| It shouldn't be easy to get into the best art | | | | faculty-to-student ratio should be as low as |
| colleges. The better schools recruit the best | | | | possible, so students will receive individual |
| students - meaning they have high standards. You | | | | attention. Faculty members should be leaders in |
| shouldn't be daunted by high standards; you should | | | | their fields, and the best art schools usually have |
| strive for admission into a top school. Find out | | | | solid reputations among both students and the |
| ahead of time about the school's admission | | | | private-sector companies who eventually will |
| requirements. Do they look closely at admissions | | | | employ them. |
| tests like the ACT or SAT? If so, you should plan | | | | Accreditation means that the school has been |
| on taking these tests in your junior year of high | | | | evaluated by an outside institution to determine if |
| school. By doing so, your scores will help you plan | | | | its programs meet certain standards. If the |
| your senior year, give you a jump on early | | | | standards are met, the school gets the right to |
| admission and allow you time to retake the tests | | | | grant degrees in various subject areas. Different |
| if your score isn't as high as you believe it could | | | | academic programs are accredited by different |
| be. The best art colleges also require prospective | | | | accrediting institutions. Be sure the school and |
| students to submit a portfolio of their work, and | | | | program you're considering are accredited. Yu |
| many place more value on the student's art work | | | | should also try to find out something about the |
| than on standardized tests. So, if your ACT/SAT | | | | organization that does the accrediting - the higher |
| scores aren't where they should be, consider | | | | their standards, the better the program is likely to |
| applying to a school that places a larger emphasis | | | | be. |
| on the quality of your portfolio. | | | | Do your homework and identify the best art |
| The best art colleges have the best facilities and | | | | colleges that offer programs of study that |
| resources. Equipment, especially computer | | | | interest you. Admission standards, facilities, |
| equipment, should be up-to-date. Studio space | | | | resources and accreditation are all factors you |
| should be readily available. Crowding shouldn't be a | | | | should consider when choosing a school. |
| problem (small classes should be the norm). The | | | | |