4.23 GPA 1990/2400 SAT 720 Math II Sub Test..Cornell here i come? BUT Portfolio probs

<p>Hey all,
I was just curious, my academic backround is strong, but i am having serious difficulty with the Portfolio. I have worked for an architecture firm for a while now and my problem is as follows. I have done many works, flrplns, sectional drawings, additions, tons of that, BUT art wise, i stopped taking it in 8th grade bcause i had a natural flare for it. Therefore i don't have many works of art, and am lost as what to do because ironically, Cornell doesn't want architecture pieces in the portfolio, but "art" pieces, any suggestions are welllccommeee!! Thanks!</p>

<p>I also earned a 5 on the AP AB Calc Test</p>

<p>just because cornell requires a portfolio doesn't mean you need to have 'art' in it (though you need freehand sketches). creative works is what they want...and however you want to make of that is up to you. for my portfolio, designed and built bookshelves, took photos, made a bag made out of pants, etc. i even sent them recordings of my piano performances. since the majority of people include paintings, watercolors, and other 'art' mediums, you may even better stand out by including other types of creative work.</p>

<p>....BUT, if you have such a 'natural flare for' art, then you should have no problem producing some pieces for a portfolio.</p>

<p>"Therefore i don't have many works of art, and am lost as what to do because ironically, Cornell doesn't want architecture pieces in the portfolio, but "art" pieces, any suggestions are welllccommeee!!"</p>

<p>Seems obvious to me. Start drawing.</p>

<p>On a less sarcastic note . . . when you do your interview at Cornell, you don't have to bring the completed portfolio. You bring original artwork and can bring as much as you want. At this juncture, there is no downside to asking the professor with whom you are interviewing his/her opinions of what you should include in the portfolio that you will send to the admissions committee. It was D's experience that the interviewing professors, both at Cornell and elsewhere, were happy to offer their advice on which pieces were the stronger candidates and what might be missing from your collection.</p>

<p>Hey guys thanks for the info. I emailed the university and they told me they wanted more art as opposed to actual architecture. I have started drawing crazily to try and get something together. I took a step back though after seeing the posts and thought It wouldn't be so bad to include other things that are considered creative. One person mentioned the piano recordings and such, I sing and am into music, and you def. need to be creative in that area, so I may send a recording of me singing something I wrote up by myself. Please keep up the suggestions, they are all well received!</p>

<p>i feel like your SAT I scores are a little low, but who knows. the real importance is to have a very strong portfolio. you also dont need all drawings....you can do sculpture too.</p>

<p>and although you did really well on calc, the AP scores dont really matter to get in...they are just used for placement in classes</p>

<p>can the portfolio contain drawings done on the computer? like autoCAD, Revit, Architectural desktop stuff?</p>

<p>usually it <em>can</em>, but that doesn't mean that it's a good thing. I personally would only include them as part of an example of a design you did, such as a furniture piece with both drafted drawings and accompanying photos of the finished product. It is very difficult for schools to guage your talent for design (which is their interest) via CAD drawings.</p>

<p>Actually I would stay away from the computer altogether in terms of producing something for an undergrad portfolio- be creative- produce "art"- but with a greater focus on composition and ideas then on the "finished" look. What you paint/draw/make and the way in which you approached it usually has just as great a significance as how "finished" and how well it was done.</p>

<p>If your computer renderings looks as slick as what is int he student catalogue--then include one. Chances are that hs CAD work is too basic to warrant a portfolio look.</p>

<p>Cornell uses the SAT as one of it's deciding factor. Raise your SAT score.</p>