5 Tips: Columbus College Art & Design Admissions

Published on 8 November 2023 7 min read

Prepare a strong art portfolio
Research the college and its programs
Highlight your extracurricular activities
Apply early for admission and scholarships
Attend an open house or tour

Getting into a top art school like the Columbus College of Art and Design can feel like a blend of preparation, anticipation, and a dash of nervous excitement. Don’t worry, we're here to help you through this journey with five effective tips to boost your chances of admission. Let's start with the first one—preparing a strong art portfolio.

Prepare a strong art portfolio

Your art portfolio is your golden ticket to the Columbus College of Art and Design—it serves as a visual representation of your skills, creativity, and potential. Here's how you can make yours stand out:

1. Showcase your unique style

Art is personal, and your portfolio should reflect that. Include pieces that showcase your unique style and perspective. This is not just about showing your ability to draw or design—it's about demonstrating your unique voice as an artist. So, don't be afraid to stand out and let your personality shine through your work.

2. Include a variety of work

While it's important to show your unique style, you also want to demonstrate your versatility. Do you doodle in your spare time, paint landscapes over the weekend, or dabble in digital art? Show them all! The Columbus College of Art and Design values students who can work in different mediums and styles. This doesn't mean you need to be a master in everything, but showing a willingness to experiment and learn can work in your favor.

3. Focus on quality, not quantity

When it comes to your portfolio, less is often more. Instead of packing it with all the artwork you've ever created, handpick a selection that truly represents your best work. Remember, the Columbus College of Art and Design's admissions team is looking for quality—your portfolio should reflect your artistic growth and potential, not just your productivity.

4. Include a thoughtful description for each piece

Each piece in your portfolio tells a story, and you're the best person to tell it. Include a brief description along with each artwork to explain the concept, inspiration, or thought process behind it. This gives the admissions team a glimpse into your creative journey and helps them understand you better as an artist.

So, start gathering and curating your best pieces. With a well-prepared portfolio, you're one step closer to becoming a part of the Columbus College of Art and Design's vibrant community. Next, we'll discuss how to make your application stand out even more with some in-depth research about the college and its programs. Stay tuned!

Research the college and its programs

Knowing about Columbus College of Art and Design is more than just memorizing facts and figures from their website—it's about understanding the school's culture, values, and educational approach. Here's how to go about it:

1. Understand the college's mission and values

The Columbus College of Art and Design is committed to fostering creativity, encouraging personal growth, and inspiring a lifelong passion for the arts. Take some time to understand their mission and values. Reflect on how they align with your own personal and artistic aspirations. This understanding will not only help you make an informed decision but also come handy when you're drafting your application essay.

2. Explore the programs offered

Whether you're interested in graphic design, illustration, or animation, the Columbus College of Art and Design offers a wide range of programs. Make sure to explore each program in detail. Look at the curriculum, the faculty, and the kind of projects students get to work on. This will help you decide which program aligns best with your career goals and interests.

3. Get to know the faculty

The faculty at Columbus College of Art and Design is a mix of practicing artists, experienced educators, and industry professionals. Get to know them. Look at their work, read about their accomplishments, and understand their teaching approach. This will not only give you an insight into what to expect from your professors but also make you feel more connected to the school.

4. Connect with current students or alumni

Who better to tell you about the college than the people who've been there? Reach out to current students or alumni through social media or college forums. Ask them about their experiences, the challenges they faced, and what they love about the college. The insights you gain from these conversations can be invaluable.

Remember, the more you know about Columbus College of Art and Design, the better you can tailor your application to highlight why you'd be a great fit for their community. Up next, we'll talk about the significance of extracurricular activities in your application. Keep reading!

Highlight your extracurricular activities

Extracurricular activities can be a game-changer in your Columbus College of Art and Design application. They shed light on your passions, interests, and your ability to manage time effectively. Here's how to highlight them in your application:

If you've been part of an art club, taken part in community art projects, or have attended art workshops, make sure to include these in your application. These activities show your dedication to art and your eagerness to learn beyond the classroom. Don't forget to mention the skills you've picked up along the way—maybe you've learned to work with new materials or mastered a complex design software.

