I was wondering whether having artistic talent will boost your chance of admission into a regular university. Does having artistic talent matter? And how do I show this?
<p>Others here can probably give you better tips, but if it's visual art, I'd send in a portfolio (on a CD perhaps--or however the school would like to see it presented), and if it's writing, send in a sample. If performing art, send in a video or tape. I do think it matters with some schools. In fact, I think Brown values artistic talent as much as academics, but that's just my opinion. Just another way to show how well-rounded you are.</p>
<p>how about choir?.. i mean it's a team work and it's hard for schs to gauge ur contributions..</p>
<p>thanks jack. i really want to somehow show my visual artistic talent to schools, because i'm somewhat lacking in leadership and sports...</p>
<p>any talent is always helpful</p>
<p>as long as it's not like "smoked the most pot" talent</p>
<p>lol molly...</p>
<p>I won art awards and I put that in my applications</p>
<p>cool!! i'm not sure if i should send in slides and everything to every school though, if the major i apply for is not art related</p>
<p>fabre,
artistic <em>accomplishment</em>, not just "talent." (But I'm sure that's what you meant.)
Yes, it's a big thing, if you can show commitment + accomplishment in any e.c., including the arts of any kind. Yes, as others said, demonstrate that by sending in samples if college/U allows or invites; if not, write up a description of those accomplishments.</p>
<p>i play piano ... if i send in a video ... does that mean i would have to participate in an activity there related to piano?</p>
<p>epiphany... so that means my talent has to be recognized in order for it to be really "talent"? lol</p>
<p>well, lots of kids are talented at a lot of things, but never bother to develop it.</p>
<p>fabre,
Yes. Molly said it. Undeveloped talent doesn't mean a whole lot to an adcom. Anyone can have a talent & never use it -- or underuse it. Progress of some kind -- you can call it "recognition" (you used that term, not me), is what an adcom likes to see. Did you advance a chair or a row in an orchestra? Did you play an honors recital? Did you enter a visual arts contest locally & get at least an honorable mention? Did you progress in levels in a performing art -- such as a dance form, skating, etc.? Or from JV to Varsity sports, or from a team player to Captain?</p>
<p>Many students progress considerably in speech & debate, for instance, contributing to their teams' awards by their increasingly visible & frequent participation. (I know that neither sports or debate is an "art form," but the idea is the same.)</p>
<p>Alternatively, an "unstructured" artistic ability (no existing format or opportunity for "advancement," etc.) -- but one which you have used to better your community, volunteer, or put together a portfolio of photographs or projects or start a club, in or out of school, for example -- all those levels of increasing participation are also helpful.</p>
<p>It's not that self-study would not be "recognized," by the way. I would think, though, that one might want to write about that in a short answer or a whole essay: how it has helped you grow, discover your innate abilities, etc.</p>
<p>so winning violin competitons would help?
that would be an acoomplishment....</p>
<p>how much a boost</p>
<p>which violin competition?</p>
<p>for music, if you have won various types of competitions and awards, and if you can list them, then your artistic talent would definitely help during college process.</p>
<p>i heard that if you send in your work/pieces, then they may be sent to the art department. i'm not entirely sure if this is true though :/</p>
<p>What about web/print design? My ECs are pretty lacking but I do a lot of graphic design/layout stuff. I also maintain a website for a dorm in a LAC, if it helps. I haven't looked at applications yet... how common is it for them to allow a CD or printouts etc...? Thanks.</p>
<p>I don't qualify for many artistic awards because of my visa status. I'm not an American citizen or permanent resident, which disqualifies me from most American awards, and I'm not a Swedish resident, which disqualifies me from Swedish awards. Will colleges take that into consideration when reviewing my portfolio? I have been taking photography outside of school (though not for college credit) for the past year, and am planning to continue through high school; I was recently featured in a (selective) exhibition of student photographers in the DC/MD/VA area; and I will work as an assistant instructor at a photography camp this summer. So far I've found the Scholastic Art Award that does not require citizenship or permanent residency, but will my commitment to art/photography be looked down upon because I don't have many awards?</p>
<p>syn: In your position, I would probably put together some sort of online portfolio, showcasing your skills and linking to websites you have designed, and include the URL on your app. If you are confident in your abilities, you could even start a small webdesign business (something I have been thinking of doing, but haven't followed through).</p>