, math, and literature look elsewhere. They dedicate a huge section of your education (and cold hard cash) to things not pertaining to your major. It's a huge distraction and 100% not worth the effort.

In terms of accommodations CCA makes me question where they spend my tuition. The dorms are atrocious. They frequently set out rat traps in the hallway. The dorm I'm currently residing in is located in downtown Oakland. It's both dangerous and noisy. I haven't gotten a good night sleep since I moved down here and I've had my car broken into 3 times. There have been multiple robberies just outside of the dorms.

THERE IS NO MEAL PLAN OR NURSE. If you get hurt on campus the best you can expect to find is an empty first aid kit on the wall and a lyft coupon for the ER. While the people who run the cafe there seem nice the food is pretty terrible and overpriced. You ever wonder what a $9 plate of rice and egg taste like? It tastes like getting ripped off.

The administration are the real problem. I don't know who to blame or what their reasoning is. They're bloated, unhelpful, and sometimes make decisions that seem actively malicious.Just recently they've kept class open despite the toxic air levels citing a "policy". Apparently CCA has so course of action for common sense decision making. Overall, I'd say They don't care about students, their health, goals, or general well being. All they care about is keeping that sweet sweet money rolling in. Overall I would rate CCA 0/10 if you want to do art just do art and use the money you'd spend here to hire a tutor and buy supplies. This school is NOT for people with drive.