When you are in the process of selecting a school from which to receive an art degree, one of the most important steps in the decision-making process is visiting campuses. Remember that you may like a school on paper, but it might not feel like home when you actually get there. It is especially important for art students, who will be spending long hours working in studios at school, to pick a college that is accommodating, welcoming, and aesthetically pleasing. Some guidelines can help you to make sure your college visits are fruitful and provide you with the answers you need.
First, decide what type of school you are looking to earn your art degree from. Do you prefer an urban, suburban, or even a rural campus? Many art students prefer to attend school in culturally rich cities where they have access to many museums and galleries.
Also, pay attention to the size of the program. Do you prefer a program where students get lots of one-on-one attention, or would you rather live and learn with a large group of diverse people? You may think you know the answers to these questions prior to a campus visit, but you need to experience various college settings before you can be sure.
Often, a school will host an open house where students from all prospective majors can come to learn about the programs offered and usually tour the campus with a guide who is a current student. This is a great opportunity to have your program-specific questions answered, gain access to classrooms or dorm floors that would be off-limits to you on your own, and ask questions of the students who volunteer to assist with the event. You may also get the chance to talk to your prospective professors. Read the full story
