Fine Art School Portfolio Requirements at Various Schools

California College of the Arts -- “An admissions portfolio should consist of ten to fifteen images, in slide format, of your best and most recent work. The work can demonstrate course assignments, personal projects, or work experience.Your portfolio should include work that shows your current interests in a focused series of several images, and additional work that reveals an awareness of formal visual organizational principles and experience with a variety of tools, media, styles, and approaches. We prefer that the majority of drawings submitted in the portfolio be derived from direct observation rather than other sources (such as photographs). Still life, landscape, figure drawings, portrait, perspective, and diagrammatic drawings are all recommended. Further two-, three-, or four-dimensional work may be abstract or representational and may range from design projects to fine art pieces or installation documentation. In color, we are looking for an understanding and control of color relationships; work from color theory courses should be included.”

Maine College of Art -- “A portfolio of original work (recently completed or currently in progress) containing a minimum of five observational drawings based on the figure, landscape and/or still life. A personal interview and portfolio review on campus are viewed as an integral part of the evaluation process for both the applicant and the College.”

Pratt Institute -- “Your visual portfolio should include three pencil drawings from observation including a self-portrait, a pair of shoes or a bicycle, and a still life of your choice. Twelve to 20 examples of any type of recent two- or three-dimensional work should also be submitted. Your visual portfolio should include three pencil drawings from observation including a self-portrait, a pair of shoes or a bicycle, and a still life of your choice. Twelve to 20 examples of any type of recent two- or three-dimensional work should also be submitted. Your work will not be returned. You do not need to mount, mat, or frame your work. You may also include sketchbooks, newsprint pads, and preliminary studies. You should submit your work in slide or in person. Photography applicants are strongly encouraged to submit drawings but are not required and may submit a photography portfolio instead.”

San Francisco Art Institute -- “At SFAI, we recognize that there is no single "right" approach to developing a portfolio. The Admissions committee reviews each portfolio individually and carefully, and we ask you to submit the strongest possible portfolio of your work for consideration for admission. Your portfolio should consist of 15-20 examples of your best and most recent work. The portfolio should be a focused representation of your concepts, visual sensibilities, and technical ability.”

School of the Art Institute of Chicago -- “The portfolio is a collection of work and ideas that best represents your creativity, interests, knowledge and skills. The portfolio you prepare for The School of the Art Institute of Chicago may take a variety of forms. We are interested in how you communicate ideas and make use of processes and materials familiar to you. We also encourage you to take risks and to submit works in which you use materials, processes or form in an inventive way.”

School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston -- “Your portfolio says a great deal about you—it reflects your personality and displays your special talents. That’s why a portfolio review is an important part of the admission process. Your portfolio can take any shape or form. Technical ability may or may not be considered more important than the creative and artistic efforts evident in your portfolio.”
Design Portfolio Requirements at Various Schools

Academy of Art University -- Undergraduate applicants are not required to submit a portfolio, but may do so for possible waiver of foundation or major classes.

Art Center -- “There is no formula for an acceptable portfolio, but you should submit your best, most recent work that represents your personal interests and your abilities.” Portfolio Requirements by Major seen on website.

Center for Creative Studies -- “An acceptable portfolio is one that exhibits technical and conceptual preparation for college-level work at CCS. All portfolios must include a minimum of 10 pieces representing your selected major or areas of strength.”  Specific requirements on website for each major.

Full Sail School -- No information on the website regarding portfolio needs.

Parsons -- “For BFA only all applicants must submit a portfolio consisting of 8 to 12 pieces of work including, but not limited to, drawings, paintings, photographs, digital media, or design. Presentation must be in one of the following formats only: slides, CD-Rom, DVD, VHS, or website. Original artwork will not be accepted. Parsons is not responsible for any original artwork mailed to its address.”

Rhode Island School of Design --“Your portfolio should consist of 12 to 20 examples of any type of two- or three-dimensional work you have completed recently. We suggest that your work reflect your interests, experience and abilities in the arts to date. It may be in any media, may be finished or in sketch form, and may be from an assigned class project or be self directed. Three drawing samples are required of all candidates. Each drawing must be done using graphite pencil on a sheet of white paper measuring 16 x 20"; other drawing materials should not be used. The first drawing must represent a bicycle; the second, an interior or exterior environment; the subject matter for the third drawing is up to the applicant (you may draw any object, subject or situation). You may approach these three drawings in any way you wish. For example, your drawings may be realistic or abstract; you may choose to draw the object alone or place it in a situation; you may draw the whole object or only a portion of it, etc. Each drawing must be signed and dated, and if necessary, should be treated to prevent smudging in handling. Each drawing should be folded in half and half again so that it will fit in your application folder in the Admissions Office. On the outside of each folded drawing print your full name.”

Ringling School of Art & Design -- “Assemble a portfolio that shows us how creative you can be. The Admissions Committee reviews every portfolio individually. We take into consideration the amount and type of art training you've received. Please refer to the instructions online.”

Rochester Institute of Technology -- Required for Art, Design, & American Crafts.  Not required for Photography, film and animation.

