Non-traditional Application Procedures – Art/architecture

If you’re planning on applying to an art or architecture school, be prepared for a few extra requirements along with your typical application. These requirements apply mainly to those universities that have separate departments or schools for the intended major. For example, Syracuse University has a School of Architecture and a College of Visual and Performing Arts. What happens in universities like these is that, on top of the general requirements for a typical application (basic info, essays, short answers, transcript, extra-curricular activities, etc.) the separate schools/departments have requirements of their own. Generally speaking, art and architecture schools will request a portfolio.

Almost all art schools will require that a portfolio be submitted with the general application. The format of the portfolio varies upon the college. Most schools prefer slides, but some may ask for photos. Whatever the format may be, the medium used, the original size of the piece, an approximate date, and possibly a title should always be included with the slides or photos. These can be written on a separate index sheet, or next to the slides/photos themselves. Be sure to follow the instructions and requirements of each school. If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to call and ask them.

Architecture schools with four-year, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts programs most likely will not ask for portfolios. However, almost all architecture schools with five-year, Bachelor of Architecture programs will require that a portfolio be submitted. Like the art schools, the format for these portfolios may vary slightly. Again, most schools prefer slides, but photos are sometimes requested. Be sure to follow the instructions and requirements issued by each school. Sticking to the format requested is very important. Remember, the people reviewing your portfolio probably have already seen many before yours, and will probably see many more after yours. Although the process is supposed to be “fair,” a simple annoyance could cause the reviewers to place your portfolio at the bottom of the pile, or even worse, to not review it at all.

The contents of your portfolio should not only reflect your talent or your “artistic ability,” but they should also reflect some sort of potential and growth. However, this does not mean to include the very first drawing you ever made back in kindergarten, and then other drawings that you’ve done recently that you consider to be “masterpieces.” The timeframe of all the pieces you choose should be within 1 or 2 years. For architects, schools are not looking for how versatile you are, or how many different kinds of medium you’ve experimented with. Most important and most dominantly present in your portfolio should be pieces that display your free-hand drawing abilities. Simply put, pencil drawings. Free-hand drawing is one of the clearest ways for a reviewer to truly assess talent, potential, growth, etc. Also, free-hand drawing is one of the most basic skills. Presenting them with your strong ability to draw with a pen or pencil (whatever the subject may be) is more powerful than presenting them with pieces made with many different materials. This applies to art applicants as well, although having some sort of variety in your medium may be appreciated.

For architecture applicants, examples of your technical drawing skills are much less appreciated than examples of your free-hand drawing skills. Technical drawing is a simple technique that is quickly learned and that tells nothing. Unless the drawing is exceptional (as in its concept or its representation), do not include technical drawings. If you have attended a summer architecture program in which you made models, do include them if they are presentable.

Ask an art teacher for help in selecting pieces for your portfolio. What you may see as “bad” may actually have many more merits than you may think.

Many of the top art schools, and a few architecture schools (namely Cooper Union) require that a Home Test/Examination be completed. The home test is usually sent out sometime in January or February (if you are applying regular admission), and approximately a month is given to complete it. The home test is a multi-part examination that consists of various “art projects.” For example, one part may be to create a composition of various manufactured items. Remember, this test is not a standardized test. It is a test meant for them to see your potential as well as your ability. Your idea is just as important as the representation of it. Follow the directions of the home test, but remember that they are looking for potential and ability, as well as concept and idea. Often, the directions are not as clear or obvious as one would like them to be, so be creative and thoughtful.