The portfolio is a primary criteria used in evaluating admissions readiness by applicants at a college of art.
This is particularly true of Master's of Fine Arts (MFA) programs. It is most important for applicants to take portfolio preparation seriously. Some Bachelor's of Fine Arts (BFA) programs weigh the portfolio as the primary criteria for admissions consideration.
Applying to a college of art is usually more involved than applying to study art at most universities and liberal arts colleges. The main difference is the requirement of submitting a portfolio of artwork in addition to completing other college application requirements.
Portfolios are required at the majority of top architecture programs as well, whether studied at a university or a college of art.
What Is a portfolio?
A portfolio is simply a selection of an artist's artwork. It usually represents their best artwork created to date. This is particularly important when applying to college programs with portfolio requirements, as a portfolio containing artwork that does not represent an artist's strengths may prevent them from being accepted.
Why is a portfolio required to apply to college?
Colleges of art and most BFA programs require a portfolio for admission because previous experience in the visual arts is required. This helps ensure all students are committed to the arts and ready to successfully enter an intensive art program during the first year.
A portfolio requirement ensures all students enrolling in a college are at a minimum sufficient artistic level to succeed at the college. Freshman year art classes, usually called foundation classes, are particularly demanding and can overwhelm students who do not have much art experience. No college wants to accept a student who is not prepared to succeed.
Requiring art experience to study art makes sense. A portfolio shows an artist's commitment and dedication to creating art, as it usually takes over a year to create one. Imagine students entering a college science program without having to take science courses prior to attending.
Can a good portfolio help me receive better financial aid?
Yes - there is a real financial incentive for a well-prepared portfolio! Financial aid in the form of merit-based scholarships is based on the quality of an applicant's portfolio. Having a portfolio that is thoughtful, professional and well-conceived can provide more merit aid.