School of Visual Arts -- “Advertising, Animation, Cartooning, Computer Art, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design, and Visual and Critical Studies applicants are asked to submit examples of work done in the areas of drawing, painting, and/or sculpture.”
Architecture Portfolio Requirements at Various Schools

 

Boston Architectural Center -- “Although we do not require a design portfolio for admission, we encourage you to submit work that exhibits your abilities. We do, however, require a portfolio if you wish to request transfer credit for studio classes.”
Parsons School of Design -- Has online application and no information about portfolio.
Penn State College of Arts and Architecture -- Has online application and no information about portfolio.
Pratt -- School of Architecture -- Architecture freshmen may submit slides or prints of their work for admissions or have it reviewed in person. 

Taliesin  --  The Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, Scottsdale, AZ --  Submit a portfolio of work demonstrating aptitude and experience in creative endeavors and evidence of graphic, creative design and drawing skills. This portfolio will become part of your permanent file and will not be returned. Freehand sketches, drawings, photographic work or photos of sculpture or crafts are considered appropriate and may be included. A limited number of technical and autographic drawings are necessary to demonstrate your current abilities for architectural drafting. The portfolio should be arranged in a manner easily leafed through and should be no larger than standard letter-size (8.5" x 11"), contained in a binder of the same dimensions. Original materials of any kind, rolls of drawings, slides, video cassettes or portfolios exceeding the dimensional requirements of 8.5" x 11" will NOT be accepted. Materials of this nature may be brought to the School for appraisal by the Admissions Committee should the candidate be approved for a personal interview.
University of Houston -- Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture -- Applicants may send supplementary information that might help influence admission into the college, including evidence of creative efforts in design, drawing, photography, painting or sculpture, letters of recommendation, letters of intent and interest, prizes and awards won, competitive recognition, etc. This information must be presented in an 8 1/2 x 11 inch format and contained in a binder clearly marked with the applicant's name and social security number. Do not send original work, only reproductions. Has a summer program in Architecture for High School Students.
University of Texas at Austin  --  “The School of Architecture recommends that students take high school courses in art/and or drawing, physics and calculus; however, these courses are not required for admission to UT-Austin or to the School of Architecture. The School of Architecture also recommends that students take Advanced Placement (AP) courses if offered in high school.”
University of Washington -- Portfolio -- “Make a binder of 8 1/5 x 11” print outs of work. Select samples carefully. They should show breadth of skill and ability, not necessarily development. The best work in a given media or subject is preferable to a whole range or sequence of works. Organize the portfolio to show work in a supportive and clear format.”

Dance Application Requirements at Various Schools

Ball State -- “Ball State University's Department of Theatre and Dance is a program of choice for the serious undergraduate theatre and dance student. Our nationally recognized degree programs provide quality conservatory-style training in a liberal arts setting, preparing talented students for professional careers or graduate study. Ball State University's dance major admits only a limited number of new students (approximately 15 to 18) each year. Admission is by an on-campus audition or, in certain circumstances, a video audition. The audition is also used for placement in dance technique classes. The audition will last two to three hours. Prospective students must follow the audition guidelines online.”
Julliard Dance Program -- “The vision guiding the training of a Juilliard student is one of creating a "fusion dancer," one who is trained equally in both the centuries-old techniques of the classical ballet and in techniques of the modern dance of our time. Using this preparation of the best from the past and the present, the dancer’s eye and mind are consciously opened to exploring the new possibilities that lie ahead on the choreographic horizon. Audition required: http://www.juilliard.edu/pdf/Dance.pdf”
Kenyon College School of Dance -- “Students learn by doing the jobs of the artists who collaborate to make plays, dances, and films. Some courses concentrate on the arts as they were performed in their historical context; others focus on the work of the artists: the playwright, screenwriter, choreographer, actor, dancer, director, and designer. Almost all courses require, in conjunction with reading and critical writing, the performance of problems and exercises. It is a multi-dimensional, challenging, and rewarding course of study-one that alumni use with great success. No audition necessary.  Sending a tape is optional.”
Skidmore College -- “The mission of the Dance Department is to link critical thinking, analysis, craft, history and creativity with the distinct movement skills derived from studio practice and stage performance. Students are required to work toward proficiency in the particular movement language of Western and/or Eastern dance forms: classical ballet, modern/contemporary dance, jazz dance, and Bharata Naytam (temple dance of India). Students learn to recognize and distinguish the many diverse sources of dance, such as culture (both ancient and pop), mythology, society and nature. Students select a specific area of study within the major: general dance, performance/choreography, or dance history/criticism. The major leads to a bachelor of science degree.”

 

Theater Application Requirements at Various Schools

Ball State University -- Theater and Musical Theater Program Audition Requirement -- An audition is required for admission to the acting, musical theatre, and dance programs. Auditions are NOT required for initial enrollment in the theatrical studies, design and technology, theatre education, and production (directing/stage management) programs, unless you are applying for scholarships. Students may audition before applying for admission or before acceptance to the university.

 Admission is by an on-campus audition or, in certain circumstances, a video audition. Prospective students must follow the audition guidelines online.”

