NAVIGATING THE ART COLLEGE SELECTION PROCESS

ekaster@ccad.edu614-222-3234

Eric J Kaster

3.34 million Americans work in the arts.

97% o

f em

ploye

rs say

that

cre

ativ

ity is

of i

ncrea

sing

impor

tance

, but 8

5% say

they

are

unab

le

to fi

nd the

applic

ants

they

see

k.

Sources: National Endowment of the Arts, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans for the Arts.

Employment for Interior Designersis expected to grow 19% between2006 to 2016.

By 2016, jobs for artists and designersare predicted togrow by 42%

DIFFERENTI

ALS W

HEN

COMPARIN

G SCHOOLS

QUESTIO

NS TO

ASK IN

ORDER

TO F

IND T

HE RIG

HT FIT

1). Size of the Institution2). Accreditation 3). Location4). Affordability5). Innovative (forward thinking)6). Student Services (support services)

SIZE

OF IN

STITU

TION

Smal

l Sch

ool v

s La

rge

Smaller schools often provide more personalized attention and a greater sense of community.

Larger schools may give some students a sense of anonymity where they can engage on their own terms.

ACCREDITATI

ON (NASAD)

National Association of Schools of Art and Design

The Higher Learning Commission

Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA—formerly FIDER)

(AICAD)

Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design

Accou

ntabili

ty

LOCAT

ION, L

OCATIO

N,

LOCAT

ION

City o

r Suburb

an?

City schools may provide greater access to industry leaders, culture, and intern opportunities.

Suburban schools are removed from congestion and parking issues.

BOTTOM LI

NE

Affordab

ility

Make sure you do the math, Don’t forget to account for hidden costs like housing and technology requirements, these are not always included in the published tuition!

Compare Apples to Apples; Less expensive doesn’t mean better, try and shop colleges based on their ability to provide you a quality education.

INNOVA

TION IN

CURRICULU

M

Cave

Paintin

gs to

IPad

The world is changing and schools owe it to you to change along with it. As industry and industry needs change, schools must adapt with new methods of teaching and stay current with the tools being used.

• Practicum & Business Courses• Real World Projects• Intern Opportunities

STUDENT

SERVICES &

SUPPORT

A Chic

ken w

ith n

o Bon

es is

a “

Rubber C

hicke

n” or

A Build

ing w

ith n

o In

terio

r Str

ucture

will

Col

lapse

!

Retention is the new buzz word these days in higher education; what is your school doing to help ensure your success?

• Financial Counseling • Mental Health Counseling• Time Management Workshops• Tutoring or “Bridge” Programming• Social Engagement Opportunities• Career Service Support

APPLIC

ATIO

N & F

INANCIA

L

AIDTh

e W

hen a

nd How

?Application: Sept./Oct.Letters of RecommendationPersonal Statement or EssayTranscriptsPortfolio (last) prior to March?

File FAFSA: Jan – March 1st

www.fafsa.ed.gov

Be aware of merit award deadlinesAnd check in frequently to be sure Your application is complete!

PREPA

RATIO

N BEG

INS

EARLY

!

The

Early

Bird

Get

s th

e Sch

olar

ship

Take advantage of the followingto gain knowledge and skills:

•Connect ata) College Fairsb) National Portfolio Daysc) Campus Eventsd) High School Visitse) Social Media

•Test Drivea) Summer College Previewb) Continuing Ed Classes