Montserrat College of Art - Beverly, Massachusetts

Chris P.

At the time that I was there, there was a woman directing the financial aid office that was renowned for the terror she caused, and had not only failed to remove extra charges on many student's accounts (art kit, mostly) but gave false information about loans and financial aid. (This means they were burdened with student loans THEY DID NOT NEED) There was also several safety concerns around the ventilation, issues with the lack of a decent meal plan, and student safety issues. The head of the animation department (Blyth) is another person well known for acting unkind and almost vindictive to her students. On several accounts she was caught lying, manipulating, and pitting students against one another.

All in all, there were maybe three good, professional professors at this college, who themselves were limited due to the number of fresh-out-of-high school students who seemed to care very little for their professors, the rules/safety concerns (don't put turps in a water bottle, the teacher tells us TEN TIMES) or for any of their fellow students. I saw most of my class year leave this place for better colleges, I saw students in tears over the additional and unnecessary loans added to their bill, I saw students being treated with uncalled for disdain, and I saw teachers being treated much the same. This college is a mess, to sum it up nicely. They fool you with their tour, and the gallery spaces, and their programs to get students out and working in their field of choice. Perhaps one out of three succeed, but the rest either don't care enough, or are smart enough to move on to another college as quickly as possible. Perhaps, in the few years since I have left, they have somehow managed to fix up everything nicely, but somehow I doubt it. At its core, Montserrat College of Art is rotten.

Phoenix

Fantastic school with a very personable staff. The professors are accessible and invested in their students: they go above and beyond to help their students succeed. There are tons of resources available to students who need it. From what I’ve seen, most of the complaints come from students who don’t put much effort into their work or do things at the last minute - no institution can magically fix a poor work ethic. A successful art career and art education is rooted in time and effort spent, but some people seem to think they can skate by with minimal effort and succeed, which is unfortunate. That said, some of the technology, such as the printers, could use some updating, but overall im very happy with my education here so far.

Joe C. J.

It's a beautiful campus in a great community. The staff is so friendly and caring. I'm so glad my daughter picked here to go to!

Shawn J.

Very similar experience as the user 'Chris Pine' stated. The head of the Financial Aid Office was often unhelpful and mishandled my Veteran Benefits, leaving me no choice but to utilize loans. I left after just two years due to dissatisfaction with how things were managed.
I attended in 1998-2000.

donna L.

Excellent school for true artists to develop here. Also multiple galleries to just enjoy.

Ashley B.

Gonna try to go here! So excited to go for the open house on Saturday this will be the best school for me!

Eric W.

My daughter's senior year for going here. Great times with many fond memories

Kimberly P.

My daughter's college of choice affordable 4year college and public transportation gets you right at there front door