[Student Profile]
GPA: 3.6
SAT/ACT: 19
Academic focus/Extracurricular activities: arts, ballet, band, figure skating, interior design, east asian studies
[Prompt & Essay]
At a very young age, I discovered my passion for art and design, one that has stuck with me ever since. There’s nothing I find more exciting than researching and teaching myself new artistic techniques, and I believe I have come far in my abilities as a self taught artist. When I want to learn a new technique or medium, I watch tutorials and practice tirelessly until I feel confident in my understanding.
My high school only offers one art class, and I’ve taken it two times. I learned about art history, then applied those techniques to weekly class projects. But I still craved more. Even in my academic classes, I seek out new ways to apply my artistic ability to school projects, and I spend as much time as I can simply drawing or painting at home. Over time, I realized that this passion is more than a hobby—it’s what I want to pursue as a career.
However, I am still unsure about the exact path I want to take. Westphal’s undeclared arts and design program will allow me to explore my creative interests, especially though the WEST 105: Deciding Design & Media course. Learning about the college’s available majors will give me the best preparation I need to make my final decision regarding what to pursue. The strong guidance and mentorship Westphal provides will absolutely point me towards the right major.
Many of Westphal’s programs interest me, but I find interior design especially intriguing. Specifically, I like how the interior design program offers many opportunities to study abroad, making it possible to learn through travel and experience. I want to understand design not just from an American perspective but a global one. I would love to travel to Seoul, Korea to learn more about the Asian approach to architecture and design. This even connects to my other academic interests.
Outside of art, I have a strong interest in the Asian Studies and Japanese minors. Through the Drexel in Japan: CIEE Tokyo program, I could combine my Westphal Arts & Design major with my interest in Japanese, taking courses for a proper introduction to Asian Art and Japanese Art. Regardless of what I choose to major in, I am impressed by Westphal’s opportunities to study abroad.
I’m also excited by the classes Westphal offers, because I will get to dive deep into my artistic studies even before choosing my major. In the Introductory Drawing class, I refine my current understanding of 2-D art, moving my self-taught techniques into a formal setting. Also, VSST 101: Design I will provide a strong foundation for the rest of my Drexel career, regardless of what major I choose.
I know I want to attend Drexel’s Westphal College for all the reasons listed above and more. I am positive I will thrive in the classrooms and programs at the school, both as an artist and an individual. I know Westphal’s program will guide me towards the major that fits me best, as well as a successful career.