<p>My D would like to major in Painting and Drawing in a BFA program. We know about RISD, MICA and others like those that are primarily or exclusively art schools. Can anyone recommend a list of BFA programs at larger schools that have more than art. We are concerned about having the option to pursue other academic interests and that she have the opportunity to pursue other non-academic interests (e.g. a capella groups, theater, etc.) that may be very limited at some of these schools.</p>
<p>We would also be interested in learning about any BA programs that are closer to BFA programs in terms of the % of time spent in studio classes, but that don't necessarily have portfolio based admissions.</p>
<p>Looking primarily in the Northeast, but others would be interesting too</p>
<p>D considered NYU, Syracuse, Boston University, GW, Brandeis, Goucher, SUNY New Paltz and Skidmore.</p>
<p>You might also want to consider Critical Studies programs in schools like Pratt and SVA for a more academic orientation.</p>
<p>D decided on NYU (ED). Her second choice probably would have been Skidmore, but we never submitted her application. Skidmore, Brandeis and Goucher did not require portfolios, but suggested them.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>PS-- your D sounds a lot like mine. She is opening tonight as Rosemary in How to Succeed in Business… She is the manager of a co-ed acapella group and very involved in choir.</p>
<p>In reality she is a theatre/ choir kid in terms of her social life in high school. Many of her friends are similarly talented in art and music and several have decided to pursue art as a major in college. One is going to Northeastern for graphic design and another to Carnegie Mellon for fine arts. Although D applied and was accepted to Pratt early action with a nice merit scholarship, she decided she wanted a more diverse student population.</p>
<p>She is in the process of choosing roommates at NYU for the fall. She will probably be dorming in a suite. Two of the girls are in Tisch for drama; the third is in Tisch for dramatic writing or screenwriting. They are applying to be on a special Explorations floor that is involved with theatre.</p>
<p>I feel that a diverse university background is best for her. She will be very immersed in art pursuing her BFA, but will still be able to minor in just about anything that NYU offers, plus will be exposed to people with all kinds of interests.</p>
<p>Thanks uskoolfish. We are still at the early stages since my D is just a sophomore, but we were thinking about where we might start visiting in the Fall. At this point, she just wants an art school only since she loves the idea of being surrounded by all artsy types, but we’d like her to at least take a look at some more diverse programs so that she understands the possibilities. She does love cities, having done an SVA program last summer and doing one at MICA this summer. She would probably love NYU, but she will probably be a little under the academic requirements for admission. BU is probably more achievable if she wants to go the larger school route.</p>
<p>One thing to research when you are looking into schools is how academics play into the equation.</p>
<p>For example at SUNY New Paltz, a student must get in academically first. After they are admitted, you send it their art portfolio and apply for the BFA program.</p>
<p>For NYU, a student’s portfolio is considered from the start. Portfolio is 50% and academics (GPA, test scores) account for the other 50% of admissions. I would imagine that EC’s and letters of recommendations are considered as well by admissions as part of “academics” component to a certain extent.</p>
<p>D got into NYU with a 90.01 weighted GPA and 2000 SAT, 29 ACT. Grades and test scores showed real strength in English (720 SAT and 35 ACT English), less so in math. Great leadership, strong EC’s in art/ music and theatre. I’m assuming she had strong letters of rec. </p>
<p>Then there are schools like Carnegie Mellon that consider the portfolio in a big way. Not sure of the breakdown, but the portfolio has a major impact on admissions.</p>
<p>So even though NYU and Carnegie Mellon are higher ranked schools than others, it might be easier for some to get into them with a great portfolio.</p>
<p>One word of advice…take advantage of National Portfolio day, or any other opportunities to show D’s portfolio one on one. You can certainly begin doing that as a junior. You will get good advice and maybe form a relationship with faculty/ admissions staff at some schools.</p>
<p>Thanks. Helpful info.</p>
<p>Just FYI, MICA has a group called MICAppella. And if you’re into a sport and they don’t have a team, you can join the team of one of the other Baltimore consortium schools.</p>
<p>Hi there. Just wanted to add some thoughts. Many of the universities have BFA programs, and those we looked at that had BFAs required a portfolio. BA programs did not seem to do so. The difference in a BFA and BA is the number on non-art classes one takes. It is my understanding that at most BFA programs, 2/3’s of your classes are what I will call “technical” and 1/3 are liberal arts. In a BA program, about 1/2 of your classes, at most will be art, and the others will be more in general studies. Both good options, depending on what your child wants. </p>
<p>I would also add Temple/Tyler to your list of good art schools in major universities. The art school facilities are very new and gorgeous. The rest of the university is vibrant and there is a good music program and a newish, but good musical theater program too. </p>
<p>One great thing that your dd should do next fall is to attend a National Portfolio Day. These are set up all across the country and many schools with art programs attend, and will evaluate your dd’s art and you can ask questions about the school. We found going as a junior for my dd was very worthwhile. She went to as many schools as she could even some she had no interest in, to get the reviews. As a junior, the counselors at most tables really did take a good amount of time speaking to her. Just search National Portfolio Day on google and on this site for more information.</p>