Have you ever wondered why students decide to transfer? Many transfer students from the five boroughs choose the High School of Art and Design. In search of better opportunities and unique programs that fit their interests, these students want a community that will embrace their creativity and see them eye to eye.

The lives of transfer students highlight their experiences and the challenges of adapting to a school like Art and Design. The environment is unlike any other in NYC because of its creative focus, which brings people together as a community. Adjusting to the expectations of a new setting can be difficult, but it comes with goals and aspirations. To understand what determination truly means, we asked transfer students to share their stories.

“What made me decide to transfer to A&D was the uniqueness of their programs and the amount of support and opportunities they provide. They really push students to become better.”

Junior architecture student Pamela shared her thoughts on what made her transfer and why she chose Art and Design.

“The biggest adjustment for me when I first transferred was dealing with the sheer size of the school itself. I came from a smaller high school with about 100 kids per grade, while A&D has three times that amount!”

A senior student, Juno, explained how they faced challenges in an environment filled with so many different kinds of people, which at first felt intimidating. Still, Art and Design offered opportunities for growth and new experiences because of the diversity of personalities in the school.

There are endless opportunities in a new environment—meeting new people and learning about new art. Pamela also commented on how, since transferring, she has learned about the history of art.

“I’ve always been fascinated by buildings, especially Ancient Greek and Renaissance architecture. At this school, they basically give you an upper hand in what you’ll do in college, so you’re sure this is what you want to pursue. I really liked that.”