<p>Several of the schools my daughter is interested in have a requirement for 1 credit in the 'fine arts'. Her high school has a similar requirement, but because she has been participating in a special math/science program, the HS has accepted an 'Info Tech and Computer Studies' course to fulfill this requirement. I realize that every college will be different in how they deal with exceptions, but just wondering if anyone has dealt with a similar situation and what range of courses were accepted to fulfill this requirement?</p>
<p>Our school is on a trimester/block system, which really limits the number of courses a student can take - especially as AP courses run for three trimesters (1.5 credits each). Next year, she's doing a special field study course that will fill two blocks all year, with AP Lit and AP Calc filling two additional blocks. That leaves one block open, and she needs to take Econ (0.5 cr) and Honors Physics (1 cr) there. (My son went to a school that operated on semesters, with 7 classes per semester - seems like he had a LOT more flexibility to his schedule...)</p>
<p>If she really needs a true 'fine arts' class, she's going to have to fit that in as an online course or in the evenings...</p>
<p>What's your experience been with fulfiling these requirements? THANKS!</p>
<p>I personally go to a magnet school for the arts, so it is not an issue for me (I am graduating with something like 16 art credits). She should take a more traditional art class, just to make sure that all colleges will be okay with what she has taken. I would not recommend an online art class (I took one in middle school when I did cyber school). It is essentially you doing really basic sketches, taking photos of them and learning really simple concepts. Could she take an art class at a local place that offers art classes and somehow receive credit from her school? I know where I live we have a center for the arts, a glass center, a filmmaking place and a general art place for high school students (most cities have a lot of options).</p>
<p>I’m curious - what kinds of schools is she looking at that require HS students to take Fine Arts in high school? We did not see that at any colleges we looked at.</p>
<p>Possibly California public universities.</p>
<p>[A-G</a> courses | UC Admissions](<a href=“http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/requirements/a-g-requirements/index.html]A-G”>http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/requirements/a-g-requirements/index.html)
[CSUMentor</a> - Plan for College - High School Students - High School Subject Requirements](<a href=“Cal State Apply | CSU”>Freshman: Admission Requirements | CSU)</p>
<p>If the student is in a California public or private high school, courses that qualify for the visual and performing art course requirement are listed at <a href=“http://doorways.ucop.edu%5B/url%5D”>http://doorways.ucop.edu</a> .</p>
<p>Fortunately the term “fine arts” is very vague. There are classes such as pottery, photography, and drawing. Alternatively, for the more “techie” people there is digital photograph, graphic design, etc.</p>
<p>You may have to check your catalog to see what’s available, but keep an open mind and try to avoid something not of interest. I would advise against online classes for arts credit.</p>
<p>If your school is in California, then they should specifically say what is and what’s not a fine art. I say you take summer school if available to take that course… Talk to your counselor first, there might be a way around the requirement…</p>
<p>Yes, one of the schools is UC Santa Cruz (tho that one is pretty unlikely with only 3% OOS students and very high costs) and another is Coastal Carolina (a more viable option). Can’t think of the others at the moment… In some cases it’s referred to as ‘visual arts’. Thanks for your suggestions. I think I’ll have her call the specific schools for input.</p>
<p>Apparently here in Michigan we are relatively ‘flexible’ on what we consider ‘the arts’!</p>
<p>What’s wrong with going to one of the fine universities in Michigan?</p>
<p>For UCSC and other California publics, try looking at <a href=“http://doorways.ucop.edu%5B/url%5D”>http://doorways.ucop.edu</a> for a California high school that offers similar courses as the courses you are unsure about.</p>
<p>Also see the description here:
<a href=“http://www.ucop.edu/agguide/a-g-requirements/f-visual-performing-arts/index.html[/url]”>http://www.ucop.edu/agguide/a-g-requirements/f-visual-performing-arts/index.html</a></p>
<p>ucbalumnus: Good question! UM and MSU (residential colleges) are both on her list, but neither really fits the model of what she’s looking for, as she would really like a smaller school. At the same time, she wants one that has a strong focus on systems biology/ecology/zoology with good UG research opportunities. Many of the stronger LACs in Michigan (and elsewhere) focus more on cell/molecular biology and pre-professional programs. She’d also like to experience life in another part of the country, so the search is pretty broad at this point with both smaller state schools (outside of MI) and a variety of LACs. Thanks for the links…</p>