Arts in College

The other thing to consider is what type of college is right for you.

• Conservatories and stand-alone arts schools offer an immersion-type experience for students earning BFA or BM degrees. All students at these schools will be artists, and the atmosphere is highly competitive.
• Other colleges and universities, large or small, will have a variety of majors to choose from and yet have strong visual, performing arts, music or film programs can offer all the benefits and lifestyle choices of a traditional university, e.g. football games, Greek life, dorms and a wide variety of academic courses.
• Conservatory within a university model gives students both the intensity of the conservatory experience and that sense of “college life.” Some students have trouble balancing their general education requirements with the considerable conservatory commitment, but it depends on the school and the individual. 

Your application process will also include an audition or portfolio review. Often, this will be the most important part of the application process.

• Music, theater, or dance programs:  Often colleges require a pre-screen recording. Sometimes there will be a live audition. This audition can be held on the college campus, or sometimes colleges will hold joint auditions in a series of major US cities as a convenience and cost-saving measure to you. National Unified Auditions coordinates auditions for undergraduate B.F.A. programs in theater.
• Art programs: You will need to submit a portfolio review. Depending on the school's requirements, submission may be on-line or in person. Fairview Portfolio Art and IB Art classes provide the opportunity to build that portfolio.
  • National Portfolio Day: An opportunity for artists to meet with representatives from an association of colleges accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design all on the same day. 
  • The National Association for College Admission Counseling also hosts joint college fairs for visual and performing artists across the country.
• Film programs: A creative submission is required. The options will vary by school, but can include a film or video/live action; a portfolio of art or set design; or a creative writing sample consisting of a short story, film script or stage play.  
• Design programs: This can include industrial design, architecture, interior design, and fashion design. These programs can also require a review of your creative work as part of the application process. Check the school's website for specific requirements for your program. 

Your art and music teachers can be an invaluable help to you so it is very important to keep them apprised of your goals and explain procedures you need to complete that involve their assistance. They may write letters of recommendation for you, help you identify programs best suited to you, give you honest critiques, help you select works to submit, and in general act as mentors during the process.

If an important piece of your college experience is to continue with your musical/artistic endeavors but not as a major, investigate the following…

• Does the music department offer performance ensembles; do they require auditions; are they open to all majors?
• Is there art and film studio space available for non-majors?
• Can non-majors register for visual and performing art classes?
• Does the school offer visual and performing arts minors?
• Can non-majors audition for college theater and dance productions, or are auditions restricted to performing arts majors?
• Do student clubs exist in your areas of interest?