Im currently a junior in high school and since freshman year ive been in and out of school because of mental illness (i have depression, borderline and avoidant personality disorder, and ADHD). The workload and the expectations of high school has significantly ruined my academic and social life. I also have trouble focusing on the righg things and suffer from extreme executive dysfunction. Art school seems like the only chance for me atm. Im currently looking at Ringling, SVA, SAIC, CalArts, and Laguna. I know for sure I have the skills to get into a good art college, but I’m afraid that my GPA and lack of extracurricular activities will make that impossible…Will I have a chance? Also would getting any grants/scholarships be possible? Thank you.
What are your plans for living, mental and academic support while in college?
I am sorry that you have had to deal with these difficult medical conditions. I hope that you are in a better place now.
You should probably be focused on taking care of yourself. All of your illnesses require treatment, and you first need to stabilize and get yourself into a place from where you are better placed to deal with the pressures of college. An art school is not easier than any other college, it simply has a different set of challenges.
Regarding acceptances - for most competitive art schools, your GPA is not nearly as important as your portfolio. Do you have any awards for your art?
However, at least for SAIC, you need a minimum GPA of 3.0. Check what the minimum GPAs that are required by the other schools are.
Take care and good luck.
I was thinking about living on campus but that would be expensive…I’m also going to avoid spending money on things I do not need and fast food. A side job of course, I also can do art commissions for extra cash. My parents are lacking giving me the mental support I need (a therapist, meds, etc) so I’m going to do what I have to do to get by. As of right now, I’m not mentally ready but I’ve been trying!! Hopefully my parents give me my recommended meds instead of giving me what the think is best lol. Also a damn therapist…
Thank you so much…I’d admit I don’t have any awards for my art…I’m not the greatest when it comes to deadlines. But I have received a scholarship to a local college in my state’s summer program.
It’s not always about awards, though those help, but about what your portfolio looks like. They will look directly at the art you have produced and judge whether they like what they see, and whether they want to accept you based on that.
However, you need to put together an art portfolio which represents you in the best way. if you have an art teacher at your school, have them look it over.
The good thing about colleges is that they generally have mental health facilities.
However, avoid mentioning your mental health issues on your application. Colleges tend to be risk averse, and may not accept you if they thought that you may be a liability. If you do mention it, make sure to make it clear that you have your illness under control.
Indeed, you should make sure that your mental illness is under control - if your parents refuse to provide the support you need, reach out to your counselor. They will hopefully help you find the support and treatment you need,
You really don’t want to start college with untreated mental health issues.
Take care of yourself.