Your Source For Art School Information

If you are in the process of looking through the options, trying to find the top art schools, for which you may apply, the list is long, complicated and something of a mystery.  There are a wide range of different types of top art schools.  By art, if you are talking about performing art, then your list of schools might include those that focus on music, drama, dance or even a hybrid of the three.  If you are focused on art as in drawing, sculpting, painting and sketching, then your school focus may be ‘shaded a different color.’

What Does the Application Process Look Like For Top Art Schools?

For applying to top art schools, you are going to be up against some fierce competition and careful scrutiny by the application review board. Do not take the application process lightly–prepare as much as you can. On the other side, however, do not be afraid of the competition.  It is possible to be quietly and respectfully confident without coming across as over-confident and boastful.  In the art world, everything is subject to a personal opinion, and that is just what it is–an opinion.  You must have the confidence in your own work before you should ever rely on the opinions of others about your work.

It is good, however, to receive feedback on your material and on your art work. Confidence is prized highly in the world of art.  Bear in mind the famous statement about the Beatles by Decca Records: ‘We don’t really like their sound, and besides, guitar music is on the way out.”  When you hear criticism about your work (even by the deans and application boards of top art schools), bear in mind that they may know a lot, but they don’t know everything. If you feel like you’re on to a winner, don’t quit.  Stand your ground and go apply somewhere else.  Remember the Beatles.

Once you have submitted your application and your portfolio, it may take many months for you to hear back with their decision.  It is best to apply to a number of schools and not put all of your eggs in the one basket.  Consider carefully the schools that will be challenges to apply to and also consider if it may be a good idea to list some backup schools as well on your to-do list of schools to apply for.

What If I Am Not Accepted At The Top Art Schools?

Do not worry.  That is the first rule of all.  You have several options still.  First, show persistence… you can change some things about your application and reapply.  If you applied to any backup schools, you may still be accepted into those and it may be a good thing that you did not get into one of the top art schools.  Sometimes the pressure placed on students at the top art schools can truly be overwhelming and quite discouraging.  Often times the smaller and less-well-known schools can be just as good of a preparation for your future art career than the well-known schools.  Keep a clear head about you and realize that you may look back upon the situation and be very grateful that you did not attend one of the top art schools.