finding the right college for you Finding a college can be overwhelming. It helps to consider a range of criteria to narrow your choices Location Size Academic degrees & programs Cost Culture Enrollment requirements: Portfolio Academic Your chances of success

finding the right college for you LOCATION Do you want to live near home, or move far away? Do you prefer urban, suburban, or rural areas? Consider the entire United States, even the world

finding the right college for you SIZE Do you think you’d be more comfortable at a big school or at a small school?

finding the right college for you ACADEMIC DEGREES What degree are you seeking? Three main undergraduate degrees: Bachelor of Science BS Bachelor of Arts BA Bachelor of Fine Arts BFA

finding the right college for you ACADEMIC DEGREES Bachelor of Fine Arts BFA degree Standard undergraduate degree for students seeking a professional education in visual or performing arts Majority of studio-oriented courses In other countries it’s sometimes called Bachelor of Creative Arts or BCA. Bachelor of Arts BA degree Standard undergraduate “liberal arts” degree greater number of non art/studio courses required Typical BFA program = 2/3 required arts courses + 1/3 general studies/liberal arts Typical BA program = 1/3 required arts courses + 2/3 general studies/liberal arts

finding the right college for you ACADEMIC DEGREES BFA degrees tend to require more art courses: studio + history & theory BA degrees tend to require a broader range of courses SUNY Purchase BFA degree 88 Studio Arts credits 28 Liberal Arts credits SUNY Oneonta BA degree 60 Studio Arts credits 90 Liberal Arts credits A broader Liberal Arts education might be more useful if you change direction later in life

finding the right college for you ACADEMIC PROGRAMS What area do you want to major in? After two years of visual arts study, colleges will expect that you have developed enough focus to declare a major If in doubt, choose studio art

finding the right college for you ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Does the college offer a program or concentration in the area of your interest? Visit the college’s website Look for “Academic Programs” or “Concentration Areas” Read through the required courses for various majors

finding the right college for you COST Art schools are expensive Can you afford the school of your dreams? Will you be able to pay off student loans?

finding the right college for you CULTURE Does the school’s overall culture seem like a fit for you? Look up student work – are students doing work that you like and aspire to? Look up faculty members – do you feel a connection with their art, their writing, their career paths? Is the school more oriented to part-time or full-time students? Do you feel comfortable with the student body?

finding the right college for you ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS PORTFOLIO The most important element of any application – galleries, grants, residencies, or academic transfer – is your artwork Research the college’s portfolio requirements Read them carefully!

finding the right college for you ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS PORTFOLIO pieces of recent work Work from “direct observation”

finding the right college for you ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS PORTFOLIO Drawing from photographs is discouraged Fantasy work is discouraged

finding the right college for you ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS PORTFOLIO Be careful about comics & cartoons Your digital work will be judged for its visual & artistic merit

finding the right college for you ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS ACADEMIC LOOK UP General education requirements Transfer requirements CHECK YOUR TRANSCRIPT See which courses you’ve taken match with the college’s requirements Visit the school Attend a college Open House Meet with one of the college’s admissions counselors

finding the right college for you ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS ACADEMIC Artist Statement + Admissions Essay A good essay will be the difference in many applications. Like the portfolio, read the directions! Do some serious thinking and jot down notes. Be honest with yourself. Keep your audience in mind – art professors, admissions officers. Convince your readers that you’re serious about art and your education. Address weaknesses and present them in terms of how you’ve grown.

finding the right college for you ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS ACADEMIC Artist Statement + Admissions Essay WRITE DEEP Your essay should reflect the intellectual maturity and depth of an advanced college student. WRITE WELL Spelling, grammar, English usage must be correct. Have other people read your essay to see if it makes sense. Get help at the Academic Support Center Library Room G 13

finding the right college for you ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS ACADEMIC Artist Statement Your goals as an artist Why do you like to make art? How is your work different from others? What are your plans for the next five years? The next ten years? Who or what inspires you?

finding the right college for you ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS ACADEMIC Admissions Essay Why are you applying to this particular college? What specific aspects of the college do you feel are particularly applicable to your achieving your goals? What qualities would you bring to the college?

finding the right college for your SUCCESS Take the time to research and learn about various college options Choosing the college environment that’s right for you is the most important factor in ensuring your success