Just curious if anyone knows much about majoring in Fine Arts at Cornell? Cornell would be a reach for my D, but would love to hear opinions on the program, and if the portfolio expectations are that of an art school such as RISD, PRATT, VCU etc. Thanks so much.
Good Afternoon! I’m bumping my OP in hopes that someone will be able to provide nformation regarding AAP, but for the BFA in art, not for architecture. There are a few posts regarding the architecture program but I’m having a hard time locating current information about the Undergraduate BFA program. I’ve read that AAP acceptance rates are very low, higher if one applies ED. Is there a way to find out of those accepted to AAP, how many are Fine Arts majors? What are their stats (gpa/SAT scores, etc)?
Hi, i’m a current BFA (fine art) at AAP! the program is indeed one of the smallest (and thus most competitive) to get into at cornell. since it’s so small, there is little info posted online by actual students. in my year, there are 27 fine art majors.
as an ivy cornell still takes into consideration gpa/SAT and other merit information when applying however naturally your portfolio is the MOST important part of your application and must be EXTREMELY strong. your talent must be presented in its best light and even if it is you still need to be accepted to the institution as a person so dont forget extra curriculars, letters of rec and 1-on-1 portfolio interview are really critical!! I was accepted to parsons EA and RISD EA but went to cornell ED so i’d say the quality of work required in your portfolios are the same. it is an ivy so they dont JUST care about your work - they want you to fit in the community of intellectuals that live and collaborate in ithaca!
its a very close knit community and the facilities are really amazing. in many of the classes you have lots of independence as an artist with your projects and the many, many weeks of all-nighter sleepovers at the studio make you really close with your classmates in a really collaborative environment. remember, its not art school, so if you want that artistic stereotypical experience for college i’d reccomend RISD or anywhere art-focused. if you want a great balance between fine arts and whatever classes youre interested at cornell, hope and pray and work hard for cornell. all your hard work can pay off! if you have any more particular questions i’d be happy to do an ask me anything of some sort or get in touch with you personally! good luck!
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I’m a Cornell grad but with BS (altho I did take a lot of art electives and eventually got a BFA somewhere else) and currently have a daughter at RISD. From what I remember, the architecture program at Cornell is highly regarded but I don’t remember knowing anyone in the fine arts department. That’s not a critique - just reiterating that it’s a small major. I treasured my time at Cornell - it was an amazing place academically and community-wise.
If you’d like to know about more schools (and possibly more about anyone who’s had art experience at Cornell) it might be worth posting at http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/visual-arts-film-majors/
Has your D looked at Yale? For Ivies, they tend to be the place for fine arts…but know they have their quirks too and it’s more about fit and what your student wants to major in.