Finding the right college for you Finding a college can be overwhelming. It helps to consider a range of criteria to narrow your choices Location Size

finding the right college for you

Finding a college can be overwhelming. It helps to consider a range of criteria to narrow your choices

• Location• Size• Academic degrees & programs• Cost• Culture• Enrollment requirements:

Portfolio

Academic• Your chances of success

finding the right college for you LOCATION

• Do you want to live near home, or move far away?

• Do you prefer urban, suburban, or rural areas?

• Consider the entire United States, even the world

finding the right college for you SIZE

• Do you think you’d be more comfortable at a big school or at a small school?

finding the right college for you ACADEMIC DEGREES

What degree are you seeking?

Three main undergraduate degrees:

• Bachelor of Science BS• Bachelor of Arts BA• Bachelor of Fine Arts BFA


Bachelor of Fine Arts BFA degree

• Standard undergraduate degree for students seeking a professional education in visual or performing arts

• Majority of studio-oriented courses• In other countries it’s sometimes called Bachelor of Creative Arts or BCA.

Bachelor of Arts BA degree

• Standard undergraduate “liberal arts” degree• greater number of non art/studio courses required

• Typical BFA program = 2/3 required arts courses + 1/3 general studies/liberal arts• Typical BA program = 1/3 required arts courses + 2/3 general studies/liberal arts


• BFA degrees tend to require more art courses: studio + history & theory

• BA degrees tend to require a broader range of courses

• SUNY Purchase BFA degree

• 88 Studio Arts credits

• 28 Liberal Arts credits

• SUNY Oneonta BA degree

• 60 Studio Arts credits

• 90 Liberal Arts credits

• A broader Liberal Arts education might be more useful if you change direction later in life

finding the right college for you ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

What area do you want to major in?

• After two years of visual arts study, colleges will expect that you have developed enough focus to declare a major

• If in doubt, choose studio art

finding the right college for you ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Does the college offer a program or concentration in the area of your interest?

• Visit the college’s website• Look for “Academic Programs” or

“Concentration Areas”• Read through the required courses

for various majors

finding the right college for you COST

• Art schools are expensive

• Can you afford the school of your dreams?• Will you be able to pay off student loans?

finding the right college for you CULTURE

• Does the school’s overall culture seem like a fit for you?

• Look up student work – are students doing work that you like and aspire to?

• Look up faculty members – do you feel a connection with their art, their writing, their career paths?

• Is the school more oriented to part-time or full-time students?

• Do you feel comfortable with the student body?

finding the right college for you ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS PORTFOLIO

The most important element of any application – galleries, grants, residencies, or academic transfer – is your artwork

• Research the college’s portfolio requirements

• Read them carefully!


15-20 pieces of recent work

Work from “direct observation”


Drawing from photographs is discouraged

Fantasy work is discouraged


Be careful about comics & cartoons

Your digital work will be judged for its visual & artistic merit

finding the right college for you ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS ACADEMIC

LOOK UP• General education requirements • Transfer requirements• CHECK YOUR TRANSCRIPT • See which courses you’ve taken

match with the college’s requirements

Visit the school• Attend a college Open House• Meet with one of the college’s

admissions counselors


Artist Statement + Admissions Essay

A good essay will be the difference in many applications.

Like the portfolio, read the directions!

Do some serious thinking and jot down notes.

Be honest with yourself.

Keep your audience in mind – art professors, admissions officers.

Convince your readers that you’re serious about art and your education.

Address weaknesses and present them in terms of how you’ve grown.


Artist Statement + Admissions Essay

WRITE DEEP• Your essay should reflect the intellectual

maturity and depth of an advanced college student.

WRITE WELL• Spelling, grammar, English usage must be

correct.• Have other people read your essay to see if

it makes sense.• Get help at the Academic Support Center

Library Room G 13


Artist Statement

Your goals as an artist• Why do you like to make art? • How is your work different from others? • What are your plans for the next five years?

The next ten years? • Who or what inspires you?


Admissions Essay

Why are you applying to this particular college?• What specific aspects of the college do you

feel are particularly applicable to your achieving your goals?

• What qualities would you bring to the college?

finding the right college for your SUCCESS

• Take the time to research and learn about various college options

• Choosing the college environment that’s right for you is the most important factor in ensuring your success

Documents

Finding the right college for you Finding a college can be overwhelming. It helps to consider a range of criteria to narrow your choices Location Size