Frequently Asked Questions

My student loves art but isn’t interested in a BFA, can ARTriculate help us?

While ARTriculate does focus on creative students, we believe that creativity comes in many different forms ranging from filmmaking to robotics. So while we work with many visual and performing artists, we know that many students have a strong interest in connecting their interest in the arts with their interest in a humanities or a STEM subject. Our goal is to help all students find the best fit schools for them (academically, socially, culturally and financially) and then work with them to submit their strongest application for each school. We have worked with painters who love data science, fine artists who are interested in chemistry, actors who want to study psychology, and many other students with a diversity of talents and interests.

What types of creative students does ARTriculate work with?

ARTriculate works with a wide range of creative students all bringing their unique set of interests and aspirations to the college process. In the visual arts our students work in both 2D (painting, drawing, animation) and 3D (ceramics, sculpture, jewelry-making), some are hand artists others work mostly in digital. Some focus on fashion (design, branding, management), others might be interested in gaming (character design, 3D backgrounds, animation), others are interested in using their art to tell a story (journalism, creative writing, advocacy) and others are interested in the intersection of their art and technology (game design, product design, car design). In performing arts students may be aspiring actors, directors, costume designers, set designers, filmmakers, musicians, or dancers. Many of our students have multiple creative talents that guide their college decisions.

ARTriculate works with all of these students in high school to select courses and activities which best suit their interests and that will provide them with a curriculum appropriate for their area of study. In mid junior year, ideally, we begin to research college programs and recommend colleges for them to visit (either virtually or in person), working towards creating a balanced college list that meets their academic, social and cultural needs. As senior year approaches we begin outlining the application requirements, as they might include portfolio, audition, or film submissions, and calendar their application timelines. Brainstorming essays and curating supplemental portfolio work and audition materials follow as many students will be required to write additional supplemental essays, sometimes as many as three or four per school, and submit detailed portfolios and pre-screens and auditions.

I want to work with you, how do you work with students?

ARTriculate works with students in the way that works best for you, either through a package or by the hour. We provide comprehensive services which can begin in 10th grade with evaluating and suggesting class options, and recommending after school and summer programs. Beginning in 11th grade we start to focus on the college process itself, planning test schedules, suggesting extracurricular activities, pre-college summer programs, internships or jobs, and most importantly starting to research colleges and plan visits. During the summer before 12th grade we finalize the college list, start brainstorming the personal statement and numerous supplemental submissions, and request letters of recommendation. In the fall of 12th grade it all comes together when we determine together when to apply to each school and submit thoughtful applications. Once decisions are announced we work together to weigh the options and celebrate your acceptances and final decision.

Besides the comprehensive service, we work on an hourly basis with students to help you as you need it. This may be a review of the college list, help with selecting supplemental materials, or brainstorming the personal essay or artist statement. We often work with other IECs and high school counselors to augment their guidance as you apply to college.

About how many essays can I be expected to write?

Students applying to schools using the Common Application or Coalition Application will be required to write at least one personal statement about 650 words in length. Students applying to the University of California will be required to write four 350 word responses to four of eight prompts. In addition, many schools have supplemental essays ranging from “tell us why you create your art” to “why are you interested in our school and/or this major” as well as possible questions about diversity, your participation in a community, or a discussion of your leadership roles.

Film and performing arts students usually have far more written requirements and depending on the schools, includes essays about personal values, a goal statement, your inspiration, write a scene, write a two page story responding to a visual prompt, or write about a challenge and how you handled it. It is not uncommon for these students to write close to 30 individual essays for their applications.

Can I expect to receive merit aid applying for the arts?

YES!!! Many of our students receive very generous merit aid packages from both BFA programs and liberal arts colleges/universities as high as $30,000/year. Of course this depends on the college (not all colleges provide merit aid) but for those schools which do, our well prepared students have been quite fortunate. To receive the highest awards students should have stellar grades, excellent academic and artistic recommendations, well written essays which demonstrate their maturity and ability to take on the challenges of college, and submit creative supplements (portfolios, auditions, films, creative writing, etc.) which clearly show their dedication and commitment to their art.

How do I know if I want to pursue a BA, BS or BFA?

Typically, the difference between these three four-year degrees is the amount of coursework required by the program.

