2 answers
Arabella
Student
Largo, Maryland
1
Question
Asked
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What should I do plan ahead for when applying to art colleges?
I just want to be prepared.
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2 answers
Ellen Rosenthal
Retired Art Teacher
239
Answers
Woodbridge, Virginia
Updated
Ellen’s Answer
Hi Arabella
Always good to be prepared! You don't say what grade you are in right now, and that can make a difference. But whatever grade you are in, you can do somethings to get prepared.
At this stage in your art career, you'll want to try out different art techniques and art mediums to see what you like and what you are most comfortable with. Whatever your school offers in terms of art classes, be sure to take them. Art classes in Middle and High School are designed to expose you to different art techniques and mediums. Don't be afraid to try a new art technique, even if you don't feel you are "good" at it. Computer graphics classes are really important, so be sure to get comfortable with the different programs.
Keep a physical and an online portfolio of your best artwork. Get used to photographing artwork that you really like, or that you got a good grade on, or that was included in an art display. Include any sketches or any other activities you did to create that artwork, such as photographs, online references, brainstorming sheets, notes, or research. . Keep the photos in a folder on your desktop to upload to digital portfolio apps. Often art schools will want to see how you got to your final work, so having all this might come in handy.
If you are in high school, go online to art schools in your area (Maryland Institute College of Art, for example) and see what they require for admission in terms of grades and artwork examples. Every art school will have a list of what they are looking for, and it may be different from school to school. Look over your artwork and see what you have that would fit, or what you need to work on. Talk to your art teachers for advice about your portfolio. (BTW, art teachers love to hear that their students are thinking about careers in art, so tell yours!) Also, ask your art teachers about their experiences in art schools, colleges or universities. If you are a junior or a senior in high school, you could also look into the cost of tuition at some schools you are interested in, and see what type of financial assistance is available.
Look into opportunities in your school to use your art abilities for public service. School events, clubs and other activities always need good posters, so this would be a great way to showcase your art talent and to help out your community. This sort of thing always looks good on applications. Be sure to take photos of any posters you think are good, and put them in your portfolio.
Finally, do not neglect your other subjects. Just because you want a career in art, does not mean you can forget about history, or language arts, or science or math or any other subject. Keep your grades up in all subjects, because being a well rounded student is always a plus. Do your best to make the honor roll, as this demonstrates a commitment to learning and to doing your best.
Best wishes! I hope this helps!
Always good to be prepared! You don't say what grade you are in right now, and that can make a difference. But whatever grade you are in, you can do somethings to get prepared.
At this stage in your art career, you'll want to try out different art techniques and art mediums to see what you like and what you are most comfortable with. Whatever your school offers in terms of art classes, be sure to take them. Art classes in Middle and High School are designed to expose you to different art techniques and mediums. Don't be afraid to try a new art technique, even if you don't feel you are "good" at it. Computer graphics classes are really important, so be sure to get comfortable with the different programs.
Keep a physical and an online portfolio of your best artwork. Get used to photographing artwork that you really like, or that you got a good grade on, or that was included in an art display. Include any sketches or any other activities you did to create that artwork, such as photographs, online references, brainstorming sheets, notes, or research. . Keep the photos in a folder on your desktop to upload to digital portfolio apps. Often art schools will want to see how you got to your final work, so having all this might come in handy.
If you are in high school, go online to art schools in your area (Maryland Institute College of Art, for example) and see what they require for admission in terms of grades and artwork examples. Every art school will have a list of what they are looking for, and it may be different from school to school. Look over your artwork and see what you have that would fit, or what you need to work on. Talk to your art teachers for advice about your portfolio. (BTW, art teachers love to hear that their students are thinking about careers in art, so tell yours!) Also, ask your art teachers about their experiences in art schools, colleges or universities. If you are a junior or a senior in high school, you could also look into the cost of tuition at some schools you are interested in, and see what type of financial assistance is available.
Look into opportunities in your school to use your art abilities for public service. School events, clubs and other activities always need good posters, so this would be a great way to showcase your art talent and to help out your community. This sort of thing always looks good on applications. Be sure to take photos of any posters you think are good, and put them in your portfolio.
Finally, do not neglect your other subjects. Just because you want a career in art, does not mean you can forget about history, or language arts, or science or math or any other subject. Keep your grades up in all subjects, because being a well rounded student is always a plus. Do your best to make the honor roll, as this demonstrates a commitment to learning and to doing your best.
Best wishes! I hope this helps!
Megan McCoy
Career Coach
155
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hi Arabella,
Here are some suggestions of things you can do:
Talk to your art teacher and school counselor for some advice
research the schools you are interested in
Visit the campuses of the schools you are interested in and talk to the college admissions reps
Start putting together your portfolio
I hope this helps!
Here are some suggestions of things you can do:
Talk to your art teacher and school counselor for some advice
research the schools you are interested in
Visit the campuses of the schools you are interested in and talk to the college admissions reps
Start putting together your portfolio
I hope this helps!