Let me be real with you…read more
This school will break you where you need to be broken and they will rebuild you stronger than you ever thought you could be.
The 1 star reviews are entitled teens who refused to learn real life lessons and chose to complain rather than grow as people. As a farm kid, I absolutely blossomed because I knew how to roll up my sleeves and pick myself back up. This was the best experience of my life.
I walked in here, assuming I could match my 98% average from school.
Nope.
I broke down, hard. That little number, a grade, defined who I was and it was shattered on the floor. I learned that I was more than a number. THAT was the lesson.
Then I was given more work than I could reasonably complete. I broke down, again. Hard. I learned to prioritize, schedule, and say "no". THAT was the lesson.
Then, I had a major personality clash with a professor. I learned to live in her silly world rather than rage and force my own views. THAT was the lesson.
Then, life outside of school hit me harder than I could handle.
The moment I reached out, student services and every single professor was immediately there for me. I learned I was never alone, that adjustments would be made, and that it would always be okay.
Also, their student services team is always open and helps with anything you can think of. They literally counselled myself, my partner, and our toddler, helped me find and apply for scholarships, and have a small food bank. Just walk in. Anytime. You can even schedule it if you want to.
There is a thriving, welcoming queer community, neurodivergent community, people in their 40's, teens, parents, everyone artistic or techy. It really is an oasis out there.
Lastly, I never really write reviews. Actually, most successful alumni here don't, simply because they're too busy with their careers - perhaps why this rating is low. People say "scam" because their entitlement was shattered the moment they realized this isn't a pay to win ticket with cute little grading systems.
You're not a number here. You're a person.
They will prepare you for the real world.
I recommend CATO to anyone up for the challenge.
Sincerely,
A 3D animation grad from 2021
(currently working on Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight)