How to Pursue a Degree in Advertising in the USA?

I'm drawn to the field of advertising and want to study it at a US university. Which schools are known for their advertising programs, and do you have any advice on beefing up my application?

Absolutely, pursuing a degree in advertising can lead to a creative and rewarding career path. A few universities in the US renowned for their advertising programs would be the University of Texas at Austin, University of Florida, Syracuse University, and Michigan State University.

In addition to having a strong academic track record, you will want to demonstrate passion for and knowledge about the industry. Here are a few strategies:

1. Extracurricular Activities: Engage in school clubs or community activities that involve advertising, marketing, or public relations. For example, you could work on marketing for Student Government or a school club.

2. Create a Portfolio: If you can, compile a portfolio of advertising-related work, like flyers or social media campaigns you've created. This can showcase your creativity, initiative, and practical skills.

3. Relevant Coursework: Consider taking classes that highlight your interest in advertising such as communications or graphic design courses. These would demonstrate your commitment to learning skills relevant to the field.

4. Internships and Work Experience: Although it could be a bit challenging to land advertising internships in high school, you could look for positions is related areas such as sales or retail, which can offer transferable insights into customer behavior.

5. Project A Clear Career Direction in Essays: Articulate why you are drawn to advertising and potential career paths within the field. This could show a thoughtful decision-making process and clear professional goals.

Remember, ideally, the colleges to which you're applying will want to see your 'spike'—a particular area (in this case, Advertising) where you've shown exceptional focus and achievement, rather than a general well-rounded application. Best of luck on your journey to studying advertising!