Arts Extracurriculars for High School Students
Explore music, visual arts, creative writing, theater, film, and journalism opportunities for high school students. Arts extracurriculars demonstrate creativity, discipline, and unique perspectives valued by colleges.
Arts Program Categories
- Music Programs: Youth orchestras, conservatories, competitive ensembles, summer music festivals
- Visual Arts: Scholastic Art Awards, gallery exhibitions, photography, digital design
- Creative Writing: Iowa Young Writers' Studio, literary magazines, journalism programs
- Theater & Film: Jimmy Awards, student film competitions, drama programs
- Journalism: School newspapers, AAJA journalism camps, editorial competitions
Building a Strong Arts Profile
Depth and external recognition matter most. Sustained commitment to one or two artistic disciplines with demonstrated growth, competition awards, or published work creates the most compelling arts profile for college applications.