Visual & Performing Arts

Artwork: Emma Szabo Class of 2023

Art schools, as opposed to liberal arts colleges with art programs, can provide artists with significant benefits — greater access to studio space, expert art instruction, a plethora of supplies, as well as myriad opportunities for exposure and networking – that traditional four-year universities do not always offer. However, art school tuition can be expensive, and admission to these specialized institutions is often quite competitive.

It is best to begin your applications as early as possible in your senior year. Most performing arts programs will require an audition on campus, and many visual arts programs will have the option of an in-person portfolio review. Applying early will give you the time to schedule all of your appointments before the deadline. Always take advantage of that visit, as it is an opportunity to demonstrate your talent in person. Be prepared to talk about your work, your inspiration and your plans for the future.

Many colleges will ask students to upload electronic files to SlideRoom (through your Common Application), the admissions office’s website, YouTube, or another third party website. We recommend you put everything into an electronic format so you have more flexibility with submissions.

Applying to art school is similar to applying to a typical four-year college, yet differs in a few key ways. Below are the things you should know about applying to art school:

CREATE A PORTFOLIO

Each school has its own portfolio requirements, so it is important to check to see what the art schools to which you are applying ask you to include. Your art portfolio should show your personality and your own way of looking at the world. You want to show art schools that there is a reason they should admit you specifically, and one of the best ways to do this is by creating art that you are passionate about and that is different from what other people are creating. Art programs want to admit students who create art in a skilled and memorable way. More specifically, art schools are looking for students with the following qualities: technical mastery, variety and versatility, and unique style and personality.

Your portfolio should show a selection of 10–20 examples of your best recent artwork. You should strive to include a diverse body of work demonstrating a proficiency in using a range of mediums, and the work should reflect the full range of your ideas, interests, experience and abilities.

The strongest art portfolios will have the following qualities:

Show the Breadth of Your Skills

Include Pieces From Direct Observation

Show Your Originality

To accomplish all noted above, it is important to give yourself enough time to put your art portfolio together. Many art students take at least a year to create the pieces they use in their portfolio, so start thinking about your portfolio and preparing pieces well in advance of the deadlines.

Conservatories will typically require a live audition; their schools may request an audio recording or videotape. Consult with your teacher to determine the best pieces to select (usually no more than 3), and the best time and place to record them. Conservatories typically have a pre-screening process for auditions, so prepare the CD, DVD, or YouTube link early in the fall of senior year. Some colleges may ask you to post a performance to YouTube or a designated website, so you will need to know what the college requires for submission.

PREPARE AN ARTIST’S STATEMENT

An artist’s statement — which explains the “how,” “what,” and “why” behind an artist’s philosophy — is another critical component of the art school application. Your artist’s statement need not instruct how one should view your art, but rather should express your personal insight into its creation. Your artist’s statement is different from the personal application essay that some art schools may also ask you to submit, but can include some of the same ideas. Every artist has his or her own style and point of view, and it's important that you establish yours.

GRADES AND TEST SCORES ARE IMPORTANT

Contrary to some beliefs, academics do still matter when applying to art school. Each art school has its own academic requirements in terms of minimum GPA and average standardized college entrance exam scores. You can expect to be required to take the ACT and/or SAT to be considered for admission when applying to most art schools.

Even if standardized college entrance exams are optional at the art schools to which you apply, you may still want to take them. In many cases, good grades and high SAT/ACT scores can qualify art school students to scholarships and other financial aid packages that can help reduce the often high costs of attending art school.

ANTICIPATE AN INTERVIEW

Many art schools require an admissions interview. Yet, even if it’s just an option at those to which you are applying, it may be a good idea to schedule one. Admissions interviews are an excellent opportunity to help you stand out in the eyes of admissions officers.

Expect to be asked many questions about your philosophy as an artist, as well as your achievements and goals. Though there are technically no right or wrong answers to these questions, you’ll want to prepare by reviewing these topics beforehand. Bring your artist’s statement and portfolio with you to the interview.

ASK FOR FEEDBACK

Your portfolio can benefit greatly when you ask others for their opinions on your work and the pieces you have selected for your portfolio. You should ask for feedback throughout your portfolio-making process. Two of the best sources for getting feedback are listed below.

YOUR ART TEACHER

Teachers often have significant experience developing portfolios, and can help you choose the pieces that will best impress admissions committees. The questions you ask can range from having them look over the pieces you’ve chosen for your portfolio, to having them make suggestions on the type of work you should create in order to finish your portfolio.

NATIONAL PORTFOLIO DAYS

National Portfolio Days are events held around the country where art students can learn about different art programs, as well as bring their work to receive feedback on it from representatives of top art schools and colleges. No admissions decisions are offered on National Portfolio Days, instead they are a way for schools to look at your portfolio-in-progress and give advice. They are an excellent opportunity to get feedback from schools you are considering applying to, and to ask specific questions about their portfolio requirements.

It is a good idea to attend first as a junior and get some early feedback on your work, then attend again as a senior when you have made more progress on your portfolio. You should definitely stop by the tables of schools to which you want to apply, but consider stopping by the tables of other schools as well, as a review from any school gives you valuable feedback.

RECOMMENDED READING

Creative Colleges: A Guide for Students Actors, Artists, Dancers, Musicians, and Writers, Elanina Loveland, SuperCollege, LLC, Los Altos, CA 2005. Loveland brings together her expertise in college admission issues and arts education to offer excellent advice for creative applicants.

A Guide to College Choices for the Performing and Visual Arts, Kavin Buck and Ed Schoenberg, Lulu.com, May 2008.

For more information please see the Post-Secondary Guide pages 56-58