Schools often require visual and performing arts applicants to submit a general resume, artistic resume, repertoire list, and in some cases an artist statement, one-minute video introduction, and a headshot. Even when these materials are an optional requirement, supply them!

Choosing among several possible creative degrees—whether for the performing or visual arts—depends on what you want to study, which school might fit your goals best (and how it labels the degree program), and what you see yourself pursuing after you graduate.

Leadership is a key element that college admissions officers look for in their applicants along with qualities such as responsibility, time management, dedication, and hard work. Leadership is one of the best and most impactful ways to show character and exceptional extracurricular involvement.

If you are a rising senior planning to attend college, you are probably working on narrowing your list of schools you will apply to right now. Once that list has been finalized, the next decision is how you plan to apply to each school.

The Common App essay gives you a chance to show the readers—who may not get to meet you face-to-face—what kind of person you are beyond your courses, grades, and test scores. Much of this advice applies to any piece of writing required in the application process. Use these ten tips to help you get started.

Students are more likely to succeed and thrive in a right-fit environment. College advisors strive to find that right environment for your child. We help your child understand themselves, what is important to them, and what they want out of the college experience.

Refining your extracurriculars for visual and performing arts applications.

Reading is not only a great escape from the real world and fun, it helps you prepare for college! College courses are demanding and require large amounts of time spent reading.

Just as the Common App essay is a place to describe a part of yourself that isn’t reflected in the rest of the application, use the activities list to help flesh out your story.

The first two years of high school is the time to explore new interests. If you already know you want to pursue a visual or performing arts major in college, these early years are also the time to lay the foundation for your specialty, create valuable connections with your advisors, and learn from your fellow students.

Specialized summer arts opportunities immerse you in the life of a visual or performing arts student, prepare you for the complicated application project, and can give you an immeasurable return on your investment. 

Practice is always the key to calming those nerves. But what's the best way to practice? Soprano Anna Atkinson shares her preparation tips, whether online or in person. As a student in the Masters of Music in Opera and Voice program at McGill University's Schulich School of Music, Anna is a veteran of winning auditions.

Here are some options for researching colleges online.

The most successful applicants don’t wait until senior year to start preparing. Admissions panels at conservatories and university music programs are looking for students who have already invested in their craft, built a foundation in music theory, and shown a real commitment to performance.  Here are eight ways to build your skills, strengthen your application, and show programs that you’re ready

Here are some ways you can help your high schooler figure out the best environment for their individual learning style and how they study best.

You show your academic side through your transcript, GPA, and test scores, but you can reflect more deeply about who you are as a person and an artist through your artistic resume and activity list and, most importantly, your writing.

I just came back from a whirlwind, but exhilarating visit to six Boston schools. With this fresh in my mind, I have some tips on planning your college visits and maximizing your time on campus.

It’s like alphabet soup—BA, BM, BME, BFA, BMT. They’re all music degrees, right? Yes, but the curriculum is very different and geared to what you want to do with your career.