As you guide your students through the college search process, I hope you will consider the unique opportunities Purchase College offers for those with creative passions—whether or not they seek a conservatory education.
At Purchase, we provide world-class conservatory training in the arts, but creativity extends far beyond the conservatory—it’s woven into the fabric of our entire campus culture.
Many of our students, including those pursuing majors like Psychology, Communications, or Environmental Studies, are drawn to Purchase for its open, collaborative atmosphere that fosters creative thinking and academic exploration. Our Liberal Arts programs allow students to explore interdisciplinary interests and embody our motto to “think wide open,” without requiring portfolios or auditions.
Regardless of major, students often describe being drawn to Purchase for its “vibe”—an experimental, supportive environment where artistic freedom and collaboration thrive. It’s an ideal setting for students who value creativity both in and outside the classroom where we encourage all students to get involved and pursue their passions within our diverse, inclusive community.
The admissions team and I are here to assist you and your students throughout the admissions process. Thank you for your partnership in guiding creative thinkers toward their future.
Warm regards,
Caitlin Read Dean of Enrollment Management Purchase College
And that’s regardless of major. We describe creative applicants as those who may go beyond traditional arts careers and includes any student drawn to environments that foster imagination, innovation, and interdisciplinary exploration.
It’s the Community
We have strong programs in the liberal arts and sciences that routinely draw culturally aware and creatively curious students because of the nature of our community. Your students who may be artists, musicians, dancers, and theatre kids but don’t necessarily want to pursue the arts professionally may fit right in because of the community—creative, collaborative, non-judgmental, and inclusive.
Our community welcomes students who freely express themselves authentically and unapologetically and those who are good with that.
Creative Applicants Are…
These students have dedicated significant time to honing their skills in areas like acting, music, dance, or fine arts and plan to apply to conservatory programs that require a talent review.
They seek advanced, structured training to further develop their artistic abilities in our BFA programs.Structured like a BFA, the Creative Writing BA also requires talent assessment.
These applicants may not focus on fine arts but are drawn to creative industries like film, digital media, journalism, or advertising, where they can merge creativity with technology or communication. Or they may be interested in the arts in a broader liberal arts context without the rigor of a singular focus.
These students use their creative mindset to bridge disciplines, often pursuing hybrid careers by blending areas such as arts and sciences or media and business. They are interested in programs that allow for interdisciplinary study and innovation.
These students thrive in environments where artistic expression and collaboration are encouraged. They seek a school with a creative and inclusive culture that inspires and challenges them through peer interaction.
While their major might lie elsewhere, these students are eager to continue exploring their creative passions in extracurricular activities like theater, music ensembles, visual arts clubs, or student publications.
Questions You May Have
BFA and MusB degrees are professional conservatory training programs in the arts. They’re rigorous, demanding, and require talent assessment for admission.
BA and BS degrees generally do not require additional talent assessment. The exceptions are the Creative Writing BA and the Visual Arts BS.
The Visual Arts BS blends a studio concentration (Painting and Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, or Sculpture) with half of required credits to be earned in areas outside of the the visual arts. Many BSVA students do add a major or minor outside of Art+Design. This freedom offers students access to the full range of programs at Purchase College.
Purchase offers two more BS programs—Biology and Communications. The BS is the only option in Communications.
The BS in Biology differs from the BA only in the number of upper level biology courses required; the BS requires a few more. Both majors offer the same optional concentrations.
Students may not double major in BFA and MusB programs. The schedules and workloads are incredibly demanding.
The Visual Arts BSVA does offer more flexibility, as it combines a visual arts studio concentration and course selection outside of the visual arts.
Those majoring in conservatory programs may add a second major—a BA or BS—in the liberal arts or sciences. Those students will be pursuing two degrees, so they will be required to complete the degree requirements for each, meaning they will need to complete two capstone/senior projects.
Those pursuing two majors yet working toward a single degree, such as two BA majors, need only complete a single senior project.
Students applying to Art+Design majors can attend portfolio prep webinars and one-on-one portfolio reviews with faculty members when they’re ready to apply.
However, we do encourage students with strong scores to share them. We commit to evaluating each student holistically, and they can serve to help paint a complete picture.
Think Wide Open Submission
Our Think Wide Open assignment is optional as well, however it does provide a unique opportunity to provide dimension to your students’ application materials, to share a perspective we might not see otherwise.
It can be especially instructive for those students not required to complete a talent assessment, yet whose creativity and viewpoints deserve a platform.
The Financial Aid process can be daunting, especially for first-generation college students. We offer resources for all students and families, such as:
Our EOP and ACE | Purchase programs serve those students who show promise but may lack the resources or support to achieve their greatest potential in high school.
Cornerstone Connect is a fee-based comprehensive service offered to college-ready, self-motivated students seeking support in executive functioning growth and social skill building.
Applications are reviewed on a first come, first served basis.
Ready For a Visit?
We Visit You
Our counselors have you covered. They’re ready to assist wherever you’re sitting currently.
While it may be true of many campuses, it’s especially true here—you must visit Purchase to experience the vibe here.
We welcome you to schedule our Guidance Counselor Experience tour complete with the opportunity to meet with Deans and Directors of our academic programs.
Check back soon to request a Guidance Counselor Experience Tour.
Every year, we also offer Counselor Day, a full day of workshops and information sessions. Check back soon for this year’s date.
We offer a limited number of group visits to campus each semester for high school juniors and seniors.
Please check back for our Spring 2025 request form.
