Elizabeth LaScala

10/14/2025

Founded in 1826 in Baltimore, Maryland, the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is the oldest continuously operating art school in the U.S. This private, independent college of art and design advertises itself as being at the “heart of East Coast arts” because the campus is central to Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, DC. Thanks to a blend of adaptive reuse and new construction, MICA has one of the most eclectic campuses you will ever see, including the conversion of a major Baltimore railroad station to studios, classrooms and offices. This is a residential urban campus, housing 88 percent of the undergraduates in college-owned or affiliated housing.

Read the full college profile:

Founded in 1826 in Baltimore, Maryland, the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is the oldest continuously operating art school […]

09/25/2025

Depending on how your high school treats Advanced Placement (AP) classes, an AP course can be worth a full grade higher than the regular track course (that’s how some students push their GPAs beyond the ‘perfect’ 4.0!). And even if your high school does not inflate AP grades, many college admissions offices do it for you.

Continue reading here:

By Elizabeth LaScala, PhD Depending on how your high school treats Advanced Placement (AP) classes, an AP course can be […]

09/10/2025

In the Fall 2025 issue of my College Admissions Newsletter for high school students, I explore the pros and cons of AP classes. This issue also features a profile of Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and includes fall planning calendars to help rising juniors and seniors stay on track with their college admissions goals.

Download the newsletter PDF here:
https://www.doingcollege.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Doing-College-and-Beyond-College-Admissions-Newsletter-Fall-2025.pdf

Doing College and Beyond guides college, transfer and graduate school applicants through the complex world of admissions. We help students choose majors and programs of interest, develops best match college lists, offers personalized essay coaching, and tools and strategies to help students tackle each step of the admissions process with confidence and success. We help students from all backgrounds to maximize scholarship opportunities and financial aid awards. Visit my website (https://www.doingcollege.com/) to learn more.

08/21/2025

Located in Boston, Wentworth Institute of Technology attracts a promising B+ student who is curious about business, design, or technology and ready for rigorous coursework.

Wentworth appears to admit more on potential than actual numbers, with an acceptance rate currently at 85%. The average GPA for the class that entered last year was 3.5. Potential might be defined by grades, but it can also be evidenced by engagement in extracurricular activities such as robotics or drawing contests. Test-optional is truly test optional at Wentworth and only one-third of the students who entered last year submitted SAT scores, though test scores will be considered for those who submit them.

Continue Reading:

By Elizabeth LaScala, PhD Located in Boston, Wentworth Institute of Technology attracts a promising B+ student who is curious about […]

08/05/2025

Just like an undergraduate degree, postgraduate degrees come at a cost. Here, I’ll talk about some ways to finance your MFA. If you want to think outside the box, consider thinking outside the US! I include some affordable international art schools in the sidebar.

Continue reading here:

By Elizabeth LaScala, PhD Just like an undergraduate degree, postgraduate degrees come at a cost. Here, I’ll talk about some […]

07/15/2025

If you are at the stage where you are considering an MFA, I’ll bet you’re pretty sure that you like art and are good at it. But do you need an MFA? MFA programs only consider artists who can provide a portfolio that demonstrates their skill and commitment to their craft. So if you have skill and commitment already, why do you need an MFA? Here are four reasons why an MFA might be the right choice for you.

Continue reading:

By Elizabeth LaScala, PhD If you are at the stage where you are considering an MFA, I’ll bet you’re pretty […]

07/02/2025

In the July 2025 issue of my Graduate and Professional School Admissions Newsletter, I explore the Master of Fine Arts degree and why it can be essential for artists in my article, “Four Reasons to Get Your MFA.” I also share practical tips on financing art school. Read the issue here:
https://mailchi.mp/doingcollege/grad-prof-newsletter-1?e=[UNIQID]

A graduate education is increasingly necessary to advance careers, increase income and enjoy employer-sponsored health coverage and retirement plans, and applying successfully for a graduate or professional degree requires careful planning. As Founder of Doing College and Beyond, I provide personalized guidance throughout the graduate and professional degree admissions process, whether you are currently studying at the undergraduate level or are already working in your career. Visit my website to learn more.

If you are at the stage where you are considering an MFA, I’ll bet you’re pretty sure that you like art and are good at it. But do you need an MFA? MFA programs only consider artists who can provide a portfolio that demonstrates their skill and commitment to their craft. So if you have skill and...

06/26/2025

Founded in 1876 as America’s first research university, Johns Hopkins is a school that’s often linked closely with the study of medicine, biomedical engineering or other engineering specialties. Just over 30 percent of Johns Hopkins seniors earn degrees in science or engineering. The university also receives more funding for academic research than any other institution—public or private—in the United States.

Continue reading:

By Elizabeth LaScala, PhD Founded in 1876 as America’s first research university, Johns Hopkins is a school that’s often linked […]

06/17/2025

Choosing a college major can feel overwhelming, and many students share this experience. Nationally, an estimated 12% to 14% of first-year college students enter higher education without having declared a major. One contributing factor is concern about an evolving job market shaped by rapid technological advancements and shifting career landscapes. Beginning college as an undeclared student can offer the opportunity to explore personal interests, identify academic strengths, and become informed about emerging industry trends.

Continue reading here:

By Elizabeth LaScala, PhD Choosing a college major can feel overwhelming, and many students share this experience. Nationally, an estimated […]

06/04/2025

In the Summer 2025 issue of my College Admissions Newsletter for high school students, I explore the benefits of entering college with an undeclared major—highlighting why delaying this decision can be a strategic advantage. This issue also features a profile of Johns Hopkins University and includes summer planning calendars to help rising juniors and seniors stay on track with their college admissions goals.

Download the newsletter PDF here:
https://www.doingcollege.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Doing-College-and-Beyond-College-Admissions-Newsletter-Summer-2025.pdf

05/22/2025

Located in a vibrant city setting, University of Pittsburgh, aka ‘Pitt’, is one of America’s leading research universities. As further evidence of its status in the academic world, the dominant building on Pitt’s campus is the Cathedral of Learning, a 42 story building that is the tallest building on any college campus today.

Read on here:

By Elizabeth LaScala, PhD Located in a vibrant city setting, University of Pittsburgh, aka ‘Pitt’, is one of America’s leading […]

05/13/2025

Medical admission committees want applicants who have demonstrated intelligence, maturity, integrity, a dedication to service, and a commitment to embracing diversity. For example, the AMCAS Primary Application offers you the opportunity to describe up to fifteen activities; presentations, research accomplishments, internships, shadowing, club memberships, leadership roles, honors and awards show medical admission committees how you have lived your life prior to submission of an application. Hence, the nature and depth of your extracurricular activities are significant factors in your admissibility to medical school.

Read on here:

By Elizabeth LaScala, PhD July 9, 2020 Medical admission committees want applicants who have demonstrated intelligence, maturity, integrity, a dedication […]