Hi, I’m a high school Junior, and my GPA is a 2.3 (78%). At the beginning of the year it was a 2.9 (84%).
I know that this is my fault- I know that I’ve neglected my work and slacked off, but this is the grade I have, and quite honestly, I think this is the grade I deserve.
I know that this will only further make me look like an idiot, but I want to go to art school. I’m considering Pratt, SVA, MICA, and really nothing else. I should mention that I’m going for a major in fine arts, and that I’ve done a pre-college month long program at a university (I think it got me 5 college credits) and I do a ton of clubs.
If I don’t get into any of those colleges, I guess it’s community college and working retail for me. There’s always the possibility of transferring, though.
Some Arts-oriented colleges have minimum GPA requirements, but many only care about your portfolio. Check each one. If you are talented enough, they will probably overlook academic inadequacies to some degree. What about Ringling, Cornish, Savannah (SCAD), and UArts (Philly)?
Pratt, SVA and MICA are all within 4 hours from where I live, so in a practical sense I didn’t want to consider anything too far away- although it still might be worth considering.
At MICA they like to see at least a 3.0 UW, according to my D’s admissions counsellor. So you should talk to them about what your GPA means for your chances there.
Pratt doesn’t have a minimum, I think. The average entering freshman GPA there is 3.64. Not sure whether that’s weighted or not.
What is your SAT/ACT? The higher your standardized tests, the more leeway they might give you on the GPA. While the portfolio is going to be the most important aspect of your application, having the strongest academic record possible is going to be crucial to getting a scholarship and most likely for admission as well.
I haven’t checked in here for awhile, but my GPA is unweighted, and my SAT/PSAT scores were very high. I got a 22 on the Practice ACT and after seeing that I decided that is wasn’t worth hurting my chances by taking the real ACT. At this point, I’m not expecting a scholarship but I’ll take this to heart and work to improve my grades- Thank you!!
No need to take an ACT if it’s not your test and you did so well on the SAT. Focus more on your schoolwork - art college is intense and your academic performance is an indication of perseverance and determination (which will serve you well in a 7 hour studio class . . . ). Definitely do a precollege this summer as well if you haven’t already enrolled in one. If there is still space and you have the funds, try for one of the schools you are interested in applying to. These programs are serious portfolio builders and indicate strong interest. They look great on the application and will give you a wonderful set of works to use for your application this fall. The fact that you attended one after your sophomore year as well will help too. During your precollege this summer, have a frank conversation with the admissions dept about your grades and what they like to see. Then during the fall start shopping your portfolio at your area’s Portfolio Day - they will give you great advice on what to include or not include for admissions. You should also address your grades head on in your application just so they know you are aware of your weaknesses as well as your strengths. Contact the admissions depts as well and ask to speak to your counselor about your grades. If you show interest and a desire to overcome previous mistakes you will be given more of a benefit of the doubt. Finally, keep in mind that Admissions Dept’s LOVE turnaround stories - it makes the applicant and the application more interesting. So it’s quite possible to turn a “negative” aspect of your application into something positive. Your frank self-assessment of saying you got the grades you deserved is a great indication already that you are open to honest self-critique. Art schools like students who are teachable and can handle the crit.
If you stay on their radar by indicating genuine interest you will maximize your chances for admission and even a scholarship.
Thank you!! I hope I haven’t missed the boat on all precolleges, but if so, my local art center has a class devoted to portfolio building which I could take instead. And I can think of one or two teachers who have really seen me work hard this past year, so I can ask about recommendation letters, too.
That was really constructive and helpful- Thanks so much!