Senior Parents

1. Portfolio Development: Ensure your portfolio showcases your best work across a variety of mediums, highlighting your creativity, technical skills, and personal style. Include works that demonstrate growth over time.

2. Artist Statement: Write a strong artist statement that articulates your artistic vision, inspirations, and the themes you explore in your work. Many colleges request this as part of the application.

3. College Research: Research schools with strong visual arts programs and consider factors like location, facilities, faculty, class sizes, and student culture. Make a list of schools that align with your artistic and academic goals.

4. Application Deadlines:

Keep in mind one state and NWSA is $5K a year. Early action Be aware of all application deadlines, especially for art programs which may have earlier deadlines for portfolio submissions. Mark important dates and submit materials ahead of time.

5. Letters of Recommendation: Request letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or art professionals who know your work and character well. Give them ample time to write a detailed letter that speaks to your artistic abilities.

6. Scholarships & Financial Aid: Research art-specific scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Many art schools offer merit-based scholarships for outstanding portfolios and academic achievements.

7. College Fairs and Portfolio Days: Attend National Portfolio Days and college fairs to get feedback on your portfolio and to network with admissions representatives from various art schools.

8. AP Art & Other Credits: Make sure to take AP Art and related classes seriously, as they can earn you college credit and strengthen your application. Keep grades up in all subjects, not just art.

9. Prepare for Interviews: Some art programs require interviews or in-person portfolio reviews. Practice talking about your work, artistic process, and why you want to attend their program.

10. Stay Organized: Keep all materials—like portfolio pieces, application essays, transcripts, and recommendation letters—organized and easily accessible. Stay on top of tasks with a checklist or digital tracker.

For Parents:

1. Support the Portfolio Process: Encourage and support your student through the process of refining their portfolio. Ensure they have access to the materials, space, and time needed to create their best work.

2. Visit Schools: If possible, visit potential colleges with your student to get a sense of the campus environment, studio spaces, and program offerings.

3. Understand Financial Aid: Learn about the financial aid process, including completing the FAFSA, applying for grants and scholarships, and understanding the cost of attending art school (tuition, supplies, etc.).

4. Deadlines Awareness: Help your student keep track of deadlines for college applications, portfolio submissions, scholarships, and financial aid forms.

5. Encourage Balance: Senior year can be overwhelming, so encourage your student to maintain a balance between their creative work, academics, and self-care.

6. Prepare for Supply Costs: Understand that art programs often have additional supply costs for materials, studio fees, and equipment. Begin budgeting for these expenses.

7. Understand Program Differences: Be familiar with the different types of visual arts programs (BFA vs. BA, liberal arts vs. conservatory) to help guide your student’s decisions based on their interests.

8. Housing and Living Costs: Explore housing options early, including dorms and off-campus apartments. Budget for living expenses beyond tuition, such as meals, transportation, and art supplies.

9. Parental Involvement in College Selection: Help your student make informed decisions, but also give them the space to choose a school that fits their artistic and personal goals.

10. Emotional Support: The college application process can be stressful. Be there to offer emotional support, especially as your student prepares for rejection or acceptance letters, and potential relocations.

Future Plan

Detail your services

Here’s a fun and engaging activity to help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and dislikes as you plan for your future!

Activity: "The Passion and Preference Map"

Materials Needed:

Large poster board or a blank sheet of paper
Colored markers or pens
Sticky notes in different colors
Timer (optional)

Steps:

Create Your Map:
- Draw a large circle in the center of the poster board and label it “Me.”
- From this circle, draw four lines leading to four smaller circles labeled:
  - Strengths
  - Weaknesses
  - Things I Love
  - Things I Don’t Love

Brainstorming Session:
- Set a timer for 10-15 minutes.
- Use the sticky notes to jot down ideas for each category:
  - Strengths: What are you good at? Think about skills, talents, and things others compliment you on.
  - Weaknesses: What do you struggle with? Consider subjects, tasks, or activities that don’t come easily to you.
  - Things I Love: What activities make you happy? Think about hobbies, subjects, or experiences that bring you joy.
  - Things I Don’t Love: What do you dislike? Identify tasks or subjects you find unenjoyable or frustrating.

Group Discussion:
- If possible, gather friends or family and share your findings. Discuss what you all wrote down. This can help spark new ideas and provide different perspectives!

Reflect and Analyze:
- Look at your completed map. Notice any patterns or themes. Are there common threads between your strengths and things you love? Do your weaknesses align with the things you don’t enjoy?
- Highlight any connections that stand out to you.

Future Planning:
- Based on your map, write down three potential career paths or areas of study that align with your strengths and interests.
- Consider also listing any skills you want to improve or explore further.

Fun Wrap-Up:
- Create a “Future Vision Board” using images, quotes, or words cut from magazines or printed from the internet that represent your desired future based on what you’ve identified.