Why emphasize arts, theatre, etc when looking at colleges?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m not some kind of uncultured Neanderthal, I’m really not, but I find it a bit strange when I see parents focusing on the strength of this or that school’s art/theatre/music/dance programs. I get it, your kid is good at art, wants to stay with it, but come on. Unless you are loaded and the kid will never have to worry about supporting himself or herself, who cares about the quality of the art programming? It’s a nice hobby and a nice side benefit of going to college, but to prioritize it seems impractical to me. It’s hard for me to relate to. It’s like choosing a college based on how good the sports team is. Who cares? The point of college athletics is to use it to get into college, not to be a member of a team that had a 10-4 record rather than 8-6.

What am I missing?

Ahhh, the arts troll is back. Every few weeks this surfaces. Every time, those of us who make our living in the arts explain and validate the field as a vocation and enrichment. So, having done this dance numerous times, I have to think that this is a troll at this point. Or, just another ignorant person who likes to pass judgment on something they know nothing about. Please, give it a rest, Arts Troll.

OP: I have not previously commented on the arts. In fact the topic was provoked by a comment in the Wesleyan Davidson W&M thread where the kid was potentially going to go to Wes because of drama or something like that. And it just felt like the tail was wagging the dog. Like the priority should be the career goal and the art stuff should be secondary (esp since each of the schools probably has acceptable offerings)… I am not anti-art but these schools are EXPENSIVE and I really was struggling to relate to the emphasis on studies/activities that normally have minimal payoff. I wasn’t really criticizing it, just trying to understand what people were thinking.

I think as a baseline the understanding is that all three of those schools will provide equally great opportunities, so yeah, then you start looking at other things. No one is saying, oh should I go to Davidson or [name generic universally acknowledged not great academic institution], let me compare the arts scene at both schools.

I encourage my kids to pursue the arts so they don't grow up to be quite so . . . literal.

[Anonymous]

I couldn't continue with my sport in college and found the dance company. That was such an important part of my college experience b/c it gave me a physical and creative outlet that was the antidote to my stressful STEM classes. I completely understand why it's important.

My DC is limiting college choices to those that have a specific club activity. While I'd like them to have all the options available, I respect their opinion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I couldn't continue with my sport in college and found the dance company. That was such an important part of my college experience b/c it gave me a physical and creative outlet that was the antidote to my stressful STEM classes. I completely understand why it's important.

My DC is limiting college choices to those that have a specific club activity. While I'd like them to have all the options available, I respect their opinion.

+1 there are so many colleges that could be viable options for any particular kid. You have to narrow the field in some way. Arts or other club opportunities are no less reasonable than preferences for particular geographic regions or urban or rural settings.

[Anonymous]

I actually wish I HAD given more thought to the activity I wanted in school when making application decisions, as at the end of my decision making, I only had 2 choices with that activity (5 acceptances from 7 applications). Granted, I wasn't unhappy with my choices, and I got into one of my top tier schools where I could participate. Again, just wish it had been more a part of my process, as it was a huge part of my college experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m not some kind of uncultured Neanderthal, I’m really not, but I find it a bit strange when I see parents focusing on the strength of this or that school’s art/theatre/music/dance programs. I get it, your kid is good at art, wants to stay with it, but come on. Unless you are loaded and the kid will never have to worry about supporting himself or herself, who cares about the quality of the art programming? It’s a nice hobby and a nice side benefit of going to college, but to prioritize it seems impractical to me. It’s hard for me to relate to. It’s like choosing a college based on how good the sports team is. Who cares? The point of college athletics is to use it to get into college, not to be a member of a team that had a 10-4 record rather than 8-6.

What am I missing?

I'm a product of accelerated BS-MD program and I feel like I missed out on an wholesome education. Imho people who don't value arts, theater, philosophy and anthropology, need it more than ones who do.