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Applying to Art Schools

Source: CreativeCareerSchools.com

So you want to go to art school! Knowing, or at least exploring, what you want to do with your future is the first step. Art is a broad field of study. Choosing a specific art career isn’t required before you apply to art or design schools. However, creating a plan for selecting and applying to art colleges is an important step to successfully find the school that is right for you.

Many of the art schools have similar entry requirements, but you want to carefully research and understand each art school’s college application requirements. The essential steps necessary to apply to most colleges are as follow:

1. Get organized. Here are some items to help you be better organized when selecting and applying to colleges:

  • Make a list of desired colleges. Also make a note of each college’s application fee.
  • Prepare a Deadline Calendar so that you do not miss any college application deadlines! There are also Financial Aid deadlines to be aware of as well.
  • Create a folder for each college you are applying to. Make copies of everything you provide to each college and put into a folder.
  • Remember, Apply EARLY!

2. Thoroughly research each college you are interested in to find out their entrance requirements, tuition, fees, housing, etc. See our comprehensive list of art and design schools to request free program and applications. Typical college applications requirements include:

  • Application
  • Essays
  • SAT, ACT or other test scores (Start test prep today!)
  • Official transcripts of grades
  • Financial aid application
  • Recommendations from teachers and other people
  • Work experience
  • Extracurricular experience (including volunteer, school, religious and civic)
  • Awards and honors

3. College application tips from Mapping-your-future.com:

  • Read through the application before you start writing answers down.
  • Note any deadlines, and give yourself plenty of time to meet them.
  • Answers ALL questions. Don't leave anything blank.
  • Follow directions.
  • Type or print your answers.
  • Be neat. Presentation is important.
  • Include supporting materials (letters of recommendation, outstanding examples of your work or interests)
  • Make a copy, in case it gets misplaced.
  • Sign it.
  • Include a check for the processing fee, if required.
  • Practice writing the essay before putting the final version on the application.
  • Fine tune your essay. Don't ramble.
  • Have someone else review your draft essay.
  • Be yourself in your essay.
  • Don't exaggerate your achievements or abilities.
  • Proofread your application. Better yet, ask a parent or a friend to proofread it too.

4. Contact the financial aid counselor at the college you are interested in to find out how to fund your art or design degree. It pays to do your research; you may qualify for more funding for more sources than you think! (Learn about financial aid, loans, grants, scholarships and other aid information.)

5. Determine where you will live during college. With online schools, you can live at home or with friends or roommates. For the first year of non-online colleges, many schools require you to stay in their dormitories. Most colleges include housing information with their catalogs and application information kits.


In addition to the common application requirements from most colleges, art schools have specific requirements. It is important to begin preparing the following items as early as possible:

  • Portfolio – Carefully select and prepare your art work for submission to art schools. Today, your portfolio will likely include artwork that needs to be mounted on boards or photographed, as well as a CD/DVD of any art you have created with computer programs. Your art teachers can be very helpful in preparing your portfolio. Please keep in mind the portfolio requirements of each college.
  • Advanced Placement (AP) Studio Art grade, if your high school offered this program.
  • Art Awards – Enter school, local and even national art competitions.
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