Apply to Art College
Applying to an art school at the collegiate level is a stressful process, but if you stay organized and establish a strong portfolio, your art should guide you to the best program. It cannot be emphasized enough: Your portfolio should contain the best work you can do. It will be the primary factor in the schools' decision-making process.
Instructions
Choosing a Major
1. If you are applying to a college-level art program, hopefully you already have some experience with art. At the undergraduate level, students typically choose a preferred medium, such as drawing, painting, digital art, sculpture or printmaking. Art history is also an option for those seeking a more traditionally academic course of study.
2. Once you have decided on your major, research art schools that specialize in that particular medium. You may also want to make a list of the other factors you find important in your college search. For example, do you want to stay within a certain geographical area? Don't waste your money paying application fees to schools you aren't really considering. Consider all possible financial-aid options, but don't bother applying to schools you know you cannot afford or are not willing to take out loans for.
3. Three to five applications should be sufficient for an undergraduate. Students applying to a graduate program may want to select a few more schools. Read over all application material, and highlight or underline the exact requirements for each program you plan on applying to.
4. When applying to art school, your portfolio will probably be the most important aspect of your application. Regardless of your chosen medium, your portfolio must show your best work on a technical level. It's your only chance to convince a college of your skill and talent. Again, read over each application carefully, as schools have different portfolio requirements. Depending on your medium, your portfolio may consist of slides of your work.
5. While GPA is not completely irrelevant, after your portfolio/slides, the next most important parts of your application will probably be your letters of recommendation and/or essay responses. It's great if you are articulate, but if you know someone in the industry who can write a letter for you, even better.
6. You will need to write an artist's statement to accompany your portfolio and application. This may count as one of your application essays, depending on the specific school's requirements. Your artist's statement should say something about why you became an artist. Consider your favorite artists or those who have most inspired your work. Try to place yourself within a long tradition of art while highlighting your own unique vision.
7. Keep all of your materials separated by school. Usually the applications come with a checklist of all requirements. Go through each checklist and make sure you haven't forgotten anything before sending it all out.
