You may think you know everything there is to know about college applications, but applying as an art major is a whole different ballgame. Here's a practical how-to guide for parents and teens to the unique timelines and portfolio requirements for prospective art majors applying to art school.
1. College vs. Art School
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When it comes to higher education, prospective visual arts majors have three choices. They can attend an arts institute, try a large university with a visual arts department - or opt for that happy medium, a university with a strong arts school. But there are stark differences between the three, and this decision is going to impact not just a student's artistic development, but the kinds of friends he makes, the non-arts subjects he studies and the way he spends every moment of every day for the next four years. Big decision? Yes, but an exciting one too. This breakout on the differences between types of schools, art school vs. university, can help you decide.
2. Visual Arts College Fairs
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You've chosen the genre - art school or college. Now all you have to do is find a few. Attending a visual arts college fair can help that process along. Representatives from nearly every major university with a strong visual or performing arts department attend, along with reps from many of the big art institutes. These fairs are held in major U.S. cities each fall and spring, and are particularly helpful for high school sophomores and juniors. Browse our college fair survival tips before you go.
3. National Portfolio Day
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Art school admissions is a competitive business, one that requires not just an academic application but an art portfolio as well. It's important to get an outside assessment of a student's work, so be sure to check out National Portfolio Day, a free public event that invites would-be art school applicants to meet with college representatives and have their portfolios evaluated.
4. Assembling a Portfolio
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Just as music majors tread a double path in college admissions, via an academic application and auditions, visual artists are faced with a similar challenge. Most major art schools require SAT or ACT scores, high school transcripts, recommendations and a personal essay, as well as a portfolio of the student's best work. And the portfolio is the deciding factor for most art school admissions.
