<p>Just another question popped up though, I hope it’s not too much of a burden. I read up on some of the specifics for different schools. They seem to be all over the place with how many pieces they want or what they’re looking for.</p>
<p>So,what exactly ARE they looking for? Yale wants you to express “the fullest possible range of your talents”. Naturally, I interpret that statement to mean something from each different medium or some diverse pieces. However, Stanford recommends that “portfolios focus in one particular medium” and Duke wants pieces that are “developed thematically, showing a visual and intellectual concentration in specific areas.” This would seem to contradict what Yale wants. </p>
<p>How do I reconcile what the different school wants? Should I put together a different portfolio for each? I have quite a few paintings of landscapes and whatnot, but I also have pieces of a range of media.</p>
<p>That’s good that you’re paying specific attention to what each school wants. Yes, to answer your question in a nutshell–create different portfolios for each application. That’s a lot easier than it sounds, because once you have everything scanned and photographed, it’s just a matter of making a different combination for each pdf. And don’t forget the aesthetics of presentation, especially for the 3 dimensional pieces.</p>
<p>Have you also looked at the College Confidential section for Visual Arts/Film majors?
Scroll down below the individual colleges and unis to a section on various specialty majors. Some of the threads there about portfolios might help.</p>
<p>^Thanks, I didn’t even realize there is an art thread on CC! Here’s a link for those who, like me, doesn’t like looking for threads all over the place:</p>
<p>I just thought I’d revive this thread because it’s been quite helpful in answering my art-related questions.</p>
<p>I just got a response from a Stanford admissions officer who said that none of the artwork or the resume will be seen by the admissions staff (they go straight to the art department). If I still want the adcoms to note some of my pieces, should I just go ahead and attach a word doc with some of my work on it in the Additional Information section of the common app, as wrist recommended? I don’t want to defy their guidelines, but I still want the adcoms to see my stuff.</p>
<p>If you don’t mind me asking, what’s the point of the adcoms seeing your art? They’re pretty much going to be like oh, so the kid can draw pictures. They won’t know what’s good art from bad art or from exceptional art. You should just leave it to the art department. They actually know about what’s good and what’s not because of their background. If you want to show the adcoms how good you are, just list the awards/competitions you’ve won and/or let the art department form their opinion. </p>
<p>I remember reading on the interview advice thread at the yale forum (I think), that when kids bring their portfolio to show the interviewer, they just politely look at the pieces and set it aside. The interviewer doesn’t really know anything about your art and really can’t put in a good word for you (or even form an opinion) because they’re not able to judge your work. The same thing for the adcoms.</p>
<p>Well, they may not be able to judge whether or not it’s good or bad (which is debateable anyway – it’s not like the art department’s word is law or anything), but they can still form their own opinions of it (I’d have to disagree with you on that point). It’s not like a non-professional can’t appreciate art on his/her own. I just thought it’d be a nice complement to the application and that it’d go well with the emphasis I’m putting on art. </p>
<p>The real question is, I guess, would the adcoms view it negatively if I attach some works? Would they think it’s trying too hard or something? I don’t really have anything else to put in the Additional Info section anyway, so why not fill it with art?</p>
<p>I’m not saying the adcoms can’t come to their own conclusions about your art. I just think the art department has more expertise in that area. If you wanted to find out how bioremediation helps clean up oil spills, would you consider the explanation of a leading environmentalist or a random person who has just some general knowledge that came from newspapers? The reason I lean towards the art department is not only have they been doing this for a long time, they actually have reasons for whether they like your work or not. I can’t really see an admissions officer saying the subject, basked in subtle light, sharply contrasts with the rough brushstrokes in the background and forms a pleasing negative space etc.</p>
<p>In my opinion, I think you’re trying a little too hard. You’re already sending in a portfolio. It’s not like no one is never going to see your art and see how dedicated you were etc. And if I were an admissions officer, I would be grouchy that you’re sending in something that was unnecessary (for me to look at anyway). Of course you can send them in but I would recommend not to.</p>
<p>There seems to be a lot of threads about arts supplements, so I thought I’d revive this. Also, as deadline approaches, I just came up with some more questions that hopefully someone can answer.</p>
<p>On the Common App, there’s a section that lets you fill out the online supplement form. If I fill the form online, do I still have to send a hard copy via mail? Also, it says to upload an art teacher’s recommendation, but my art teacher is also my 3rd rec for the admissions officers. I’ve waived my rights to see her rec, so how would I go about uploading the document? In fact, if I were to mail the supplement, should I have her mail her recommendation separately to make sure I can’t see it?</p>
<p>Also, Stanford says that "Submission deadlines are earlier than the application for admission deadlines. Credentials that arrive without the accompanying Common Application Arts Supplement will not be considered. "</p>
<p>Does that mean I have to get both my arts supplement and my Common App in at the exact same time? Kind of confused here…</p>