2. Showcase Leadership Roles

Whether you were the president of the drama club, the captain of your high school soccer team, or the editor of the school newspaper, leadership roles are worth mentioning. They demonstrate your ability to take initiative, manage people, and contribute to the success of a team—skills that Columbus College of Art and Design values in its students.

While art-related activities are crucial, non-art related activities also have a place in your application. Maybe you volunteered at a local shelter or ran a marathon for charity. These activities show your commitment to the community and your ability to balance multiple interests, which can make you a well-rounded candidate for Columbus College of Art and Design.

4. Highlight Achievements

Have you won an art competition or received an award for your volunteer work? Don't be modest about your achievements. They validate your skills and commitment, and give the admissions committee at Columbus College of Art and Design a reason to take notice.

Remember, it's not just about listing your activities. It's about demonstrating your passion, commitment, and the unique qualities you'll bring to Columbus College of Art and Design. Now that we've covered this, let's move on to some tips on applying early for admission and scholarships. Stay tuned!

Apply early for admission and scholarships

Applying early to Columbus College of Art and Design can make a big difference. Not only will it show your keen interest in the college, but it can also help you secure scholarships. Here's how to do it right:

1. Understand the Deadlines

First things first—know your deadlines. Columbus College of Art and Design has specific dates for application submission. Missing these dates can cost you your admission, so mark your calendar, set reminders, and make sure you submit your application on time.

2. Look for Scholarships

Next, look for scholarships. Columbus College of Art and Design offers numerous scholarships for incoming students based on their portfolio, academic achievement, and financial need. These scholarships can significantly reduce your tuition costs, so make sure to apply for as many as you qualify for.

3. Gather Your Documents

Applying early means gathering all necessary documents ahead of time. This includes your high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and of course, your art portfolio. Start preparing these documents early to avoid last-minute stress.

4. Complete the FAFSA

Don't forget to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is essential for securing financial aid, and the sooner you submit it, the better your chances of receiving aid.

Remember, applying early shows Columbus College of Art and Design that you're serious about your art education. So why wait? Start preparing your application now, and you'll be one step closer to your dream art college. Up next, we'll discuss the benefits of attending an open house or tour at Columbus College of Art and Design. Stay tuned!

Attend an open house or tour

Going for an open house or campus tour at Columbus College of Art and Design can provide valuable insights into campus life, resources, and facilities. Here are a few tips to make the most of your visit:

1. Plan Your Visit

First off, plan your visit. Check out the Columbus College of Art and Design website for scheduled open houses or tours. Pick a date that works best for you. A well-planned visit ensures you have ample time to explore and ask questions.

2. Explore the Campus

During your visit, make sure to explore the campus. Walk around, check out the classrooms, studios, labs, and other facilities. This will give you a better idea of where you'll be spending your time as a student.

3. Interact with Current Students

Interacting with current students can provide a realistic perspective of the college. Ask them about their experiences, the programs, faculty, and even the food! It's a great way to get honest feedback about the Columbus College of Art and Design.

4. Attend the Information Session

Most open houses or tours include an information session. Make sure you attend this as it will provide in-depth information about the college, its programs, admission process, and scholarships.

Visiting the Columbus College of Art and Design can be an enlightening experience that can help you make an informed decision about your admission. So go ahead, plan your visit and discover what makes this college a great place for budding artists. In the next section, we'll talk about the importance of highlighting your extracurricular activities during your application process. So stay tuned!

If you found the "5 Tips: Columbus College Art & Design Admissions" blog post helpful and are considering pursuing a Masters in Fine Art, be sure to check out the workshop 'Applying for Your MFA (Masters in Fine Art)' by Ciarra K. Walters. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and guidance on how to navigate the MFA application process and increase your chances of success.