Art Student Timeline
If you know you want to go to art school (or are considering it!), CollegeMapper can help! Here is a timeline of key action items each year to make your application and portfolio stand out.
Sophomore Year
- Start highlighting your strengths in your work with the goal of making a stellar portfolio/audition.
- Locate colleges that you wish to apply to and look at the types of media they specialize in.
- Contact schools to get portfolio and audition requirements.
- Join mailing lists.
- Go to National Portfolio Day to get your feet on the ground.
Junior Year
- Start making your portfolio. Most schools want 15-20 pieces. Use only your best work and if a school specializes in a certain media, highlight that media in your portfolio.
- Be sure to review each school's requirements for the portfolio.
- Contact schools to get portfolio/audition requirements.
- Contact schools to schedule auditions/portfolio presentations.
- Make sure you have enough time to finalize your portfolio before your portfolio day.
- Choose people who are familiar with your work for letters of recommendations.
- Visit campuses.
- Go to National Portfolio Day and ask questions.
Senior Year
- Apply to the school. Check to make sure you have all the requirements for each school.
- Interview well. Interviews are usually held between October and January. Be prepared to answer common questions such as why do you want to attend this school and what is a weakness.
- Think about whether you want a BA, a BMA, or a BFA.
- Take your portfolio to National Portfolio Day and ask for feedback.
Defining:
- BA (bachelor in art) in Music: an interdisciplinary/liberal arts degree designed for students who want to continue studying music while also studying in other fields to prepare for a career outside of music. This degree provides core music study with intensive studies in other areas.
- BM (bachelor of music): a professional degree in music involving intensive music courses and studies in applied music.
- BFA (bachelor in fine arts): is the standard undergraduate degree for students seeking a professional education in the visual or performing arts.