How Do I Choose the Best College for Performing Arts?

There is no single best college for performing arts, and students will have many choices to consider. Some things to evaluate when assessing programs are the reputation of the college in the student’s area of specialty and the likelihood of being accepted. Whether the school offers additional learning opportunities, its location, and the cost of attendance are important, too.

The reputation of a college for performing arts is comprised of several factors. It first means that professionals in music, dance, or theater may be more likely to hire or be excited about the students who have graduated from the school. They expect a specific competence level from them.

One way to measure this aspect of reputation is to evaluate the professional success of graduates. Applicants can also base their appraisal on the resumes of professors, and the involvement of outside professionals in the school. This inquiry into reputation should only evaluate the student’s area of focus. A college for performing arts doesn’t necessarily have equally strong programs.

Talking to present attendees and graduates is another way to determine a school’s reputation, and find out how well artistic goals are supported. Applicants should ask for opportunities to meet students before they tour a school. Looking online may help garner opinions about a college’s programs, too.

A realistic appraisal of the likelihood of getting into the most reputed schools should additionally inform choice. Only a handful of very gifted students get into the most reputed colleges, and they often already possess impressive resumes and skill. Applicants with less experience might want to apply to a college for performing arts, or more than one, with more flexible admission standards. It should be emphasized that application to several colleges is likely to increase the chances of being accepted.

Sometimes a college for performing arts is only a part of a larger school. This may appeal to some applicants because it allows students to complete a double major with a more practical, “employable” focus in the second major. Since the performing arts are intrinsically competitive, a second major might help avoid joblessness at a later point.

The idea of cost is directly related to the issue of competition in performing arts fields. Very expensive schools requiring extensive student loans may leave students with little chance for employment and huge debts. There are very good colleges for the performing arts attached to state schools or lower cost private schools. These are better choices for many applicants.

Another area that might be considered is the location of a college for performing arts. This matters because studying in regions where there is strong appreciation for the performing arts may help lead to employment after school. On the other hand, there are good schools that are located in places from which people will need to relocate after graduating to find work. When making choices, students can weigh a college’s location versus reputation to determine which options are the best.