Nestled in the very heart of Baltimore, less than three hours from New York City and under an hour from Washington DC, MICA is perfect for creative souls. Students at this Top 10 art school can choose from among 16 Studio Majors (including Animation, Interdisciplinary Sculpture, and Game Design) and two Liberal Art Majors (Art History, Theory, and Criticism, and Humanistic Studies). With most of its buildings located along the main college street, West Mount Royal Avenue, MICA offers great variety within a small community. Here are some of the things you may learn from a stroll about campus:

There are three art shops located conveniently in the area. With various specializations – and big blowout sales in the beginning of the year – students can easily find the supplies they need.

Students don’t need to have every piece of equipment. The different studios offer many rental facilities where students can rent anything from tripods to looms.

First-year students get a well-rounded introduction. Freshmen learn how to use Adobe Creative Suite (included in tuition, and includes Photoshop and the like); they also take introductory sculpture.

Digital Fabrication is available to all. The Dfab Lab holds the 3D printer and 3D scanners. Students are taught how to use these in their freshmen course, and technicians help walk them through the process in the lab. Skilled students who design and print their objects can sell their work at one of the student fairs.

Fashionistas will find their home here. Students interested in working with Fibers or Fabrics may be drawn to the Fabric lab, where students can make their own colors and dyes using any of the equipment, including sewing machines and full-sized looms. Two end-of-year fashion shows (one traditional and one focused on edgy and experimental fashion) highlight student work and are often attended by employers looking for new talent.

Students can explore other local schools. Each semester, students can take one class at any of the fourteen schools in the Baltimore area.

For sketch artists? People interested in drawing still life will love the extensive library of both taxidermized animals and other figures, donated by a faculty member. Any of the objects in this library, including an armadillo, a turtle, and full-sized (fake) human bodies can be rented.

Student theses can take almost any shape. Students may choose to create a final project (and are given private studio space beginning in their first year) but can also choose more non-traditional capstone projects, including starting a business. MICA will often link students with the resources they need, including $25, 000 grants to bring their projects to life!

Student interested in applying can choose between the MICA Online Application and the Common App; in addition, students must also submit a portfolio of 12-20 pieces of recent artwork. SAT or ACT scores are required and applicants may choose among Early Action, Early Decision, or Regular Decision application cycles.

*Notable alumni include: Celebrity photographer Derek Blanks, filmmaker Martha Colburn, “Broad City” creator Abbi Jacobson, and street artist Gaia.

Up next: Johns Hopkins!