When are admissions applications, electronic portfolios and design essays due?

November 1st

I am a high school student and have never studied design. How do I present a portfolio without having the necessary coursework?

Although a portfolio is required for our five studio-based programs, a professional portfolio is not required. Many of our applicants have had art classes or participated in some type of art-for-fun experiences such as community art programs or Design Camp. The Admissions Committee is seeking creativity and problem-solving skills and will assess the applicant’s potential for study in design based on the work presented. The emphasis in the review is on the ideas presented, rather than on the finished product.

What is each committee looking for?

There is not a typical student applicant, but we have observed patterns of demonstrated ability which indicate design potential, i.e., a student who observes the world and describes it through drawing, painting or design, writes poetry or essays, or in some other way shows independent thinking and initiative. Work submitted for review should represent the applicant’s activities, interests, capabilities and creativity inside and outside the classroom. A word of caution: Work submitted should be that of the student and not professionally coached. It is not uncommon for a student to be asked in the interview to demonstrate skills if a portfolio is in doubt.