Look, I know a “Disclaimers” page usually looks like a wall of terrifying fine print. But since we’re keeping things authentic here at ArtSchoolsLists.com, I want to lay this out in plain English.
As Ben Aristo, my goal is to give you the best advice possible to get you into your dream school. But I’m a researcher and an advisor—not a fortune teller, a lawyer, or an admissions officer with the final “Yes” or “No.”
Here is the “Real Talk” regarding the information you find on this site.
1. The “Informational Purposes Only” Bit
Everything you read here—the guides, the school rankings, the portfolio tips—is based on my personal experience, deep research, and 2025 industry trends. However, this is not professional legal or financial advice. Art school requirements change faster than a freshman changes their major. While I do my absolute best to keep every list updated, a school might change their deadline or tuition costs tomorrow morning without telling me. Always double-check with the official university website before hitting “Submit.”
2. No “Magic Wand” Guarantee
I’ve helped hundreds of students get into top-tier programs. I love seeing those acceptance letters. But here’s the reality: using this site does not guarantee you admission to any school. Your success depends on your talent, your hard work, and the specific mood of an admissions committee on a Tuesday afternoon. I provide the map, but you’re the one who has to do the hiking. I cannot be held responsible if a school doesn’t see the genius in your work (even if I do!).
3. Affiliate & Coffee Money Disclosure
Running a site like ArtSchoolsLists.com takes a lot of caffeine and even more server space. To keep the lights on and the content free for you, I sometimes use affiliate links. What does that mean? If I recommend a specific portfolio hosting site or a set of markers and you click the link and buy them, I might get a small commission at no extra cost to you. * My Promise: I only recommend tools and services I actually believe in. If it’s junk, I won’t list it, even if they offered me a million dollars. My reputation with you is worth way more than a small commission check.
4. External Links (The “Wild West”)
I link out to a lot of universities, art supply shops, and portfolio platforms. Once you click those links and leave my site, I have zero control over what happens next. If their site is down, or if they’ve changed their own privacy rules, that’s on them. I’m like the guy giving you directions to a restaurant—I can tell you how to get there, but I don’t control the menu once you’re inside.
5. Fair Use & Copyright
I’m a huge advocate for artists’ rights. Most of the content on this site is my own intellectual property. However, for educational purposes (criticism, commentary, and teaching), I might occasionally reference or display small snippets of school logos or public works.
This is done under the Fair Use doctrine (Section 107 of the US Copyright Act). If you are a copyright holder and feel I’ve used something in a way that doesn’t fit this, let me know and we’ll chat.
6. Errors & Omissions
I’m human. Occasionally, I might make a typo or get a tuition number slightly off. If you spot an error, please don’t sue me—just shoot me a friendly email! I’ll fix it faster than you can say “Post-Modernism.”
The Bottom Line
By using this site, you’re agreeing that you’re a smart, capable person who is taking responsibility for your own educational journey. I’m just the mentor in your corner with a clipboard and some hard-earned wisdom.
Questions about this? Drop me a line at: disclaimers@artschoolslists.com
Last Updated: December 25, 2025