Almost every college in the country offers
a degree in art. Programs vary greatly from school to school,
but visual artists have perhaps the greatest degree of choice
among types of schools, ranging from liberal arts colleges
and universities with strong studio art departments to BFA
granting art schools. You should not feel that the only way
to study art is to go to "art school."
At most liberal arts colleges, you can major in studio art, thereby spending a good portion of your time doing art. Some universities (i.e., Washington University in St. Louis, Alfred University, University of Michigan, and others) contain both liberal arts colleges and art schools, allowing students much flexibility including the option to pursue the rigorous BA/BFA double-degree. A few schools offer diploma programs. While not able to earn a degree, students in diploma programs have access to excellent teachers and facilities and are allowed the flexibility to concentrate solely on their art work.
Because there are so many options, it is
important that you consider carefully your
particular needs and goals. Consider the strengths and emphasis
of each program. For example, is it strong in sculpture? Is
the program design oriented? You should see the facilities,
check out actual course offerings, and talk with faculty and/or
students in the department. At liberal arts colleges especially,
be sure to look at the actual courses offered by specific
schools: Is the approach purely academic (i.e., art history)
or are there sufficient offerings in studio art? Are these
courses in the areas of your interest?
Portfolios
If you apply to art school, you will need
to submit a portfolio. A portfolio usually consists of 10-15
slides representing your best work in a range of areas: drawing,
painting, and, if applicable, 3-D. Many of our students show
their portfolios to admissions representatives in the early
fall at one or more of the Portfolio Days sponsored by the
nation's top art schools. Often, a student's portfolio will
be accepted at a Portfolio Day. While this can be exciting,
it does not mean that a student has been accepted to the school.
Final acceptance is dependent upon the Admissions Office reviewing
a student's academic transcript and records. Liberal arts
schools generally do not require portfolios, but it is to
your advantage to submit your work for review by a member
of the visual arts faculty, ideally the Head of the Department.
You may set up an appointment by calling either the Admissions
Office or the Art Department at your schools of interest.
If this is not possible, you can always submit slides to the
Admissions Office. They will have these reviewed by
the visual arts faculty. At liberal arts schools, be sure
to have all slides submitted by the application deadline.
Portfolios at art schools are usually due in January. It is a good idea, however, to get these in earlier, especially if you are seeking financial or scholarship aid. Some art schools and most liberal arts colleges have earlier deadlines, so be sure to check.
Questions to Ask
These will vary depending on your particular interests and needs, but some questions which you might consider are listed below.
May incoming freshmen place out of introductory classes? Do you have advanced placement?
What internships and assistantship programs are available?
How much time is available to take courses outside of those within the art school? How accessible are these classes?
Are you best known for any specific program (i.e., painting, sculpture, design)?
Do you have a foundation program? What are its specifics? How much leeway is there for taking electives?
How large are your classes at the freshman level? At upper levels?
