Applying to a school such as Juilliard requires a different competitive edge than applying to one like Harvard, because the goal of selective art and music colleges is to admit students with extraordinary talent. It won't matter if you have a stellar academic record — if you don't stand out in the fine arts, you won't make it in.
Examine the evidence
To start, your application essay probably won't be the thing that sways the admission committee. Most professional art and music colleges require evidence of your talent, skill, or ability. Thus, you should expect to provide that proof via an audition or a portfolio of your best work.
Check each school's requirements carefully, as each one may have different requirements. For example, they may accept only a certain amount of submitted artwork, or you may be able to send in a videotape in lieu of a live audition. Make sure you know what's expected and prepare accordingly.
Talent matters
Your admission to a competitive fine arts school will be based, in part, upon review of traditional criteria such as your grade point average, level of coursework, test scores, essays, and interviews. However, for most professional colleges, the evaluation of your portfolio or your audition will supersede the review of all other criteria for admission.
Author: Amy Ambler
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