Art as an EC for non-art major??

momrath
Wed, 24 Jan 2007 02:31:55 +0000

If she is not applying to an art program, do you think she can/should send her portfolio anyway as a way to reflect her passion and time committed to art?



PA Mom, Yes, your daughter can definitely use art as an EC.

Colleges, especially small to medium sized schools that have the luxury of evaluating the “whole” person, like multifaceted, talented kids. At the most academically rigorous it’s quite common for students to double major or major/minor in fields as diverse as science and art. Your daughter needn’t declare a major when she applies; however, her involvement in art would imply that she will take studio courses and in general participate in the school’s art scene. This is what they are looking for in admitting a diverse class, not necessarily a commitment to a major.

I would also encourage your daughter to expand her portfolio to a complete arts package. This could include along with her slides, a resume that lists her accomplishments and awards, a course list, a recommendation from an instructor or mentor, a few (one or two) press clippings. She could also make sure that her interest in art is reflected in her essays, especially the one that asks “what EC means the most to me?”