Hello, I’m a high school junior who is hoping to attend schools like Princeton or Columbia for college. My GPA is a 4.0 unweighed and I have yet to take my ACTs or SATs. I’m taking, and have taken AP classes (and excelled in them). I know Ivy Leagues love ECs, and I have taken part in a few (varsity soccer, military connection club, trio, book club, NHS, ect.)However I have moved cross country every year of high school so far, since my father is a member of the Air Force. I haven’t gained any seniority in clubs but, I’ve always had a passion for art. I’ve been apart of Art Honor Society at my old school and my new school. Some of my work have been put in shows. however I don’t feel that that is enough. My question is what art ECs would help me to further stand out in my passion?
Is there a general Art Club and/or opportunities in NAHS to spearhead/organize/lead community art projects? That’s a great way to show both passion, as well as drive, organization, and leadership. For example, when I was in HS the Art Club did two specific community enrichment projects: we painted all the trashcans on campus, and we painted a mural in one of the faculty lounges. I was President of the Art Club at that point, however there would be nothing wrong with getting friendly with the senior members and suggesting such a project. Even if you’re not an officer, you could run point on it. Other thoughts/suggestions: design sets for any school drama production (either through art club or just join drama and do crew/design for them). Work on parade floats for Homecoming. Join the prom decor committee and introduce an art element. Are you talented at illustrating? See if the school newspaper or yearbook has need for editorial comics/cartoons.
And then definitely find real estate on your app in one of your essays or supplements to talk about why you move so much. You can totally sell yourself as someone who thrives in new situations and adeptly handles change. You can even explicitly mention how it’s challenging to establish yourself in clubs because you move so often; they’ll understand that’s why you don’t have officer positions.
Yea, the officers were chosen before I enrolled at the school sadly. But I’ll definitely try to suggest a project. I’ve been wanting to do a mural in our cafeteria for a while. And I’ll try inquiring about the drama club. Would it help if I worked at an art gallery over the summer?
Out of school, relevant employment can only help! It’s good to show you’re passionate about art if that’s what you hope to pursue. Great idea.
If some of your work has been exhibited, or even if you’re just proud of certain pieces, you can submit an art supplement to any college to show your talent.
In my opinion, what makes art stand out as an EC is first and foremost the art itself. If you are serious about your work, and have the encouragement of an art professional, then submit an art portfolio supplement with your application.
I would do this even if you are not planning to major in studio art, especially at smaller colleges that admit more holistically, though I don’t know that I’d include Columbia or Princeton in that category.
You can enhance the supplement with an art resume which lists relevant courses, grades/scores, awards, accomplishments; an additional recommendation from an instructor or mentor, one or two (max) media articles about your work, essays that reinforce why making art is important to you.