What do colleges such as Yale or Stanford look for in art supplements? I am only submitting a supplement not a portfolio. However, I know that art schools such as RISD or USC Film, Parsons, Pratt, etc. are looking for a captivating “story” in your artwork. Is that also the case for art supplements for non-art schools? Or are they just looking to see what your art skills are like?
I’m curious about this too if anyone can offer an answer.,
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The submitted art supplement regardless of the college needs to be compelling. I’m not sure about the need for a captivating story. To the extent that your vision, technique and execution are very strong and that your art supplement reveals them, the art supplement will stand out and it could make a difference. In practice, for colleges that “care” about and encourage art supplements, it will be evaluated by someone in the art department.
Best is if you work on the preparation of the art supplement with an art teacher in your high school (perhaps with an AP Studio Art teacher), or, with an artist who has been your art mentor. Best is if your teacher or mentor provides a recommendation with the supplement and works closely with you on the selection of pieces for the supplement and with preparation of the portfolio submission (e.g. photography, possible editing etc.). If your approach is to prepare the portfolio totally on your own with no external art expert involvement your chances for creating a professional presentation are much diminished.