Getting into Harvard's Art Program?

Hey everyone! I'm really interested in pursuing art at a top-tier university, and I've had my eye on the art program at Harvard. Can someone give me an overview of what I can expect from it and any tips on making my application extra competitive for their art program?

Hello! It's awesome that you're interested in studying art at a top-tier university like Harvard. As for the art program at Harvard, it falls under the Department of Art, Film, and Visual Studies (AFVS). The department offers three undergraduate concentrations: studio arts, and film/video making, and film and visual studies.

The AFVS program at Harvard is known for its interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to explore a wide range of visual art media and practices. You should expect a mix of studio courses, theory-based courses, and art history courses, which altogether will give you a more comprehensive understanding of the subject. Additionally, the Carpenter Center for Visual Arts provides state-of-the-art facilities for students to create, learn, and engage with the artistic community.

Now, on to making your application competitive. Harvard is looking for students who are not only academically strong but also have a demonstrated passion for their chosen field. Here are a few tips you can follow to enhance your application:

1. Strong portfolio: Dedicate time to creating an outstanding portfolio showcasing your best and most diverse artwork. This is a crucial component of your application, as it shows admissions officers your dedication and talent.

2. Relevant extracurricular activities: Participate in art-related extracurriculars, like joining a school or community art club, volunteering in art workshops or programs, or organizing an art exhibition. These activities will underline your enthusiasm for the field.

3. Awards and recognition: Compete in art competitions or submit your work to exhibitions to gain awards, recognition, and experience. This helps establish your prowess as an artist and makes your application stand out.

4. Letters of recommendation: Ensure you obtain letters from at least one art teacher or mentor who can speak to your artistic abilities and dedication. These testimonials will demonstrate your passion and potential in art to the admissions committee.

5. Personal statement: In your personal statement, try to illustrate your connection to art and how it has shaped your life, goals, and identity. Share any unique experiences or personal stories that make you stand out as an applicant. You can read more about how to tackle your personal statement on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-common-application-essays/.

6. Supplemental essays: Your Harvard-specific supplemental essays are a great opportunity to go beyond explaining why you want to study art in general, and show why you want to do so at Harvard specifically. You can read more about how to write strong responses to Harvard's supplemental prompts on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-harvard-university-essays/.

7. Emphasize your "spike": As Harvard and other top-tier colleges appreciate applicants with a well-developed specialty, make sure to emphasize your "spike" in art throughout your application, as well as particular aspects of your approach or goals as an artist that will set you apart from even other artistically talented applicants.

Remember that while the art program is important, Harvard uses a holistic admissions approach, so it's crucial to maintain a strong academic profile overall. Best of luck as you pursue your passion for art at Harvard!