As we reach the end of our series, we hope you’ve discovered a greater understanding of yourself as an artist as well as which of the country’s top art programs feel like the best fit for you. Perhaps it was UCLA’s hip hop department that caught your eye or direct access to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston at SMFA at Tufts. Maybe it was Princeton’s cerebral arts atmosphere or how involved SVA’s faculty is in the NYC art scene. It could have been RISD’s singular focus on training you to be a professional artist or the academic rigor of Yale. No matter where you land, remember to keep returning to the questions posed at the beginning of our series to remind yourself what kind of artist you are and hope to become–this is something you’ll continually rediscover throughout your four-year journey at any art program.
As a reference, here are the posts we’ve included in our series on the country’s top Art Programs in Visual Arts:
● Introduction
● Post 2: Art School or Art Major? Which is Right For You?
● Post 3: Factors to Consider in Choosing an Art Program
● Post 4: The New York Art School Experience
● Post 5: Top Art Schools Outside of New York City
● Post 6: Ivy League Arts Programs
● Post 7: Exceptional University Art Programs Outside the Ivies
● Post 8: Unique Combination Art Programs
● Post 9: The Admissions Process
From learning about art schools versus art programs, to discovering the many different types of degrees (BFA, BA, BFA + BS) you can undertake in the project of becoming an artist, this series has hopefully served as a trusted guide in familiarizing yourself with the landscape of the country’s top art programs. As you move ahead with your applications, don’t forget our pro tips for a successful application, or the many pieces of advice from current students and alumni scattered throughout this series, including, SVA graduate and artist PhenomenaLewis, who, in Post 4 reminds prospective students to “start networking, don’t be afraid to ask questions, introduce yourself to others and definitely keep people’s contacts and make them remember you.”
The next four years of your life will be dedicated to discovery and learning and establishing trust in yourself as an art maker. Being an artist is a full-time job. It requires a strong sense of self and a fortitude against the tides of trends. It hinges on knowing that your vision transcends any fleeting public infatuation. Great art stands the test of time. Any school in this series will train you to make great and highly personalized art. It’s up to you to follow our suggestions, answer our questions, and consider the many factors that will help you identify the programs where you will not only succeed, but thrive. As Oscar-winning filmmaker and Princeton alum, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, notes in Post 6: “This is the most special time in your life when you’re free to take those risks and those risks define who you are.”
We wish you luck as you begin your own artistic journey. We know that you will go far!
The college admissions process can be overwhelming, and it may feel difficult to know where to start. At Collegiate Gateway, we are eager to share our expertise and guide you on your admissions strategy and the path to your “best fit” college. Please feel free to contact us! As always, we’re happy to help!
