Do I need a lot of art classes for a college to consider a portfolio?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>I've been drawing since I could hold a pencil, and I want colleges to see that I devote a lot of free time to art. I took over the summer classes in elementary school and middle school, and I took 2 art classes in highschool, but I mostly enjoy self teaching myself art. I did get 3 or so drawings in the school art show and 4 of my ceramics pieces in when I took art, but I refused having one sent to a competition- I don't really want attention for it, I just like it as a hobby. I also do art commissions online for people. </p>

<p>Even though I don't really have room for any new art classes in my schedule because of spanish and orchestra, I want to submit a portfolio to Penn because I need all the help I can get.</p>

<p>My question is though: would they take my portfolio seriously if I only took Drawing 1 and Ceramics? I enjoy self teaching myself and learning from art tutorials online and from my relatives who are artists, but if it would look odd or unbelievable I probably should figure out how to cram a class into my schedule. </p>

<p>Thanks :)</p>

2

<p>I think you should be fine without taking any classes. You could talk about how you work on art outside of school. Have you considered taking an art class outside of school (a college-level course, a summer course, under a professional artist, etc.)?</p>

3

<p>I did in elementary and middle school, but that teacher passed away. I’d love to do a summer course, but I don’t know of any others around me!</p>

4

<p>You could try Interlochen or Teen Ink, they both have fantastic programs. If going isn’t possible, you could check out the offerings at local community colleges.
If your artwork is comparable to kids who have had tons of training, you should be in good shape. Writing an essay about your experiences as an artist would make your application strong. You’ve said that you don’t really want to enter competitions, but I would suggest entering the Scholastic Art Awards next year, just for fun.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

5

<p>Good idea. :slight_smile: Thanks so much!</p>