Written exclusively for college-bound students interested in the creative arts, this updated guide addresses the unique concerns of students pursuing an education in acting, art, dance, music, and writing. Everything students need to know about deciding which type of program is the best for them is included—from taking standardized tests and filing for financial aid to focusing on specific needs such as preparing for auditions and creating artistic portfolios. More than 125 art, drama, dance, music, and creative writing programs in arts conservatories, liberal arts colleges, and universities are profiled with such critical information as degrees offered, concentrations, faculty information, cost of attendance, scholarship availability, and alumni accomplishments. Also included are day-in-the-life snapshots of students, frequently asked questions, sample admission essays, and tips from faculty.
Elaina Loveland is the author of Creative Colleges: A Guide for Student Actors, Artists, Dancers, Musicians, and Writers and Creative Careers: A Guide for Aspiring Actors, Artists, Dancers, Musicians, and Writers. She has been a professional writer and editor since 1999.
Elaina grew up in upstate New York and discovered her two greatest passions in life--the arts and writing--at an early age. Elaina began dancing at age five and started writing short stories at age 11. As a teenager, Elaina performed in several classical ballets. When Elaina began her college search in ninth grade, she wanted to find a perfect fit that had both writing and dance programs. Her search led her to study English and dance at Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland. An artist at heart, Elaina has also taken opera lessons and studied sculpture. Elaina did not ultimately pursue a professional dance career--she followed her interest in writing instead.
Elaina also earned a master's degree in English at George Mason University and has taught college English courses as an adjunct instructor at several higher education institutions. She has also taught ballet to children and continues to take ballet, jazz, and modern dance classes.
As an independent journalist, Elaina has written for numerous magazines, including Adjunct Advocate, American Careers, Dance Teacher, Dance Spirit, Hispanic Outlook on Higher Education, International Educator, Military Officer, Pointe, and U.S. News and World Report's annual college guide, among others.
