After spending the last couple of years muddling through the process to figure out how to help my child prepare for art school applications, I’ll share my tips. We didn’t do everything described here…rather, it reflects a combo of what we did and what I wish we had done. I would have loved to find a post like this two years go so hopefully it helps someone. Also - hopefully others will have tips of their own to add.
Freshman and Sophomore year
Create. Experiment. Learn to use different types of tools, materials and techniques. There are so many different types of paint, pencils, ink, etc. also fabrics, leather, glass, performance art, etc. Consider gathering interesting found materials whenever you see something - e.g., rocks, feathers, string, bark, refuse/leftovers of all kinds. It will give you so much to work with over the next couple of years.
Summer before Junior Year
If budget allows, consider participating in a residential pre-college program at an art school. The reason I think these are a great idea (more so than traditional academic pre-college programs for non artists) is that I believe many aspiring art students probably don’t have any idea what it’s like to take a 5-hour studio class and then go home and create more. That’s what art school is and I think it makes sense to try it out before you commit to four years. In addition, art schools can introduce your student to an incredible array of materials and techniques that they may not otherwise be familiar with.
Not everyone can attend an art school pre-college program, so here’s another idea. I watched a YouTube video of a guy who did a self-directed 30-day art maker challenge. Every single day for a month he conceptualized, gathered resources and produced a piece of art. Each one was different…materials, forms, techniques, etc. It seemed like a huge challenge and real work, but I think a great exercise for someone who aspires to art school.
Junior Year
In the fall sign up for National Portfolio Day (NPD). If you can attend one in person, great! If not, sign up for a virtual NPD. You don’t need a complete portfolio to participate, but it is helpful if you have 5-10 pieces to show. If you manage your time well, you should be able to get feedback from at least 3-5 art schools during the event. Take notes as different schools will likely give different feedback and you will learn about their varying portfolio requirements.
After NPD, make a work plan for what new pieces you will make to build out your portfolio and which current pieces you will update (or include as is in your portfolio). Junior year is always super busy…hardest classes, test prep, researching schools etc. If you try to also stay focused on moving your portfolio forward even a little you will position yourself well for art school applications.
Summer before senior year
Sign up for individual portfolio reviews at schools you are specifically interested. Most offer them, some don’t. Do the ones you can. Take notes on what they say. Keep making and refining your art specifically targeted toward building out your portfolio as directed for schools of interest. For most schools you will likely need to submit 10-20 pieces made in the last two years, and it’s nice to have more than that to choose from, especially for schools that have specific requirements (e.g. some schools require multiple pieces from direct observation, some schools highly recommend incorporating a range of media, etc).
If budget allows you could also consider participating in a residential pre-college program at an art school. Some specifically offer portfolio prep sessions for rising seniors.
Fall of senior year
Keep detailed notes on the specific portfolio and essay requirements and deadlines for each school to which you plan to apply. Because of the addition of portfolio requirements, this application process is a degree more complicated than doing this for non art schools. Most schools require the common app personal statement and an artist statement of 200-600 words. Some schools are very specific about what they want included in your artist statement, others give no guidance. Some schools require supplemental essays as well. Some schools require your portfolio to be submitted at the same time as your application. Others request that you submit the application earlier, but allow (or even request) your portfolio to be submitted later. Consider attending National Portfolio Day again for final portfolio guidance from individual schools.
Special note on RISD - they have an extensive array of videos on their YouTube channel geared toward helping prospective applicants. These are very useful and I highly recommend you watch them if you plan to apply there.
Special note about Cooper Union - If you are considering this school you are probably already familiar with the Home Test. This part of their application process is a huge month-long undertaking. Make sure to arrange your schedule as best you can to accommodate it.
A note on merit scholarships…
We found that most (but not all) art schools offer substantial merit scholarships. In general you don’t have to apply separately for them. These same schools often also offer need-based aid, but are often not as generous with need-based aid as traditional universities. Some art schools (RISD, Tufts SMFA, and Sam Fox/WashU) offer very little or no merit, but offer more traditionally generous need-based aid.
That’s all I can think of for now. I’m sure others will have great tips too. 