I haven’t seen a post on this for this year so thought I’d start one so I can get insight and learn from those applying this year. (I have a junior who will apply for for fall 2026 with portfolio for studio art/illustration to various art schools and traditional colleges with strong art programs.)
Where are you applying? Where have you decided not to apply - why? Portfolio tips? Also for highly rejective traditional colleges, academic stats appreciated…wondering for different schools how much a strong portfolio can improve an application. All advice appreciated.
She is taking an art class at school called “Portfolio” where they put together their portfolio with advice from the teacher, so that part is easy. She did go to the nearest National Portfolio Day in the past, and found it helpful, but isn’t planning it this year because she got what she wanted from it already.
She has decided she will probably stay in state or in the state next to us where there is tuition reciprocity. She is mainly considering public schools, but is looking at one private art college in our state that comes in pretty close to in-state flagship price once typical merit is factored in. She is also considering starting at our local CC (which has a pretty strong art program) with the idea that in 2 years she might feel more ready to go out of state.
She isn’t applying to any high academic schools (and wouldn’t be a candidate anyway.)
If you haven’t already, I suggest joining the Facebook group “Parents of Arts & Design Students.”