College is killing me

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Hey Guys I have been lurking around this site for a while. When I stumbled on this thread I knew I have to post. So here it is, I will be a senior in high school this coming fall, and that means applying to schools! Yeah not so fun because I am completely out of my element. What I mean by that is A) this whole college process is confusing to me (small brain j/k) and B) I want to go to a liberal art college has good art programs but I really don't know what I should be looking for. So can you guys help me out? that would be awesome. If it helps I think I want to go for illustration

[Storyboard Dave]

Have you even approached the counselor in your high school?

Isn't there someone there that helps students start looking at colleges? Lord knows colleges and univerisities send out enough printed materials to all high school counselors to entice them to look.

Think about ultimately where you could see your own style of artwork and see how some of your idols achieved their goals.

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Sorry I didn't say that i have been to my counselor.....and she has helped but i would like and artist perspective

[Storyboard Dave]

A question though- is there a particular reason you want to go to a liberal arts college as opposed to a full blown art college?

As far as looking into colleges, my suggestion would be to start looking at colleges and their websites. See what kind of work is being produced there. It should intimidate you to a certain degree but that's alright- it just means that they teach something you should want to strive for. If the student work looks ho-hum and blase, why would you want to go there? You're going to college for a challenge!

See who's teaching there as well. See if they're working artists and not people who just preach theory without any practicality. You will be relying on these people to bring you what's up to date in the industry you plan on getting into after graduation.

Have your counselor get you as many of these schools' catalogs.

Once you have a "feel" as far as which schools interests you, I'd highly suggest physically visiting the school. See what the facilities are like. Do they have up-to-date computers, decent work areas, student housing, parking, a bookstore, and any sort of campus life. Walk around with their admissions person and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Find out where their recent grads are working. Don't settle for a percentage number. "We've placed 90% of our graduates into the workforce" could also mean that 60% are flipping burgers, 20% are waiting tables, and only 15% have menial jobs in their selected fields. AND while you're at it- see where some of their prominent alums are working and if you could contace them and ask about their experiences at the school. A school's alumni base is one of the most overlooked and valuable resources for you finding work beyond college.

One of my favorite resources to look at some very prominent and established art schools is: http://www.aicad.org/

Good luck!