Talented and creative, students wishing to study art will often wonder which art schools are the “best.” Obviously, students want the best possible education they can get so they have the best career opportunities available to them when they graduate, but there really is no easy answer to the question of which school is best.
When you look at any “reasonable” critique, it will mention cost, class sizes perhaps, courses you’ll be required to take, and, most importantly, the percentage of students who are able to secure positions once they’ve graduated. The critique might also tell the average amount of time it took the students to get the jobs and the average salary of those jobs.
These bits and pieces of information are somewhat helpful, but not really substantial enough to base your ultimate decision on. After all, you are an individual so a “one-size-fits-all” description is not going to help you know whether or not you will be successful in and content with your education. Therefore, looking at art school rankings is a good place to START, but not end, your search for the “best” school.
What you need to do is delve further; think about what it is YOU want from a school. After all, you are the one who has to pay the tuition, sit in the classes, learn the material, pass the courses, graduate, and then find a job with the experiences you’ve been given.
So, look at what’s important to you. Ask yourself some of the following questions, then take those questions to the admissions offices of the schools you find might interest you.
- Do you wish to live at or near home or move somewhat far away or really far away?
- Do you prefer a small, intimate class size where you will get more one-on-one time with your professors or do you enjoy a large campus atmosphere with lots of activities, sororities, fraternities, parties, etc.?
- What type of art are you interested in learning? Certain schools will be better equipped to teach you fine art, while others might be better for studying graphic design.
- What is the school’s reputation with young adults? Look online for discussions about the schools you are interested in and see what they have to say.
- Do you know anyone who has attended a school you like? If so, what does he or she have to say about it?
- Does the school offer referrals? A chance to speak to professors? An academic advisor who is willing to answer any questions you have or address any concerns?
- What classes will you have to take to get your degree?
- What types of financial aid and scholarships are available?
Honestly, art school rankings can be misleading. Information presented can often be skewed to show whatever the person presenting the rankings wants them to show, so use them as a place to begin and go from there.
Tue, Apr 13, 2010
Degrees, Education, Higher Education, Online Education, Tips