Acing the Application Process

By Bill O’Neill

tudents who are planning a career in the arts might wonder how to get into the school of the choice. No SAT test can capture their acting or painting talent. A high or low GPA is no indication of their ability to sing, dance, or sculpt. The admissions officers at arts schools and liberal arts colleges with strong arts programs know that, of course, and they find other ways to evaluate candidates.

Mandee Heller Adler, founder and CEO of International College Counselors, is the author of “From Public School to the Ivy League: How to Get Into a Top School Without Top Dollar Resources.” She offered the following tips for students interested in the performing and visual arts.

WHERE SHOULD I APPLY?

“Students who wish to focus on the arts can apply to a number of visual arts, drama, and music conservatories or standalone fine arts schools. At these schools, the vast majority of coursework centers around the arts. The classes are also typically unavailable in a broader-based arts program at a university. However, students should be very certain that they want to pursue the arts before they choose to attend, as there are fewer options if a student decides to switch their major later. Some specialized arts schools include Pratt Institute, Rhode Island School of Design, Julliard, and the Berklee College of Music.

“Students who want to specialize in the fine arts but want more leeway to perhaps change their minds and pursue another field of study should consider colleges that have a separate arts school within their larger university. This way a student can pursue a more specialized focus and still take some liberal arts classes, or possibly do a double major, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) as well as a BA or BS in another field like psychology or business.”

WHY IS A PORTFOLIO IMPORTANT?

“The portfolio is where students must demonstrate their skills. Students applying to fine arts programs must display a variety of media and techniques. Students in drama, filmmaking, and production need to show their reels. Music students must audition. Students should also be prepared to share their experience, inside and outside of school, their artistic statements, and their achievements, including prizes, productions, and/or roles performed.

“Portfolios should contain a student’s best work. It should also include works in progress, sketchbooks, and tear sheets. There is no need to mat or frame the work because schools are most interested in the work itself.

“When submitting a portfolio or reel that showcases your work, be sure to check what the program’s preferred method is. Also make sure your images, recording, or video isn’t pixelated or distorted and is in the right format.” HOW DO I SHOW OFF MY ACTING CHOPS?

“Theatre programs typically require students to fill out applications and attend auditions for each department. Usually, the audition for top programs is in person, but in some cases, the school will accept a video. During this time of COVID, almost all schools are accepting video. Auditions usually include one classical and one contemporary monologue. Students who sing should prepare a short song to show off their vocal range.”

WHAT DAY NEEDS TO BE ON THE CALENDAR?

“Aspiring art school students, specifically visual artists and designers, should attend a National Portfolio Day event, where representatives from 100+ art schools and colleges with art programs across the United States and abroad will critique portfolios in person and answer questions about professional careers. Teens who are really serious about being accepted into a competitive undergraduate art program should participate in this event.”

The Association of Independent Colleges of Art & Design also offers informal advice to students in grades 9-12 on how to develop their portfolio.

What’s the hardest part for you about performing and creating?

When it comes to the arts, there are many things that interest me, and simply not enough time in the day. I have talked about this with many of my fellow creative peers: sometimes the hardest part isn’t finding something to do… it’s making sure you’re maintaining a healthy workload and giving yourself the grace to have an off day.

STUDENT ADVICE:

- Morgan, Pacific Lutheran University: School of Arts & Communication