Guide to Applying to College in the Fine Arts (Visual or Performing)
Last Updated on April 17, 2024 by Jill Schwitzgebel
If you are looking for slightly more in-depth information about the process, please check out Applying to College in the Visual or Performing Arts.
1. Begin as Early as Possible
I have joked that you need to start the college search and application process within two minutes of realizing that this is the path your student is taking. It’s not a complete exaggeration. Beginning to prepare early in high school will make it easier.
2. Begin Researching College Options
Your child will need to decide between a stand-alone conservatory or art school, a college with a conservatory associated with it, or a department within a college. Likely, they may end up applying to some combination of the above. Be sure you understand the differences.
From there, spend some time on the institution’s website researching what their requirements are for the application process. What kinds of pieces does the cello performance major need to prepare? What kinds of monologues should the potential theater major have rehearsed?
Know that not all programs are created equally. A school that is “known for music” may have a strong brass program but not a strong strings program. Or an art school may have a stronger focus on drawing than on digital design. Research professors and consider reaching out to them with questions.
3. Visit Different Types of Schools
Many arts majors will need to return to campus to audition later, and so typical college visits may not make the most sense, depending on time and distance. But, it is still a great idea to visit and get a feel for what your student likes and doesn’t like in a college. More than other majors though, arts majors are often less concerned with the campus feel than they are with the program itself. If you do visit, reach out to the professors that your student might be working with at the school. They are often willing to sit down and talk about the program individually with your student. They may ask to see samples of the student’s work, which can give nice feedback prior to applying.
4. Prepare Portfolio and/or Audition Material
This may mean spending some extra time working with the art teacher or the voice teacher. It may mean attending some summer programs to get professional recordings for the music composition major or to create specially required pieces for the portfolio. For some majors, like dance or theater, headshots and photos are also required as part of the application. Budget accordingly.
5. Submit Pre-Screening Materials
Often, students are asked to submit video auditions or samples of their portfolios so that a committee at the school can “pre-screen” them. If the student passes the pre-screen, they are invited to continue with the application process. Sometimes, students will be turned away at this point. If that happens, at least you know where NOT to focus your energy.
6. Pay Attention to Deadlines
If your student is not applying to a stand-alone conservatory or art school, the student is going to also need an academic acceptance to the college. Don’t forget to pay attention to those deadlines and be certain that transcripts, test scores, etc are sent. But pay special attention, because there are often earlier deadlines for the arts applications.
7. Sign Up for Audition Dates
Related to above, I recommend booking the audition dates early. At some colleges, the audition sign-ups are nearly full by the end of September. It can get tricky to juggle various schools’ audition dates because there is often overlap among them. Signing up early allows you to find a way to get them all on the schedule. Theater majors may also sign up for Unifieds, held in major cities throughout the US, which allows them to audition for a number of programs in one place.
8. Enjoy the Rest of Senior Year
After the applications and portfolios are submitted, or auditions are over, the waiting begins. You’ve worked hard to get to this point. Sure, the student will want to continue to hone their skills, but for now, the real pressure is off. Now is the time to relax a little and enjoy the lull before it is time to shop for dorm room supplies!
