Learn more about preparing your student for admission to college art programs.
General Questions
How does this consulting program work?
Carrie works individually with each family and student either in person or remotely to complete the strongest College Art Application.
Who should work with carrie for college art admissions consulting?
This program is intended for rising junior and senior high students who are in the early stages of the college art admissions process. Carrie works closely and one-on-one with students and their parents throughout the process, while also providing valuable small group critiques and networking opportunities for students.
When should my child start?
Every family is different but ideally, you should begin preparing as soon as your child commits to pursuing a degree in visual art. While earlier is better, Carrie can work with students at any time during the process.
Do you guarantee acceptance to the college of my child’s choice?
No.
We live in a city and there are many opportunities to take art classes outside of high school. What does your program offer that is different than what I can find down the street?
If you live in or near a city, your child has more art opportunities than a child who lives in a rural area. If you are able, take advantage of working with artists in your local area as much as possible. Join local organizations that promote the arts, and encourage your child to participate in their events.
For students who already have exposure to the arts, as well as access to art opportunities, Carrie works closely with them to map a broad overview of their artistic choices and career options, tailoring your child’s specific talents and interests to their applications. Sometimes looking up and out, and reaching farther than our immediate surroundings, is exactly what is needed in the crunch time of college applications.
What does your program offer that is different than what I can find elsewhere?
Carrie has a broad network, over twenty years of experience, and is knowledgeable in almost every type of higher art education. Each family and student will work directly with Carrie. She will map a broad overview of your child’s artistic choices, degree and career options, tailoring your child’s specific talents and interests to their applications.
Questions about Program Expectations
What are my child’s responsibilities in this program?
The student is required to follow the rigorous schedule agreed upon by the student, family, and Carrie. The student is required to submit documents and artwork in a timely manner for Carrie to review. The student is responsible for attending in person or virtual meetings with Carrie. If a meeting needs to be rescheduled, 24-hour advanced notification is required, or a fee will incur.
What are my responsibilities in this program?
You and your child are responsible for completing the application to college. You are responsible for researching the schools and options that Carrie provides and making sound decisions based on advice received. You are responsible for meeting payment deadlines.
Can my child be competitive in the application process if he or she has not taken art in high school?
Yes. If your child has their mind set on having a career in art, they can apply to art schools and programs and get in. But they will have to work hard and learn foundation level skills to catch up to their artistic peers.
Payment & Pricing Questions
How can I pay?
You can pay all at once or choose an installment plan. Payment can be made online using a credit/debit card or via check.
Can I get my money back if my child does not complete the work?
No. There are no refunds.
Do you provide financial planning services for college?
No.
Visual Arts Degree Questions
Is Visual Art a real thing in college?
Yes. Becoming an artist is a real professional choice that requires training. Most colleges and universities have art programs as well as specific schools called art schools that train professional artists.
Can my child find a job with A visual arts degree?
If your idea of art is a person sitting behind an easel then likely no. Don’t get me wrong: I love a good easel and there are many artists who prioritize the fine arts as their career choice. But the chances of your child finding a traditional job with benefits and promotions working as a fine artist are slim, like becoming the next hip hop star or soccer king.
If you and your child expand your idea of art then the answer is yes! Artists are everywhere. The military has hired artists throughout history. The car industry wouldn’t be around without designers. We wouldn’t know or recognize corporate brands without graphics made by artists. Churches wouldn’t have liturgical objects, spaces, or artwork without artists. Fabric and clothing would be boring without artists.
My child is interested in art but did not have time to take art in high school. Can my child go to college for art?
Yes! If your child has their mind set on having a career in art, they can apply to art schools and programs and get in. However, they will need to work hard and learn foundation level skills to catch up to their artistic peers.
My child says she is interested in art but all she does is play video games and draw cartoons. Is she being realistic?
Yes and no. First, your child is interested in those things because all of these products are visually amazing and highly entertaining. Game design, animation, and graphic novels are huge industries, and it is very possible to become a creator, maker, collaborator in such a field. However, to become a creator and not a player requires training in the foundation level skills that every artist must have. Carrie will encourage your child to continue their stylistic aspirations, while also ensuring that they broaden their visual and artistic abilities.
We live in a rural area and my child has had no experience with professional artists. Is art in college even a possibility?
Yes! However, it is real that your child may have less exposure to art than others who are able to travel or live near a city. Carrie currently lives in a rural area, and experiences this all the time -- but that shouldn’t stop you or your child! Your high school student will need to build a foundation of skills that every art school is going to want to see, so they will need to dedicate time to working hard to catch up to other students of their peer group who have been creating art throughout their K-12 education. Your child probably already has other achievements like writing abilities and STEM training that could be seen as assets to an art school in the 21st century. Carrie will work closely with you and your child to help highlight those achievements and pick schools that look for well-rounded applicants.