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How Art Can Help Your Child Get Into College (and Win Scholarships!)

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By: Team MorningSun Art
Published: March 6, 2025

When parents think about college applications, they often focus on grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities. But one powerful, often-overlooked asset can help students stand out: art skills.

Whether your child dreams of an art-related career or is pursuing an entirely different field, having a strong creative portfolio can make a real difference in college admissions—and even open the door to scholarships.

Here’s how art can give your child a competitive edge in higher education and beyond.

1. Colleges Value Creativity—Even in Non-Art Majors

Many parents assume that an art portfolio only matters for students applying to art schools. That’s not true. Creativity is a highly sought-after skill in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), business, and even law and medicine.

In fact, a report from the World Economic Forum listed creativity as one of the top skills employers will demand in the future. Schools know this and actively seek applicants who demonstrate original thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Example: A student applying for an engineering degree who also submits a portfolio of product designs, architectural sketches, or 3D modeling projects shows admissions officers they have a unique, well-rounded perspective.

2. Art Scholarships Can Help Cut College Costs

One of the biggest benefits of strong artistic skills is the opportunity for scholarships—even for students who don’t plan to major in art. Many universities, private organizations, and arts foundations offer funding for students with exceptional artistic ability.

For example:

• • ✅ The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards offer scholarships for young artists.
• • ✅ The National YoungArts Foundation provides funding and mentorship for talented creatives.
• • ✅ Many state and local arts councils offer scholarships to students with outstanding portfolios.

Tip: Even general academic scholarships sometimes offer bonus points for creative portfolios. A compelling art submission can help your child win merit-based awards, reducing tuition costs.

3. An Art Portfolio Can Make a College Application Stand Out

Thousands of students apply to competitive colleges each year. A strong art portfolio is a secret weapon that sets an application apart.

Colleges look for students who bring something unique to campus culture—whether through leadership, talent, or personal expression. A well-crafted portfolio demonstrates dedication, creativity, and discipline—qualities that admissions officers love.

Example: Imagine two students applying for a competitive psychology program. One submits the standard essay and transcripts. The other includes a portfolio of neuroscience-inspired digital art or a visual journal analyzing human emotions. Who will stand out?

Even if art isn’t a student’s intended major, showcasing creative projects helps demonstrate their depth, personality, and passion—all things admissions officers value.

4. Art Demonstrates Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

Art isn’t just about making things look good—it requires deep analysis, creative problem-solving, and resilience.

According to research published in the journal Thinking Skills and Creativity, students engaged in artistic activities develop higher-order thinking abilities that improve performance in math, science, and analytical writing.

Example: A student who creates detailed storyboards, digital illustrations, or architectural blueprints is showcasing their ability to:

• • ✅ Solve problems visually
• • ✅ Think through complex ideas
• • ✅ Communicate effectively through design
    
    

These skills translate directly into success in any academic field.

5. Art Helps Students Excel in College Interviews & Essays

A great college essay tells a compelling personal story. Having artistic experiences and projects gives students rich material to draw from when writing essays or answering interview questions.

Example: Instead of writing a generic essay about "perseverance," a student could tell the story of how they spent months perfecting a complex painting, overcoming frustration, and learning resilience in the process.

This type of storytelling makes applications more engaging, memorable, and authentic—qualities that make admissions officers take notice.

Final Thoughts - Creativity Opens Doors to the Future

Encouraging your child’s artistic development isn’t just about nurturing their talent—it’s about setting them up for success in education and beyond.

• • Art skills make college applications stand out
• • Creative portfolios help secure scholarships
• • Visual thinking is valued across all industries
    
    

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