This is going to be a bit of an odd question, but it’s something I have to start thinking about now to find any success, and I’d appreciate any help I could get.
I’m a high school junior who has recently discovered their passion for architecture, and as the #1 undergraduate architecture school, I’ve chosen to reach for Cornell. This isn’t a “chance my stats” type of thread; my GPA currently falls within the school’s average acceptance rate, and no matter how good it is, I feel that all it does is puts me on the starting line. The problem is the architecture portfolio required for admission. Since I’ve been taking engineering classes so far, I haven’t been enrolled in any art classes, and it will likely be too late to start them next year. I’d say that my freehand drawing ability is average, but I intent to improve it over the the next two years. In terms of other medium, I have several friends in painting/photography classes that I could ask for help with creating a portfolio. I’ve also joined my school’s Art Club and Theater Set Design Crew to improve my ability over the next year. However, I really don’t know if any of this hastily learned work will impress the Ivy League and get me a spot against others who have been drawing all their life.
If there’s one medium of art I can show my talent in, it would be (no laughing please) Minecraft. I’ve been playing the game since 6th Grade, and have created environments and structures that are recognized some of by the biggest organizations in the game, and enjoyed by thousands of people worldwide daily. Heck, it’s actually this work in Minecraft that encouraged me to pursue architecture in the first place. While I haven’t created enough content to put in a portfolio, I’m willing to take the next two years to create the best works I possibly can. It’s rather unorthodox, and I don’t even know if Cornell will take it seriously, but it’s really the only chance I have to compete.
So my question then is really what to focus on? How much of my portfolio can I dedicate to Minecraft creations? Should I spend more time off Minecraft and work solely on freehand drawing? How much variety should there be in the mediums I use? Does the portfolio not matter much, and I’m just overthinking it? Should I just give up on Cornell and be content with other architecture schools?
I’d really appreciate any replies, I need all the help I can get! Thank you!
tl;dr- high school junior, want to get into cornell but just learning drawing/painting/photography/woodworking. only design skill is in minecraft, need help on how to start portfolio.
Warning: I’m applying this round of admissions to the B.Arch program, so I’m no expert.
However, what I have understood from talking to alumni, accepted students and their websites is that many times, the portfolio serves to measure creativity more than artistic skill.
Yes, you do need certain skill, and it doesn’t hurt if it is outstanding, but there always is a point where greater skill is not what will get you in. It is going to be your ingenuity, perspective and creativity and how that influences your ideas and work which will set you apart more than anything.
Think of it as the common app or supplement essays, you need certain writing skills, but writing skills alone are not what make a great essay, it is the ideas and how you present them what stand out.
I would not focus on one thing; the Minecraft idea shows that you think out of the box, but don’t let it be the biggest and only relevant part of your portfolio. Work on it, but don’t let it hurt your other pieces. You have one more year, so practice skills and try different mediums, but only until you’re confident enough to create work that is unique to you and builds a personal style.
I saw the portfolio of an admitted student from my school. His freehand drawing skills weren’t great, I would say somewhat above average in all honesty, but he experimented with techniques and ideas in his other works. Think of your portfolio as a complete work, not a collection of works.
And yes, I would take the portfolio seriously, I hear it is quite important.
Definitely agree with everything @jionrubia has to say. Though superb drawing skills aren’t essential for admission, drawing by hand is a big part of the first year curriculum, so it pays off in the long run to be comfortable sketching.
Coincidentally, a few years ago some BArch students gave a short lecture about their work in Minecraft, and how it is relevant to architecture. The lecture was humorous, but I think Minecraft would be a great component in a diverse portfolio! Maybe consider Minecraft as a topic for the AAP essay supplement, as well.
I think you’re getting good advice on this thread. One thing I’d like to add is that if you can swing it, take the summer program in architecture at your target school. They generally provide good advice about what they expect in a portfolio, and they help you get there. Here’s the info for Cornell from last year, with a link to the 2017 dates: https://www.sce.cornell.edu/sc/programs/index.php?v=178
Also, in addition to having a diverse portfolio, try to have a common theme that ties everything together. If you can weave in storytelling (everything tells a story) into your portfolio, all the better. Best of luck! (My son graduated from USC’s architecture program in May and is now loving his life working for a very cool firm in Los Angeles.)
You actually don’t have two years to complete a portfolio. You should submit all your applications early which is prior to your Senior year. Sign up for art classes or get a private tutor and get about ten pieces. You can also attend a summer career discovery program in architecture. The architecture schools love that.
My D attended ND summer architecture program and is at WashU and loves it.
Good luck!!!