Girl, I'm gonna be twenty-one in December. I'm done with all my gen-ed courses and I'm going to be living in my hometown for another year, while all my friends move on to being Juniors in college. I'm applying for Calarts next year and if by the slightest chance I get in, I'm going to be a "freshman" in college...and I'm gonna be in a lot longer than my other friends. I tried applying to schools last school year. I applied to LCAD, Calarts, and MICA. I only got accepted to LCAD and I couldn't go because I couldn't even afford the basic acceptance deposit and housing cost (I'm getting little to no help from my family bother immediate and extended either cuz they can't afford it at all or they are too frugal. It's gotten to the point where people like my dad now act like I'm not going to college....and for your own family to act this way, that's probably more depressing than your friends thinking that. I've thought about giving up on trying to get my foot into this door many times but I'm still trying, not just for myself but for my family (will be the first one in my immediate family to go off to a four year). My advice is don't worry about what people think. Do you want to go to art school badly? Do you want to pursue this more than anything? If it's worth that much to you then screw what the rest think or act. You're taking a different path than others but don't let that effect your work. Strive to be better and achieve what you want, even if it means busting your ass 'til this Winter. Do not despair...you're far from pathetic. Cuz if you are than I'm a total loser. xD lol and I won't settle for that. Keep trying and don't beat yourself up. I can guarantee you it's just a waste of time that you could be using to draw. ;)

@Shanti: I'm going to be 21 in December. :D So you're not alone. haha

I'd be down to join you guys if that's all right. :) Though I'm not sure when I'll be available. I go to school twice a week, usually weekday afternoons I go to my art studio (it'd be a bit awkward skyping there and pretty noisy lol) and I'm starting a new job on Thursday (tomorrow). Oh and I live in California...so..I'm pacific time? I have a skype though so if you just let me know at the beginning of of the week, I'll try to work something out. :)

This post was edited by Elaine Annest at March 20, 2013 9:36:58 AM PDT

I'm applying to calarts again this year. I applied for fall 2012 but didn't get in...and I was way too tied down with school and other things this past year so yep. Going to try this year. I'm just drawing as much as i can and tuning up any weaknesses I have and going to life drawing as much as possible. I've also really gotten into the habit of carrying a sketch or a notebook around with me and whenever I have a moment I've just quickly draw my surroundings or a person. just little things like that I guess. Best of luck to you all!

Uhhh...that sounds about right for Calarts. I went to CSSSA a year and a half ago and that was about what the Calarts teachers told us; however, if they get a bunch of applicants that are ridiculously good, they'll accept more, but the number is usually between 40-60 people. Sorry I can't help with Ringling..don't know anything about them. >.<"