<p>New Paltz also has a good program for studio art, or so i've heard from some of my art teachers here at MICA</p>
<p>Another thing to think about with respect to MassArt; they are part of a consortium called Colleges of the Fenway. You would be able to take liberal arts courses at Simmons, Emmanuel, and Wheelock.</p>
<p>My daughter fits the classic "preppy" profile and she would be most comfortable on a small New England (or PA or NY) liberal arts campus. She is an award-winning high school photographer (national contests) and interested in focusing on (possibly majoring in) photography in college. The typical art school environment would not be a fit for her--she does not want to be around a lot of spiked hair and bohemian dress. She is far more conservative than the typical RISD student, for example. Her aunt went to RISD and loved the program but found the environment very difficult (most of her more conservative friends and boyfriends were off campus). </p>
<p>My daughter currently attends a small private school in CT--and she has excelled in the photography program. Because of this experience, we know that she does not necessarily need to be in a school that is filled with talented artists in order for her to continue her passion. </p>
<p>We've just started looking at colleges--and wonder if anyone has advice about the best art/photography programs at liberal arts colleges and smaller universities. </p>
<p>Also wondering if anyone has thoughts on whether some of the more selective schools might be looking to boost the number of art majors they have...seems like Bates or Colgate, for example, would not attract as many art majors (and they need to assemble a freshman class that has a diversity of interests/talents). </p>
<p>Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>I have to be honest with you, my D went to a small private HS in NYC. She doesn't have spiked hair and does dress bohemian. Nor does she have tatoos or piercing (other than ears). SHe is a Freshman at Mass Art and couldn't be happier. Loves Boston, loves the school environment, pretty much loves everything except the food.</p>
<p>Have you actually toured any of the schools? If you haven't I suggest you do. It may be different than you imagine.</p>
<p>I meant to say she "does NOT dress bohemian".</p>
<p>Photogirl, YES! Colleges need artists too. They don't necessarily recruit them like football players, but a strong portfolio and art resume can play a big part in admissions at a university or a liberal arts college.</p>
<p>I'd recommend the following small LACs for studio art and strong academics: Williams, Wesleyan, Hamilton, Skidmore, Conn College, Kenyon, Vassar, Smith.
Wesleyan and Smith may be more liberal than what your daughter's looking for, so she'd need to visit.</p>
<p>I don't know of any small school that offers a degree in photography per se. Usually an art major takes a range of media with focus on their area of interest (unintentional pun). I know Williams, for example, has a couple of very talented photographers on its faculty, and frequently enlists photographers as visiting professors or to teach Winter Study course; however, I wouldn't say that photography is a specialty of the school.</p>
<p>alright... I've visited RISD and Conn College so far... both seem pretty excellent, RISD was absolutely wonderful (to photogirl- it definitely had that 'hip' feel, but i think anyone could really fit in well, but i definitely understand just not feeling the art school environment exactly fitting), but I think I've definitely decided the liberal arts education is a best fit for me. I'm visiting UMass tomorrow, then Wesleyan all weekend.<br>
Connecticut College's art program seemed pretty good. It wasn't anything absolutely amazing, but definitely good, and I really loved the school. I'm excited about getting to go see Wesleyan as well.<br>
So, after making an affirmative decision that an LAC will probably be a place where I could really thrive, but not being totally blown away by conn's department, I'm gonna open up my options some... I'm sure there are good LAC's in other places besides the northeast (even though oooohh god, it's so beautiful up here! the trees!).
I'm trying to make some connections with people (professors, counselors, etc) that know a lot about different art programs in the US, but cc seems to always be so helpful!</p>
<p>So guys, i would love any recommendations for liberal art schools anywhereee in the U.S. that just have really great studio art departments... (possibly with a more artsy/funky leaning... pretty green campus...good community...fun social life...yet also intellectual...etc)</p>
<p>thank you!!</p>
<p>bennington?</p>
<p>anyone else? recommendations for liberal arts colleges with really good studio art program, anywhere..?</p>
<p>i'm getting the book Making a Difference Colleges... i think it might help. although they probably don't focus on art at all, thats the kind of school i want</p>
<p>I would second the suggestion of SUNY New Paltz.</p>
<p>Alfred University is a LAC with a VERY strong art reputation. Skidmore also is a LAC with a very decent reputation for art.</p>
<p>Goucher,in Maryland, has a good reputation in both liberal arts and art, and, as an added bonus, you can take courses at "nearby" MICA.</p>
<p>As for SUNY Purchase, both my daughter and I visited there. Although they seem to have a very decent program in the arts, we really didn't like the school. I can't give you a reason,but both of us were turned off. You need to visit Purchase for yourself.</p>
<p>My ex-wife went to Alfred, and called it a cow town. It is very rural and students end up doing a lot of partying/drinking, etc to stave off the boredom. I believe I have heard similar concerns expressed by others. I would visit Alfred as well. </p>
<p>How about Suny New Paltz?</p>
<p>bennington? - patois</p>
<p>Yes. I agree worth a look. I am reading this thread backwards, has anyone mentioned Bard? Both are expensive too!</p>
<p>I am not familiar with all of the UMass campuses, but suspect that Amherst may to be your liking.</p>
<p>I'm a freshman at MICA, if you were considering that. It's a fantastic art school, but I've been here for two months and I'm having the same problems with social stuff. It's kind of lonely.</p>
<p>yea, i definitely considered MICA. strongly considered. but have decided i definitely want a liberal arts college, or maybe an good/interesting university.</p>
<p>and this isn't a LAC, but does anyone know anything about the art department at berkeley?</p>
<p>A few things to consider:</p>
<p>Smith - all women
Alfred - extremely rural, not close to city
Bennington - interesting school, not close to city, but interesting town, high percentage of women
Sarah Lawrence - ditto percentage of women</p>
<p>I can't imagine that Wesleyan and Conn College don't consider SATs and HS class rank for a second year transfer. Both extremely selective.</p>
<p>Wesleyan may not have been willing to be specific about financial aid because the are "need blind." They consider all applications without knowing what the students financial aid needs are. </p>
<p>Bard - an interesting choice, beautiful campus and location, artsy, intellectually stimulating but not as hard to get into as Conn and Wesleyan, near NYC, you should look into this one.</p>
<p>Consider Hampshire College, also. Very interesting school, artsy, Amherst/Northampton area is very wonderful (many city-like options in a beautiful setting), cool people, you get to take course at the other 4 colleges (Smith, UMass, Amherst, Mt. Holyoke). This is definitely something you should look at if you can.</p>
<p>I don't think Bard is that much easier to get into then Connecticut College, but you should obviously check on that. Also, Conn. College does not require SAT scores for admission.</p>
<p>Actually, it's the other way around. Bard doesn't require SATs. Conn College requires the SAT Reasoning Test plus two SAT Subject Tests. </p>
<p>But I just checked and Bard is somewhat more selective 29% v. 38%.</p>
<p>Okay, just to make sure my memory wasn't completely faulty, I just checked the Conn. College website. They absolutely do not require the SAT.</p>
<p>In its place, they do ask for either the ACT or two SAT subject tests.</p>
<p>You are right. I checked again last night and was going to correct myself this morning.</p>