Informing your college application journey.
Writing Your Artist’s Statement
The ability to write an Artist Statement is important, as it both shows colleges that you are a strong writer, and gives them more insight into you as an individual. Almost all BFA programs in all disciplines require at least one freshman writing seminar, so you need to demonstrate the ability to write a short essay.
Submitting a Great Visual Arts Portfolio
Your portfolio might be the most important part of your BFA college application. Here are some tips for how to create your portfolio so you highlight your personal artistic narrative and stand out from other applicants.
Common Application Explained
The Common Application is the platform used by 900 schools to submit your application. The main components are the personal statement and the activities list, but there are other aspects to submitting your applications which are important as well, all outlined for you in this blog.
National Portfolio Day
Attending National Portfolio Day allows high school visual artists to receive invaluable expert critiques of their portfolios before submitting their applications.
A visit to Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
During our RIT campus tour, we explored why art students are drawn to tech schools and delved into the College of Art and Design, as well as the School of Film and Animation. Notably, RIT's support for deaf and hard of hearing students, including those with auditory processing challenges, is impressive, offering generous scholarships to those who qualify.
A visit to Cornell University
Cornell University features two schools for creatives: the College of Architecture, Art and Planning and the College of Human Ecology. As part of the land grant program, three schools, including the College of Human Ecology enable New York state residents to qualify for in-state tuition.
A visit to Ithaca College
Ithaca College houses two premier schools for creatives: the Park School of Communication with an outstanding film, tv and radio program, and the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance a conservatory program housed within a university giving you also all the advantages that setting allows.
A visit to Syracuse University
Syracuse University is an R1 research university but for creative students it is the home of the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA), S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, and the School of Architecture.
Over $10,000,000 in Merit Scholarships awarded to this year’s seniors!
Learn how to select schools who award merit aid and how to craft your applications to receive this great aid.
The Common Data Set
The Common Data Set provides an array of important information about colleges including acceptance data, graduation statistics, and financial aid information. It is a must have piece of your college research. Read this blog to learn more about it and how to find it for each school.
Deciding between a College of Art and Design or a University?
There are many reasons to attend a College of Art and Design and there are many reasons to attend an art school within a university. There’s no right or wrong, it’s all about you and what you want. Read about the differences in this blog.
Tips for writing an exceptional Personal Statement
Your personal statement is your 650 word “elevator pitch” here are some tips for writing it.
Securing Strong Teacher Recommendations
A key part of your college application is your recommendations. This year probably more than before, those recommendations will be an integral way a college will learn about how you will contribute to their academic and social environment.
Completing the Extracurricular Activities Section
Learn how to write your extracurricular activities so they show your hard work. There are tips and tricks to writing this section, give it the time it deserves to tell colleges about all your passions and interests.
Applying and Auditioning for Theatre Programs
You want to study theater in college, it’s a long worthwhile road, here’s how to prepare your applications.
Concept Design, 2D and 3D Animation, and Stop Motion
Concept Design, 2D Animation, 3D Animation are different but related majors. Read this blog to learn about the differences and see which might be right for you.
College Visits, make the most of them!
Make sure admissions knows you want to tour the art facilities.......Pick up college newspapers to learn what's important on campus.......Do your research before you visit so you know what questions you want answered.....Take notes and photos right after your visit so you remember.
2024 Pre College Programs
Pre college summer programs are a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills, meet creative students like yourself, and see what it’s like to immerse yourself in a creative environment. This list of pre college programs has links to over 20 programs for students interested in visual arts, animation/film, performing arts, writing, and music.
BArch, BA, BS, BFA. Which degree is right for you?
There’s a wide range of architecture degrees, BArch, BFA, BS, and BA. Read which might be right for you.
BFA Applications - More than just the Common Application
BFA applications start with the Common Application, but then there are many more requirements… essays, artist statement, descriptions of artwork, writing samples, creative samples. Read how you can be prepared to answer all the prompts.