Future Students How to Prepare Back to top

How to Prepare

Violinist, Photo by Natalie Fiol

College can take your talent to the next level. A smart approach to gaining knowledge and building skills before you arrive on campus can help set you up for success.

First-Year Student Admission
Start Early

Take classes in high school that challenge you and give you a broad background in lab sciences, math, social sciences, cultures, languages, and communication. Enroll in classes in your area of interest that are offered at your high school. Be curious, dedicated, and enthusiastic about learning: this is vital for creative thinkers.

Practice

Keep a sketchbook. Play your instrument. Become a character. Whatever you do, practice, practice, practice!

Get Involved

Get involved in organizations, sports, clubs, and performances at your high school or in your community. You'll meet a diverse range of people, and you'll discover other abilities to help you succeed as an artist, designer, or performer. Broaden your perspective by volunteering to make your neighborhood or community stronger. Seek an internship to sample careers you may enjoy most. If you have a hard time finding activities and groups at your school or in your community, participate in virtual programs or classes.

Explore the College of Fine and Applied Arts Offerings

Attend a summer program at Illinois: Discover Architecture, the FAA Summer Intensive, or Illinois Summer Youth Music. Enter our Discover FAA High School Competition to test your talents and get a chance to win a scholarship.

Visit the College of Fine and Applied Arts

During spring 2022 we will have FAA Fridays on campus. Register today! We also offer a wide range of virtual events with information for all prospective students. This is a great option for those unable to visit in person.

Reach Out

Talk to your teachers, meet with your high school counselor, and attend college fairs and events. Develop an action plan! Of course don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to help you find your place in the arts.

Know the Admissions Requirements and Deadlines

Make sure you know the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign admissions requirements, keep track of application deadlines, and get prepared for the talent requirement for majors in the School of Art and Design, the Department of Dance, the School of Music, and the Department of Theatre.

Ready to Apply

Submit an application through the myIllini application, the Coalition for College, or the Common App. Don't forget to finish your second-step talent requirement if you are applying to a major in the School of Art and Design, the Department of Dance, the School of Music, or the Department of Theatre. Your application is not complete until you have participated in the audition, interview, and/or portfolio process.

Apply Today!

Transfer Students
FAA Advisors

We encourage you to consult with an FAA advisor as early as possible in your community college career so that you can map out a course plan. Some of our degree programs rely on a series of courses that must be taken in order, while others may have a list of suggested classes to take before transferring.

Transfer Handbook

It's important to consult the Transfer Handbook when considering your transfer options to ensure you meet specific course and GPA requirements. Our handbook provides required and recommended course sequences, with transfer prerequisite requirements listed in bold red italics. Compare the recommended courses against your potential transfer credits. Information is subject to change and doesn't constitute a contract between you and Illinois. View the FAA Transfer Handbook.

Transferology

Transfer course equivalencies help you determine what courses transfer to Illinois, while planning guides show you how your transfer credit can be used in an Illinois program of study. Note that these things don't constitute a contract between you and Illinois and that transfer credit for courses focused on art and design skills are subject to an audition and placement exam or portfolio review. Learn what transfers at Transferology.

Articulation Programs

FAA offers articulation agreements for some majors with specific junior colleges:

Parkland College: Parkland Pathway to Illinois

College of DuPage to Illinois School of Architecture

Ready to Apply

Check out the application deadlines and requirements. Don't forget to complete the talent requirement if you're applying to a program in the School of Art and Design, the Department of Dance, the School of Music, or the Department of Theatre. The Applying to FAA page has details.

Financing Your Education

Are you interested in the environmental arts, performing arts, or visual arts—or all three? See what you can do in the College of Fine and Applied Arts.

Request FAA Info