College Admission Portfolios Bring Seniors Extra Workload

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December 2, 2009 • Jessica Cravens
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While most students answer essay questions, fill out applications, and submit test scores, resumes, and transcripts, those interested in fields like music, dance, and art must take on another responsibility when applying. They have to develop and deliver a portfolio as well.

Prospective art students have to have a portfolio with photos, sketches and/or their best and most recent work of what they want to major in. The requirements differ for every college. Some colleges, for an example – Cornish College of Arts in Seattle, Washington, demand ten pieces. Five observational pieces, which is a landscape or still life, and another five in a related, single set.

According to the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design [AICAD], colleges would rather see still life/observation drawings than a photograph. AICAD also says that the same requirements also apply to art and design programs with not only fine arts colleges but universities and liberal arts schools too. Along with the portfolio, many colleges also ask for an essay and most recent A.C.T scores.The requirements for every college may differ a little but these art portfolios are not only a requirement but also very important.

“Often times, you can take a S.A.T. test [to show your academic intelligence]. An art portfolio lets artistic school see your abilities. Your visual collection of your art shows what students have done in the past and see what they are capable in the future. Without them the art school doesn’t know what you are capable of doing. They have certain level of expectations and without the portfolio to look at they have no way of judging that,” Art Teacher William Congdon said.

When art students are busy pulling together two portfolios, students who want to go to a college of music and dance have to get ready to audition for the school of their choice. Just as art schools differ in requirements for portfolios, different colleges have certain requirements for students interested in auditioning. A well known and prestigious college, Juilliard, which is dedicated to drama, music and dance, requires three or more years of ballet or modern dance. If they meet the minimum requirement only then can you apply for admission.

More locally, Peck School of the Arts, which is the the dance department for University of Milwaukee, require an audition for entry into both the Dance BFA and BA.

Auditions for Theater Departments, are much the same. Theater departments is a part of a college specializing in acting and singing in musicals and plays. Theater department also including those who work behind the stage. Diederich College of Communication, which is apart of UW-Marquette, where Senior Ben Braun hopes to get his minor in performance arts, expects its prospective students to gain experience in every area of theater, cultivate their strengths and find their strengths that had previously been undiscovered.

“For auditions it’s one or two songs, or monologues, that you perform and [the college] judges you on that. By auditioning you can get a place in a play or musical or get a scholarship to the school. The auditions are important mostly because they set a good first impression. When you’re a freshman at college no one knows how you are — these auditions give them a chance to think ‘holy cow that kid is amazing,’”Senior Ben Braun said.

Many believe that talent is a huge part of getting into a fine arts college but that is not true. While grades may not seem important for someone applying to a place where mostly art programs and classes are taught, they are very important.

“Talent is NOT the major factor. Work ethic, habit and self-expression while astute thinking and academic prowess is the major factor. Anyone can learn how to draw, not everyone can think for themselves by not following what’s popular or normal. I make sure students are great at academic courses and it is obvious by way of their conceptual development and research that goes into thematic bodies of work (portfolios)” School of the Arts Institute of Chicago Director of Undergraduate Admissions Carolina Wheat said.

There are several different outlets in which potential students can get help with their portfolios. One of the easiest to get a hold of is any art teacher at the high school. They have the experience and most likely know the student and their artwork best other than the student themselves.

“If there is anyone interested Mr. Hustedt would be more than happy to help students with choosing pieces that represent their skills,” Congdon said.

Talking to an admissions counselor is also important. The primary job for most admission counselors is to speak with students that may attend their school to help incoming seniors to successfully apply to the college.

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