There are more than three thousand schools of higher learning in the United States. Needless to say, there is a school for absolutely everyone. As an artist, you will have some very specific requirements and needs of the college or conservatory you choose to attend. You must begin by asking yourself some very simple questions. For example: "How do my artistic and academic interests influence my decision about college?" "What kind of college, conservatory, or art school is best for me?" "What kind of person do I wish to become?" In addition to all the considerations you will have as an artist, you will also need to think about all of the routine college criteria such as: location, class size, coed or single sex, campus environment, and financial aid.
You should also remember that your ideas will change and evolve over the course of the year. Ultimately, you are not only applying to colleges, you are applying to options. The option to attend a conservatory, the option to study the liberal arts, the option to live in New York City, the option to be closer to home. As a result, perhaps the right list of colleges for you may be a list of colleges that are not a great deal alike. It is not uncommon at Walnut Hill to have a single student apply to conservatories of music, Ivy League universities, public universities, and liberal arts colleges. Each option is appropriate for different reasons.
After developing an initial list in the spring, we will work closely over the autumn months to insure that you have confidence in the list you have developed. We encourage you to begin your college search not simply with the names of colleges, but rather with the self-reflection and insight into your individual goals and aspirations.
