This investigation examined students attending U.S. and Canadian visual and performing arts secondary schools for distinguishing personality characteristics, locus of control, acceptance of talents, labeling, family dynamics, anxiety levels, perceived personal and school problems, and views of peers, artists/teachers, and counselors. One hundred ninety one participants in eighth through twelveth grade completed a demographic information questionnaire, Rotter's Generalized Expectancies for Internal versus External Control of Reinforcement, Myers Briggs Type Indicator (form F), and the Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results indicated the majority of the students were first or second born children with close parental relationships in moderate income families. Generally, the students considered themselves healthy, watched little television, and viewed other students as supportive and friendly. Respondents regarded perceived differences as positive. Arts students had a more intuitive orientation and higher anxiety than other adolescents. The results produce a profile of a typical arts student. Implications of the study emphasized the recognition of anxiety levels in this population and the need to orient these students toward self direction. (CK)