I think this is one of the factors in the drop-out rate. After all, if you decide that art isn’t for you, that’s the only field the school offers. In addition, if you aren’t highly self-driven, the culture of this school isn’t a good fit.

AAU is a good art school, especially for students who don’t have a portfolio ready for admission elsewhere. And no, in fact, you don’t need a portfolio for admissions.

But, as I said, if you think that art may not be your thing, don’t go. You need to be of single focus in a program like this. You need to be driven, and devoted. It’s also quite expensive.

Employers really do recruit at this school. It’s got a decent rep. There are stronger art schools in California – Otis is stronger. And there are worse – that Art Institute chain of schools, for example, and FIDM, oh please, no. And there are art schools that are better suited to people who aren’t sure art is for them, or who want to study things other than art – they would be better studying in an art program within a university (see USC and UCLA).

If you think the AAU is right for you, visit them. But while you’re looking at art schools in that area, also visit Otis, and Cal Arts, which are a step above AAU.