The Power of Submitting an Art Portfolio in Undergraduate Admissions: Not Just for Art Majors
As a college consultant, I often see students hesitate to include an art portfolio in their undergraduate applications, especially if they’re not pursuing an art major. Many of the most selective universities accept art portfolios regardless of your intended major, and submitting a portfolio can bolster your application by demonstrating artistry and commitment to your craft. Here’s how to approach submitting an art portfolio, even if your major isn’t art-related:
Why Submit an Art Portfolio?
Showcase Creativity: Creativity and innovative thinking are two of the most important traits in college admissions today. What better way to demonstrate skill, creativity, and uniqueness than by submitting an art portfolio?
Demonstrate Passion: An art portfolio shows dedications to your craft, reflecting your ability to pursue your passions with intense commitment and skill.
Highlight Time Commitment: Many highly successful artists don’t have time for other extracurriculars. Submitting an art portfolio can help bolster your application by showing a deep commitment to your art, even if your other involvements are lacking.
What to Include in Your Art Portfolio
Select Your Best Work: Choose pieces, dances, compositions, or choreographies that show diverse ranges, talents, and technical skills. Focus on quality over quantity.
Variety of Mediums: If you work in multiple art mediums, various instruments, or across multiple genres, include a diverse selection to highlight your versatility.
Artist Statement: A beautifully-crafted artist statement gives viewers a deeper understanding of your art, inspirations, and goals.
High-Quality Documentation: Ensure your images are high quality and accurately represent your work. Consider including installation views if applicable.
University Portfolio Requirements
Many universities on accept arts portfolios from incoming art majors. However, some of the most competitive universities, including the Ivies, Stanford, and MIT, accept art portfolios regardless of your intended major. To see their art portfolio requirements, see below:
Stanford University encourages all applicants to submit an art portfolio, emphasizing personal artistic growth.
Harvard University allows for an optional arts supplement, which can showcase various forms of creative work.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers the chance to submit an arts or research portfolio, highlighting the importance of creativity in all fields.
Columbia University accepts arts supplements to enhance applications, and requests contact information for a reference who can attest to your talent.
Who Reviews Your Art Portfolio?
In most cases, your art portfolio is reviewed by faculty in your creative discipline. With experience in your field, they’re able to attest to your exceptional talent and provide context to admissions officers. When writing supplemental information for your art portfolio, keep in mind that you are writing to established artists and professors in your discipline.
Tips for a Successful Submission
Follow Guidelines Carefully: Each university has specific requirements for submissions. Adhering to these ensures your portfolio will be considered.
Seek Feedback: Before finalizing your portfolio, get constructive feedback from teachers, mentors, peers, or qualified college consultants to help refine your selections and artist statement.
Plan Ahead: Give yourself ample time to create and review your portfolio. Rushing can lead to missed opportunities for refinement.
Present Professionally: Whether submitting online or in print, ensure your work is presented professionally to reflect your seriousness as an artist.
Conclusion
Submitting an art portfolio can significantly enhance your undergraduate application. It allows you to showcase your creativity, diverse skills, and personal narrative, making your application stand out.
As an artist and art educator, AMH College Consultant is eager to help you craft your portfolio. Please view our packages page for more information.