A BA (Bachelor of Arts) allows for the most academic flexibility, with 50% of your coursework in your major, you can perhaps double major or study a minor, or even two! Usually BA programs are offered in humanities subjects. Social sciences, such as Economics might be offered as a BA or a BS, depending on the college.

A BS (Bachelor of Science) is more focused (probably about 65% of your coursework is in the major), and might be more technical or STEM oriented. For example a BS in Economics might include some math classes whereas a BA in Economics would lean more towards theory. BS programs usually allow students to minor or “concentrate” in other related subjects. Usually BS programs are offered in STEM subjects.

A BFA (Bachelors of Fine Arts, or a BMA, Bachelors of Music Arts) is the most intense program where up to 80%, depending on the school, might be coursework in your major. BFAs are offered in visual and performing arts most often at a College of Art and Design or a Conservatory, these schools can be either standalone or connected to a university. A BFA program usually includes a foundation year or foundation coursework which all students must take and culminate in a studio show or performance in senior year.

What is the difference between a Liberal Arts College and a University?

A liberal arts college (LAC) is usually a smaller school that focuses on providing an undergraduate education. As such, almost all classes are taught by professors and student research is done directly with professors. Most LACs have contained campuses and are located in suburban or rural communities. Some students feel that an LAC provides a more intimate and personal education. Socially LACs are usually liberal and many do not have a strong “greek presence” or big weekend sporting events.

A university is a large academic institution that has graduate students and often has associated professional schools, such as law, business or medical schools. Introductory classes may be taught by graduate students with little interaction with a professor. Universities usually offer a wide range of courses and majors, though some require direct admission into the highly selective and popular ones so be sure to research this before applying. Many universities are located in urban areas and don’t necessarily have a campus “feel”, they also may not guarantee housing beyond freshman year. Socially universities offer a wide range of activities from the arts to sports to visiting lecturers in all academic areas. Universities may have more administrative overhead and require self-advocacy if there is a problem to be resolved.

A bridge between an LAC and a university is often an Honors College associated with a university. In most cases you must specifically apply to the honors college and students often receive priority enrollment and special housing.

What defines a College of Art and Design or a Conservatory?

A College of Art and Design or a Conservatory is a school singularly focused on the arts, usually only granting BFA/BMA degrees. They may be contained within a larger university or may be stand-alone. Some have agreements with nearby universities to allow for cross registration allowing students to study subjects outside the specific major. Students who want to be surrounded by their art and others who love art 24/7 tend towards these schools. If the college of art and design or conservatory is a stand-alone institution they usually do not offer the typical “college” social experience.

What do I need to know about applying for a BFA program?

Applying for a BFA or BMA program adds an entire layer of supplemental submissions to the application, and the requirements for each school can vary quite significantly. What is described below is just a sampling and every school and program is different. These requirements are in addition to (NOT as a substitute for) the personal statement. Additionally, some colleges of art and design and conservatories do not use their own application rather than the common application. Applying for a BFA/BMA is a considerable amount of work and requires a true commitment to attending these programs.

Visual artists will most likely be required to submit 10-20 original works, both in their medium of choice and in other mediums that you have studied. Of the work submitted, many schools request that three or more pieces be observational drawings. Additionally, many programs required an artist statement describing why you do your work, who influences you, why you use the materials you use, and what is your background for doing that work. A few schools also require applicants to respond to “challenge” questions or problems that change each year.

Performing artists and musicians, will almost always be required to submit audition tapes. Some programs require these materials to be submitted as part of a “pre-screen” process which once submitted then provides you with the opportunity for an audition. Pre-screen materials are submitted in early fall and vary considerably by program. For example, with regards to acting programs, one program requires two contrasting monologues, both contemporary, 90 seconds long; another program requires four memorized monologues (two classical and two contemporary), each approximately two minutes in length, at least one of the classical selections must be must be in verse. Musical theatre students will most likely be required to sing and dance as part of their auditions. In person (or this year most likely Zoom) auditions then take place in mid-winter. Musical students may be required to take a personal lesson with a professor as an audition. Because these programs are so competitive, some accepting as few as 4% of their applicants, many students apply to 10-15 programs.

Film students will most likely be required to submit a three to five minute video, a writing sample, a short script, and perhaps a description of a collaborative project you’ve worked on. Many programs also require students to submit a creative resume describing five or more projects you’ve worked on and the role that you held.

Starting early, narrowing your college list by mid-summer is recommended for BFA/BMA applicants as the application requirements are very time consuming.