Good college for visual art and gender studies?

College Search & Selection
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<p>Until fairly recently, I was sure I wanted to go to art school—specifically, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. This past year, however, I became very interested and involved in feminism and gender studies, and decided that I wanted to attend a college that would allow me to focus both on art and gender studies/social justice. I have been considering the gender studies programs of the schools I'm interested in much more than the art programs, but since completing the figure painting class at SAIC's Early College Program about a week ago, I've realized that art is at least as important to me as gender studies. </p>

<p>As such, I'm now looking for colleges/universities with good academics, good gender studies programs, and good art departments. I'd prefer a smaller school --I like the idea of a liberal arts college-- but am open to suggestions of larger ones. I'm looking mainly at schools somewhere between Chicago and the East Coast, and would love to go to school in a big city. (I recently toured Oberlin, and it seemed awesome, except I don't know that I could stand to be in such a small town.) I'm queer and extremely liberal, so a liberal, queer-friendly atmosphere is pretty much a necessity.</p>

<p>In a few weeks I'll be touring Mt Holyoke, Smith, Wellesley, and Wesleyan, and I'm also interested in Swarthmore, and possibly Barnard (although, as I understand it, that would mean taking a lot of my art classes at Columbia, which is a bit intimidating). </p>

<p>If anyone has any insight into the gender studies and (more importantly) art programs at the aforementioned schools, I'd greatly appreciate it. I'd also really appreciate any suggestions as to schools I ought to look at for both gender studies and visual arts.</p>

<p>Other (possibly irrelevant) info:</p>

<p>I don't know what area of visual arts I'd like to pursue in college, but I do think an interdisciplinary program would be ideal for me; I tend to go first for concept, and then decide what medium will most effectively communicate my idea. </p>

<p>My stats are as follows:
Unweighted GPA: 3.89
Weighted GPA: 4.2
Class rank: top 5%
SAT: 2190
ACT: 33</p>

<p>I've taken at least two AP classes a year since 9th grade, plus college classes at the local university junior and senior year. All non-AP classes are honors (if offered). I've had 3+ levels of Latin, 3 science classes (all lab), 6+ English/lit classes, 3 history classes (plus some social studies). I will have taken AP art 3 times by the end of next year, as well as 4 years of math, and the occasional other elective.</p>

<p>As far as extra curriculars go, I don't have a huge number, but what I do have definitely shows my dedication to issues I care about. I worked on an equal-rights campaign (100+ hours of canvassing, oh my!), I'm an executive board member of the Gay Straight Alliance, I volunteered with a local liberal political lobbyist group, am working on starting a feminist/social justice club, am planning on volunteering at a local queer resource group, have attended SAIC's ECP twice, been in local art shows, organized a Walk for Choice (pro-choice rally) and may organize another one. Possibly I am forgetting some things.</p>

<p>Okay, thank you all so much for your help, I hope I haven't bombarded you with useless information!</p>

2

<p>There are a few LACs in NY that have both strong art programs and the sort of liberal, queer-friendly atmosphere you’re looking for: Bard, Sarah Lawrence and Vassar. Bennington in Vermont sounds like a good safety option (from an admissions standpoint; I don’t know about financial viability as it is quite expensive and you may not qualify for/receive sufficient aid there… you should look into that).</p>

<p>Some schools offer joint BA/BFA degrees, often in partnership with another institution. Parsons and Eugene Lang, which are both part of the New School in NYC, have just such an agreement (Eugene Lang doesn’t list gender studies as a major on its academics webpage, but it is there: [Gender</a> Studies :: Eugene Lang College](<a href=“http://www.newschool.edu/lang/genderstudies/]Gender”>http://www.newschool.edu/lang/genderstudies/)). Brown and RISD do too, though their joint program is extremely reachy for anyone–but it sounds perfectly suited to your interests, so I thought I’d mention it. Tufts has a joint program with SMFA, but I’ve heard both good and very bad things about it, so I recommend it with some reservation.</p>

<p>The Five College Consortium is a great idea. Do apply to Mount Holyoke and Smith. Their student bodies, along with Hampshire’s when it comes to LGBTQ issues, are generally very politically active.</p>

<p>I think your list of ECs is actually very good; it shows dedication and says a lot about you as a person, which is important. I think you could be a stand-out candidate if you wrote strong, personal essays and presented your interests and ECs cohesively.</p>

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<p>Also Skidmore (NY). Best of luck!</p>

4

<p>Thanks for the feedback! Especially you, Ghostt, your reply was very helpful.</p>

5

<p>Ghostt’s suggestions are great, in addition to the colleges you listed yourself.</p>

<p>Although it would be a reach school, I immediately thought of Brown, which has a program with RISD. The campuses are adjacent, and I think you are a realistic candidate. [Edit: Oops, I see that Ghostt already recommended it!]</p>

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<p>First of all, I think it’s a great choice to look at liberal arts colleges over strict art schools. I chose halfway through college (at an LAC) to major in visual arts, and had to do a combined major in visual arts and art history. Initially I was disappointed not to be focusing solely on art, but in the end it was such a wonderful experience and I think it is very important that any art student have a more intellectual background as well.</p>

<p>If you are still considering schools, I would definitely suggest Barnard (where I recently graduated). Their women’s/gender studies program is excellent, and the visual arts courses at Columbia are really not that intimidating…just amazing! Barnard was very free with medium, etc.; I too choose concept and then medium and it was a perfect set-up for that. You’ll also be in NYC with a great faculty of practicing artists.</p>

<p>I would also second Bard and Brown.</p>

7

<p>Skidmore has great visual arts, gender studies and a rather open atmosphere for gays, including gender-neutral housing.</p>