How should I best prepare to enter an art/design school, college, or university as an art/design major?
The best way of getting into an art or design school will vary from institution to institution, but there are a few general things that you can do to prepare to enter any institution as an art major.
- Prepare your portfolio: For most art and design schools, your portfolio of work will be the main determining factor in your admission. Required content within your portfolio and the format in which it is to be turned in will also vary from school to school. Generally, you should look at your porfolio as a representation of your artistic skills and your potential as a young artist. Most schools will want to see art that falls into three categories: observational art (traditional drawing or painting based on a real-life subject), personal art (art that is done outside of classwork that represents your unique interests or techniques) and/or a home exam (art that was produced on assignment from the school). You may want to consult your admissions counselor to decide which type of artwork should be included in your portfolio.
- Practice: It’s essential for young artists to take every opportunity they can to expand their skills–not just in their area of expertise, but in other mediums as well. Practice will build your artistic abilities and help develop your artistic sensibilities and a style that is unique to you.
- Observe: Attend art openings, visit galleries, museums and artists’ studios. Reach out into styles or periods that you may be less familiar with. These are all rich learning opportunities and ways to expand your understanding of the world of art and design. With a greater understanding, you will be better prepared to enter a program focused specifically on art.
Acceptance to an undergraduate program in art or design is based on many considerations. These vary widely among institutions. For example, some have stringent requirements prior to admission, while others have open admission policies followed by thorough examinations at some point in the program to determine whether the student may continue as an art/design major. For specific application requirements, contact NASAD accredited institutions directly. The suggestions below indicate how you can best prepare during the high school years, not what you must achieve to apply or be accepted. The advice provided describes two things: first, an ideal set of knowledge and skills goals for college-level applicants; second, competencies needed by artists, designers, scholars, and teachers as they practice the various aspects of the profession in college and beyond. In brief, you should learn as much as you can as early as you can. Take responsibility for your own development. Each art/design stude
