Why Academic Preparation Matters for High School Performing & Visual Arts Students

As a high school student with a passion for the arts, it’s easy to get caught up in the creative process and overlook the importance of academic planning. However, for those looking to pursue a degree in the arts at the college level, a strong academic foundation is crucial for a successful college admission process. While artistic talent and portfolio development are essential, selective colleges and universities also place significant importance on academic rigor and preparation.

There are several factors to consider when it comes to academic planning:

High School Course Rigor: Challenging Yourself. The admissions process at selective colleges (colleges with low acceptance rates) favors applicants who’ve challenged themselves academically, particularly in the core subjects of English, math, science, world language, and social studies/history. Taking Honors courses, AP courses, or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses in these subjects is one way to demonstrate your ability to handle college-level coursework. Academic rigor is also demonstrated by advancing within a subject area (like math or world language) over the four years of high school. 

Avoiding “Senioritis on Paper”. Artistic student are often tempted to focus solely on arts classes once high school graduation requirements are met, but it’s essential to maintain a balanced course load if you’re aiming for colleges and universities as opposed to standalone conservatories or art schools. “Senioritis on paper” refers to the phenomenon where students take too few core academic courses in their senior year (and sometimes even junior year), giving the impression that they’re not interested in challenging themselves academically. This can be a potential deal breaker for a successful admission outcome at selective institutions. To avoid this, make sure to take a full course load in your senior year covering at least four of the five core academic subjects (or perhaps doubling up in a subject of academic interest).

Standardized Testing: A Semi-necessary Evil. Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, while only a requirement for some colleges, are a good idea to consider taking. Even though most colleges offer test optional admissions, we recommend that most students take one since a good score can help a student’s chances of being admitted. 

High School Graduation Requirements vs. Meeting College Expectations. While your high school has specific requirements for graduation, colleges and universities often have their own set of expectations that can impact your chances of admission. It’s essential to understand these differences and plan accordingly. For example, your high school may require only a year or two of world language while your top choice college may require three or four years. 

Quick Tips for Artistic Students

• Take a balanced course load that includes a mix of arts electives and core academic courses that are both challenging and that you can be successful in.
• Avoid taking too few core academic courses in your senior year (aka “senioritis on paper”).
• Prepare for standardized tests keeping in mind that a great score can help your chances at many colleges, but remember not to sweat a low score as many colleges don’t require a result to be considered for admission.
• Research the specific academic admission requirements for each college on your list, including test-optional policies, and adjust your plan accordingly.

In addition to nurturing your creative talent throughout your high school years, we recommend also focusing on academic planning and preparation in order to keep more college options available to you. By following these tips and staying focused on your academic goals, you can set yourself up for success in the college admissions process. If you’re looking for personalized guidance and support, our team of experienced college consultants specializes in advising performing and visual arts students like you. Schedule a free consultation with us to learn more about how we can help you achieve your college goals.