My D23 is seriously considering applying ED1 to Tufts this fall. She is really unsure of what she wants to study but has looked at the combined degree program. She’s done well in photography in the scholastic competition and her AP Portfolio and has thought this might give her the opportunity to pursue a more “academic” degree and still advance with her art. Maybe even find an opportunity to use the two together as a career. Just wondering if anyone has pursued this program and what did they think about it? On paper, I find this a very interesting program but would love some real world opinions about the experience.
We know Tufts is a high reach and part of me wonders if she applies for this combined degree would it give her any leverage? From a stats perspective she is 33 ACT (taking one more time because she hates that she is “pointy”) , 4.0 unweighted, top 3% of class (out of 500+), 14 APs by the time she is done (so far all 4’s and 5’s) and “average excellent ECs”. We would be full pay and finances have been taken out of the equation from a decision making perspective.
There are many schools that have a BA that includes applied art.
If she applied for a BA program, she can submit an arts supplement with samples of work, art resume and letters of recommendation- whatever the schools accept. Some may accept a portfolio (I know more about music…).
My S23 is applying to Tufts and similar programs. If your daughter’s art portfolio contains multiple media, especially drawings/sketches, she would have an excellent chance of getting into Tufts. If it’s only photography, it’s likely not adequate. Other students, like mine, will have 20 portfolio items, several created this past summer at portfolio prep programs. For these programs, the portfolio is a substantial factor in acceptance. But she would make an excellent candidate for Tufts, esp. ED, and could take art classes in the regular program. Those are good as well. T
Will also add that S23 decided not to apply ED 1 to SMFA because of the 5 vs 4 yr program and some negative feedback from his high school alumni who attend. The last few years have been rough for students.