It's really a hit or miss when you go. I had one student who was very talented and did an amazing job, especially since I had asked her to change my hairstyle completely. Unfortunately, when I went back the next time, she had graduated and no longer there. The person I had the 2nd time around was a little clueless and the instructor had to step in at least twice to show her how to cut. She was conscientious and tried hard, but just didn't quite have the knack and my haircut showed it. Honestly, you just don't know if you're going to get the A+ student or the C- student when you go, but at least you're not paying much for a chance that you'd get a future star stylist.