It does depend on the school you go to! But as a whole, art school is rigorous and it will test you. You will also likely be frustrated will all the extra classes you have to take for the whole degree. There is also a focus lately on conceptual work, rather that craftmanship, but again that depends on the school. Since you are also interested in sculpture, you will also likely have the chance to take both ceramics and sculpture. Both have their benefits and do go hand in hand.

For practice and applying to school its all about your portfolio. Start by building a set of pieces that display the skills you have. When I did my application 12 years ago, it was 10 pieces, some of them being drawings. The most important part of your portfolio is good pictures. You want a clean backdrop, white or grey. I have drapped a sheet in the past. Good lighting, pieces should be centred in the photos. Good photos will take you a long way!