Carnegie Mellon -- the College of Fine Arts -- “You must register for an audition or a portfolio review for Art Design, Drama, or Music.”
Emerson -- “Students schedule auditions by completing the Performing Arts Supplement. Students in non-performance majors must undergo a portfolio review/interview, which are also scheduled by submitting the Performing Arts Supplement.”
Julliard -- Theater program -- “Drama training at Juilliard combines the truthfulness, imaginativeness, and emotional realism of the American tradition in acting to the meticulous attention to physical and vocal technique represented by the European tradition. We offer this integrated program to address the whole artist: you will learn to bring your voice, body, mind and emotions together to become any character from any tradition, classical to contemporary. And of course, during the four years of your training, you will meet, work with, and see the work of the finest theater artists, here at the center of one of the world's great theater cities. Audition required.”  http://www.julliard.edu/pdf/Drama.pdf                                                               
Kenyon College School of Drama -- “Students learn by doing the jobs of the artists who collaborate to make plays, dances, and films. Some courses concentrate on the arts as they were performed in their historical context; others focus on the work of the artists: the playwright, screenwriter, choreographer, actor, dancer, director, and designer. Almost all courses require, in conjunction with reading and critical writing, the performance of problems and exercises. It is a multi-dimensional, challenging, and rewarding course of study-one that alumni use with great success. No audition necessary.  Sending a tape is optional.”
Shenandoah Conservatory -- “The Conservatory’s Theatre Division offers undergraduate degree programs in musical theater, acting, costume design, scenic and lighting design, and theater for youth.  Audition is required.”  http://www.su.edu/conservatory/scon/Admissions/audition/faq.htm
Tisch, NYU -- Department of Drama -- “It is the student's responsibility to make an appointment for the required artistic review. You can make an appointment by visiting the Drama Artistic Review Scheduler page or by calling 212-998-1870.  Due to the number of applicants, we strongly encourage you to schedule your artistic review as early as possible.” 

Music and Voice Audition Requirements at Various Schools

The Boston Conservatory -- “The Boston Conservatory requires a performance audition and/or interview as part of the application process. Applicants are encouraged to audition in-person at The Boston Conservatory whenever possible. The Boston Conservatory recognizes, however, that travel can be costly and does offer two alternatives: regional auditions and recorded auditions.”
Cleveland Institute of Music -- “The following departments require live auditions in Cleveland: accompanying, audio recording, bassoon, clarinet, composition, flute, horn, oboe, orchestral conducting, organ, percussion, trombone, trumpet, tuba, and viola. Also, you will need to plan for a Cleveland audition if you apply for either the Artist Certificate, Artist Diploma, or Doctor of Musical Arts programs. Applicants in other areas who elect to submit recorded auditions should note that VHS-video tapes are highly preferred (international applicants must be sure to submit videos in NTSC format). CDs or audio tapes may also be accepted. Recordings should be forwarded to the Admission Office and not to individual faculty members.”
Julliard -- Music Program -- Music Entrance Auditions -- “All applicants must prepare the complete repertoire required for their instrument and follow all instructions indicated. Many departments require a recording of the required repertoire for pre-screening purposes. Please refer to the Application Checklist for a list of materials that must accompany the application.” http://www.juilliard.edu/admissions/entrance_music.html
Manhattan School of Music -- “All classical voice, orchestral flute, orchestral clarinet and orchestral violin (Master's/Postgraduate Diploma/Professional Studies Certificate only), classical flute, classical violin, classical cello, jazz instrumentalists, and jazz voice (which is Master's level program only) applicants must submit a CD with the application for pre-screening purposes. CDs can not be returned.  Recordings do not need to be professional or studio recordings. A CD with good audio quality is sufficient. All recordings must include the complete required audition repertoire, and must be clearly labeled with your name and repertoire. Classical composers must submit scores and recordings under separate cover by the application deadline. Please refer to the Composition section for requirements.” 
New England Conservatory of Music -- “Each applicant (with the exception of Classical Composition, Musicology, and Theoretical Studies) must satisfy an audition requirement. This requirement is fulfilled by an in-person audition (for those with a preliminary audition recording, by invitation only) or tape audition. Consult the Audition Requirements section below for audition repertoire for your instrument. In-person auditions are scheduled after submission of a completed application, including application fee. There are a limited number of audition times for each major. Applicants who fail to meet the priority deadline date may be required to submit an audition recording if all in-person audition times have been scheduled.”
New School, Mannes College of Music -- “Trains and nurtures classical musicians of all ages. Mannes accepts in-person, live auditions only.”

 

Oberlin College -- “The Conservatory of Music welcomes talented music students with demonstrated records of achievement. A clearly defined talent in a performing medium is essential, as is the potential for further growth and development and the dedication required to become a professional musician.”

San Francisco Conservatory of Music -- “All applicants must audition. Applicants must request an audition by using the Audition Request Form found in the web-based application (preferred), or in the paper version of the Application for Admission.”

 

Researched in Spring 2007 by:
Susan Clain
Dean of Admissions
School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston


© 2007 College Advisor of New England