I’m curious to know if my art will help me get into purely academic colleges. I’m a pretty solid student (top 15-20% of my class, mostly AP classes, all A’s and some B’s) but I’m definitely not the most academically amazing student there is, especially compared to what the colleges I’m most interested in get. However, in my humble opinion, I’m a pretty talented artist. I’m expected to get a 5 in AP art super easily, I have a strong portfolio, and I’ve done a lot of extracurriculars involving art. Since I am most definitely applying as a fine art student, do you think my art will outweigh by average grades if I’m applying to some pretty academically rigorous colleges? The colleges I’m most interested in are Bates, Colby, Smith, Kenyon, Bard and possibly Williams fyi.
@noturbaby12 I would attempt to use your art to influence your application, but I would not rely on it. You should put together a portfolio and contact each school to see if they will accept it as part of your application. Each school will probably have a different response. Follow what they suggest carefully. Additionally, I would try to contact the art department of each school to meet with an advisor and to have a department tour. At that point you may also be able to show someone your portfolio.
It is possible that a call from the art department saying that you are the next great thing in art may give your application a bump. I would say that if you have the time and money, I would apply to schools that you are at least at the 25th percentile for admissions in terms of academics and test scores. If your grades are below the 25th percentile, I think your chance for acceptance is extremely slim regardless of your talent.
To get up to date info to see what the grades of accepted students are for each college, search the common data set for each school.
Remember that even if your grades are at the 25th percentile, getting in is still risky and your art may not carry enough weight. Make sure you have safety schools where you are at the 75th percentile to balance the others.
@noturbaby12, Your artistic talent and arts related activity will definitely be a plus at Williams, Smith and Kenyon. I’m not sure about Bates, Colby or Bard. (You might also look at Hamilton, Wesleyan, Conn College, Skidmore.)
Williams is extremely selective and most of the others are not far behind. What is your actual GPA? Do you have any standardized test scores?
Your GPA will be a major factor in admissions. After that, your ECs and talents, scores, essays and recommendations are all considered, as well as diversity factors such as race, religion, economic status, first generation college, unusual life experience.
In addition to submitting an arts supplement (to the specifications of each school) you might put together an arts resume that would include: your portfolio; a list of accomplishments, awards and achievements; classes and travel opportunities; a recommendation from an art teacher or mentor. Be sure to focus your essays on how your involvement in visual arts is an important part of who you are and how you will contribute to the campus community.