<p>I am a junior at a rigorous private school in California, and I'm starting my college research. I'm interested in the visual art field- more specifically studio art and photography. I did a pre-college program at RISD this summer, and even though I had an amazing experience with the people and portfolio development, etc etc, I didn't completely like the school. I also want a good balance between liberal arts and studio work. The only art school I may apply to is SAIC and I'm not really interested anywhere else (maybe Eugene Lang-Parsons dual degree). I'm almost entirely convinced that I'm going to apply to LAC's mostly (New England schools preferably), and a few bigger universities w/ strong art departments. So far I have: Wesleyan, Bard, NYU, and Vassar on my list. I am intrigued by Bard's program, I heard some impressive stuff about the school and I also know their art department, especially photo, is amazing. I want to go to a school with a very liberal atmosphere, being surrounded by artistic and creative students. It would be great if anyone can give me more info about the schools I've listed above (Wesleyan especially). Which school would be the hardest to get in? Also, Suggestions for colleges to add onto my list would be much appreciated.
Thanks.</p>
<p>You may want to search the visual art major forum for opinions about the quality of studio art programs in these schools. Wesleyan and Vassar are nearly equal in admission difficulty with Bard and NYU being easier. Maybe look at Skidmore if you want another somewhat easier admit. You might also look at Wash U. and possibly Carnegie Mellon.</p>
<p>Not exactly a LAC, but you might be impressed with RIT’s offerings -
[College</a> of Imaging Arts and Sciences | RIT Overview](<a href=“http://www.rit.edu/overview/cias]College”>College of Art and Design | RIT)</p>
<p>Sarah Lawrence.</p>
<p>University of Michigan
WUSTL
Cornell
Skidmore</p>
<p>As far as big universities are concerned, VCU in Richmond has the #1 ranked public arts program in the country. It also has a reputation for being among the most liberal and artsy schools in the country. UNC-Chapel Hill is also a very liberal and, apart from having a very good art department, also has incredibly prestigious academics in general. In regards to admissions, VCU seems to be pretty accessible to out-of-state students; while UNC is known for having very stringent admissions standards for out-of-staters.</p>
<p>You are right to be interested in Bard for all the reasons you state. Amazing photo department, with remarkable intellectual environment.</p>
<p>My son was also interested in eastern LACs with strong art studio & art history departments. He ended up at Williams which has excellent studio facilities, one of the best art history departments in the country and three worldclass museums on or near campus. The academics are very good and the arts – visual arts, music, theater – are well supported overall. </p>
<p>His shortlist was Wesleyan, Hamilton, Kenyon, Conn College, Skidmore. He also liked Brown and Yale, though not LACs. If you are female, add Smith.</p>
<p>Before you go any further, though, clarify your financial situation. Most of these colleges provide good need based financial aid, but few – except Smith – offer much in the way of merit.</p>