Can I get into an Art college with my grades?

[GTdude1203]

Hi, I am a high school student and I am planning on going to an art school. The schools that are I am considering are Parsons, Cooper, SVA, Art institute of Boston, Art Institute of Chicago, RISD, and Art museum Institute of Boston.

I have a private teacher, and after three months of vigorous hard work, my portfolio was ready.

At the national portfolio event, I received a positive feedback on my portfolio from the representatives of these schools. However...I am nervous that my grades/ SAT's can play as factor in my acceptance to a school. My SAT's are in the 800-900 range (not so good), and my GPA is in the 2's. Asie from my GPA, my extra curricular activities consist from a club president to executive member of the American Cancer Society.

Overall, can someone give me any info or advise, just on my grades/ portfolio I've brought in front of you. I need help.....can someone tell me if I have a chance to get in any school, actually a good school.:)

[BruceF]

I'll start by saying that I have no idea how much grades play in getting into art school. And I'm really not familiar with the admissions process for art schools beyond that they usually require a portfolio as you already know.

But, I do know what it's like when people do look at just the numbers when making these kinds of decisions. So, I'd suggest taking a look at things from a different perspective.

Why do you want to go to art school? What is it you see yourself doing 5, 10 , 15 years after graduation. Really think about this and get a good picture of it in your mind. And then write it down.

Then think about what you need to do to get to that place.

Don't worry about the past, since you can't change it. But, ask yourself why haven't you done better academically. And what can you do now to improve things, if that's what you need to do.

I'd strongly recommend visiting the schools you are interested in. Try to get an interview or meeting with the admissions people as well as some of the instructors you would like to study under. Tell them why you want to go there and what you hope to learn and achieve by being at their school.

If and when they ask about your grades, be up front with them. If they say that your grades are a problem, then ask for their input and suggestions. Ask them if going to a junior college and getting better grades would enable you to transfer in at a later point.

Try and make yourself a memorable person at these meetings. A good impression can go a long way.

Good Luck :)

[pinkbubelz]

The grades and test scores will depend upon the schools you are applying to.

For example, I work at a liberal arts university. We require a certain GPA and test score of our students. The portfolio review is secondary to the primary application to the university as a whole, because we provide a well-rounded education, which requires each student to take classes in all of the subjects: math, science, english, social science, foreign language in order to graduate from the university. We, however are not an "art school", but a liberal arts university.

However, an art school's objective is much more focused, I suggest that you contact each school individually, as Bruce suggested. Find out what the previous year's class averages were in terms of grades and test scores in addition to the portfolio review.....

From the admissions standpoint, if there is a particular circumstance which contributed to poor test scores or poor grades, most schools would like to have that information (i.e. in an essay, or perhaps in terms of a visual description via your art, etc.) Sometimes there are reasons why a student does poorly in class (for example there may be economic hardships, perhaps they lost a parent or close family member, they were extremely ill, etc.) Usually, if there isn't an essay required, I suggest that students still create one, so that they can explain to the admissions officer why they may not have grades as high as expected. AND, be honest to the admissions officer AND to yourself-- most admissions officers can tell right away whether the student is just trying to "give us what we want to hear".

However, if you are struggling in your math, and english classes (which is the primary focus of ACT and SAT tests), the school may look at that and feel that you may need show more discipline and higher scores / grades in your studies before they admit you. (Does that make sense?) Some schools will ask that you attend college elsewhere (maybe a junior college or community college or just another college) and to have higher grades (to demonstrate you are capable of doing well) BEFORE they will allow you to transfer into their college.

Many liberal arts universities also will re-calculate your grades based upon only your "college prep" classes as well: math, science, English, social studies and foreign languages. So, even if you haven't been doing well, it is of primary importance for you to keep your grades up throughout your senior year and until your graduation day. (Believe me, there is nothing worse for admissions counselors than to have to call a student in June and to tell them that they are no longer admitted to the university.)

I hope this helps you out. In the meantime, try to keep your grades up, good luck in the admissions processes.... feel free to PM me if you have any other questions!

[sancyr]

Originally posted by GTdude1203
Iy SAT's are in the 800-900 range (not so good), and my GPA is in the 2's. Asie from my GPA, my extra curricular activities consist from a club president to executive member of the American Cancer Society.


This is just a thought. I know that GETTING into college is a ordeal in itself, but it's nothing next to passing classes, finals, exams, homework and finally graduating. Some schools will not let you graduate if you fail to maintain a certain GPA in your major course of study and a GPA overall. If you are having a hard time in high school, have you considered what is keeping you from getting good grades? Is it something you can overcome for art school? A good school will work you harder than real life after graduation. It is not a walk in the park, not at a good school. Are you prepared to keep your grades up once you are accepted?

A good portfolio may get you in, but not make you a good student. If you are going for your BFA and not an AA, you will have to take Art History, English, Math, the works. If art is your calling, and you want to go to art school, you need to be an excellent artist AND a excellent student.

Sara

[Whatasc3n3]

If you are looking for an art school that honestly looks at your portfolio and does not care what you're grades are as far as other subjects go, I suggest The Hussian School of Art in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I have taken summer courses there and it is an exceptional school with wonderful instructors and the best part is, all they care about is your art. Google hussian school of art.

-Special K

[kcurrin]

I don't really know, but I hope you get accepted into the college of your dreams.