What is an "artistic hook"?

<p>Before today, I'd known that obvious hooks such as athletic hooks existed, but in a thread someone mentioned having an "artistic hook." Does such a thing exist? And how would you define it?</p>

<p>It would be more of a "pseudo" hook to be good at art. (Hooks are generally legacies, athletes, or URMs.) Winning national or international awards, like Scholastic or even bigger, would probably be an artistic hook. It'd be someone the school wanted to admit purely or almost entirely on the basis of their artistic ability. However, while it would be an awesome EC, I doubt it would make most admissions officers immediately go "Accept!" which is why I don't think it's really a hook--it would have to be looked at the the context of grades, scores, etc. and probably wouldn't compensate for poor grades or scores like other hooks.</p>

<p>thanks! That's what I suspected.</p>

<p>However, even pseudo hooks are helpful, so use that talent of yours for all it is worth.</p>

<p>a fishing hook painted pink with purple stars would be an artistic hook</p>

<p>lol jmanco! Many selective colleges will allow artistic students to submit an optional art portfolio along with their applications. Often the adcom sends these portfolios to the university's art department for feedback. For truly outstanding artists, the word may come back to admissions that the art department really likes a particular kid. This is not a hook, per se, but might be best considered a "tip": for a student who is otherwise fully qualified for admission (grades, scores, etc), this extra talent can tip them into the yes pool.</p>

<p>Don't underestimate great artistic talent. It's just that some schools in particular value these students more than others.</p>

<p>Thanks! Do you know if Yale is one of those "particular" schools? I've won state competitions but nothing national yet, mainly because I haven't tried entering my work into any national competitions. My art teacher is away, but does anyone on CC know of any good art (studio art) competitions? Or, any good ways to distinguish myself among my peers when it comes to the arts? </p>

<p>Oh, and the latter question is more for my own benefit and personal development than anything college-related, just to preclude any "don't just do it for college!"-esque comments. Trust me, I'm not, but it couldn't hurt either, right? : )</p>

<p>google national art competitions and try your best.</p>

<p>also, yale admins is a crap shoot. Don't stress out too much; just pray.</p>

<p>there's a reason that college karma makes it that you must choose 3 top schools instead of 2 if you choose to apply to yale (for the 15,000 dollar plan).</p>

<p>Yes, Yale accepts art portfolios (check their website for the specs--it's very labor intensive to compile portfolios as each school has exceptionally differing requirements) so one would hope that a great portfolio must help at least a few students. But the bottom line is--for highly selective schools, the student must be great academically as well as in the art studio. GPA, rigorous courseload, SAT, recs, essays, ECs, work or community action, leadership all must be stellar and then their fabulous talent might just add the extra sizzle.</p>

<p>Some other activities that could help your chances: to be invited to exhibit your work at a professional gallery (and having sales), organizing an art show at your school, having original artwork published in school literary journal, etc, designing the posters for your school's productions, studying advanced techniques at art college, winning Scholastic Art Awards, designing and producing large-scale mural somewhere cool, designing original art t-shirts and selling them at boutiques--just about anything you can think of.</p>

<p>Best of luck.</p>

<p>madbean: re: the appropriate stats: of course, of course! I have no delusions about getting into Yale based on my artistic merit alone : ) </p>

<p>How do studio art majors work then, or is there even a studio/fine arts program for undergrad? I know John Currin went to Yale for grad school, and a certain Schvartz comes to mind...but in order to enter the studio arts program, is it all just a matter of getting in first?</p>

<p>generally, how long should a personal statement essay be?</p>

<p>whoops wrong topic sorry</p>

<p>Yes, Yale is considered one of the best undergrad art programs of the super-elite universities. But no major is considered at the point of application/admissions there. After sophomore year, you will get to declare your major and may select Art. See following for more details: Art</a> | Yale College Programs of Study</p>

<p>It is not the same in every college so the future art student must search carefully on each college's website to get it all straight.</p>

<p>Hope this helps.</p>