What Colleges Want to Know: Showcasing Yourself as an Artist
Schools often require visual and performing arts applicants to submit a general resume, artistic resume, repertoire list, and in some cases an artist statement, one-minute video introduction, and a headshot. Even when these materials are an optional requirement, supply them! This reveals your dedication to your art, your specific experience, and your organizational skills. Here’s a brief overview of these materials:
Resume
A general resume gives an overall impression of who you are as a person, your interests, and your experience. This document lists basic information (name, address, email, phone, and website), your high school, work and volunteer experience, extracurricular activities, as well as any honors or awards. Here’s an example of a resume that can be used for college applications.
Artistic resume
This specialized resume differs, depending on whether you are specializing in the visual or performing arts. In general, an artistic resume gives the admissions or audition committee a quick glance at your experience as an artist, musician, dancer, or actor. This resume typically includes:
Basic information
Private teacher(s) and/or agent
List of recitals, exhibitions, or productions
Ensemble or repertory experience
Workshops, classes, and masterclasses
Credentials in your field
Related work or volunteer experience
Repertoire list
As an instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, or actor, you provide details of the works you have studied. These can be formatted in different ways, depending on your field and level of experience. Sometimes the list can be included in the artistic resume. Here is an example of a repertoire list that can be used for college applications and auditions.
Artist statement
This varies by school, but generally you must write an essay about your goals or interests as an artist and your reasons for applying to the school.
No matter what, it is critical to be clear and truthful and to write and present your material concisely. Also, think carefully about what you include and cull what is most representative of your artistic experience and talents.
