I’m a high schooler who’s really interested in the visual arts, and this year I plan on applying for CSSSA/Innerspark (California State Summer School for the Arts). I’ve seen a lot of posts on here about math/science programs that look good on college applications, but what are some good arts programs that look good?
I don’t plan on applying for art school, but I’m unsure of my future college major as I am still a sophmore. I just want to use my love of the arts in a way so that it will help my college application
I encourage you to continue pursuing your love of art. For students who have an art practice but don’t want to major in art, it’s to their advantage to submit a body of work as a ‘supplemental portfolio’ to schools that accept them. The UC’s and USC don’t, but most do. A supplemental portfolio can reveal who a student is, how they think and approach life more than than personal statements and transcripts. Colleges want to see passion and they want to see what you’re about. And if you can show that through a strong portfolio even if you don’t want to be a professional artist the logic is that the devotion and passion and commitment you made to that practice will be brought to whatever you do take on.
As a college coach focussing on art and portfolio development, I’ve had quite a few students report back that it was their supplemental portfolio that got them into their (non art) programs (like communications at BU). I advise you to commit to your love of art, experiment, make lots of work and go for it.
Going to CSSA definitely looks good on an application – it’s an excellent program and quite competitive. I also encourage you to check out RISD’s pre college summer program – the scholarship application deadline is March 10th.
If you are in the LA area feel free to contact me and I can give you a heads up the next time I make a presentation about portfolio and supplemental portfolio development for college.
I have a rising junior in the same situation. She is considering the following pre-college summer programs:
MECA (Maine)
Pratt
SAIC
MICA
MassART
My d is interested in developing her skill in drawing and painting over the summer.
PrepforART: Could you elaborate on the differences between a “supplemental” portfolio and one for applying art school. What are elite liberal arts colleges looking for in a “supplemental” and who is evaluating them?
Thanks a lot.