Informing your college application journey.
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.
What are your college deal breakers?
Of course academics are a major consideration when developing your college list, but there are social and financial considerations as well. Here are some things to think about as high school juniors make start researching colleges.
Submitting to Scholastic Art & Writing Contest
The Scholastic Art & Writing Contest is one of the most accessible nationwide competitions for creative high school students who focus on art and writing. With 28 categories, 17 categories for the arts and 11 categories for writing, there is a category for almost every form of art. On the visual arts side this includes architecture and industrial design, ceramics, jewelry, animation, short film, as well as the traditional fine arts. On the writing side the categories range from poetry to science fiction to fantasy.
Which college application deadline is right for you?
There are many different types of application deadlines: early decision, early action, regular decision, and rolling. Determining the best deadline for you means considering all the application requirements including creative supplements, as well as your financial aid requirements as different deadlines have different implications for aid.
Tips for writing an exceptional Personal Statement
Your personal statement is your 650 word “elevator pitch” here are some tips for writing it.
National Portfolio Day
Attending National Portfolio Day allows high school visual artists to receive invaluable expert critiques of their portfolios before submitting their applications.
Semesters vs Quarters
Knowing the difference between semesters and quarters and making the right decision on which is best for you can have a positive impact on your college experience.
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.
A visit to University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA)
University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) is a conservatory based program for both high school and college students interested in studying filmmaking, drama, dance, music, and design & production (the high school program also offers a concentration in visual arts). It is one of the most collaborative programs we have visited.
A visit to Northwestern University
Northwestern University is a premier liberal arts university where creative students interested in performing arts will have the opportunity to study their craft as it intersects with the liberal arts.
A visit to DePaul University
DePaul University is a great option for students who want a liberal arts university in a fun, less hectic city environment of Lincoln Park but would also like to study film, performing arts, animation and other creative areas in a downtown city environment of the Loop Campus.
A visit to School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is one of the few truly multidisciplinary art schools in the US. Students do not select a major rather they select coursework, with the guidance of an advisor, in one of about 20 “areas of study” and pursue individualized courses of study. It is also specifically tied programmatically to one of the largest museums in the country, the Art Institute of Chicago, to which students are encouraged to visit often.
A visit to Columbia College of Art and Design
Columbia College Chicago is has a full range of majors and minors at both the BFA and BA/BS level to study everything from Animation to Film to Sound Design to Writing for Television, all while you are immersed in Chicago’s artistic community.
A visit to the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD)
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) is a small but vibrant visual arts college with an urban feel in a small midwestern city. Most majors are design oriented, while many minors are connected to the humanities appealing to a wide range of students.