GETTING IN TO ART SCHOOL: National Portfolio Day vs. VPA College Fairs

<p>Hi to All---------
My daughter is dedicated to pursuing an art degree in one of the design fields. She has been working on her portfolio and has been researching colleges and universities via the web. I am looking for comments/thoughts/impressions from anybody out there who went to either one of the National Porfolio Days or one of the Visual and Performing Arts College Fairs. We probably don't have the time (or the money) to go to both, along with actual college visits. Does anyone have any opinions about which to choose? THANKS!</p>

<p>The format for the VPA College Fairs is completely different from National Portfolio Days. VPA Fairs are similar to general college fairs (but just for art schools) - each college represented has a table with a rep (admissions, usually) and info. Reps are available to answer questions, collect names of interested students and distribute materials. At Portfolio Days, students bring their artwork for a preliminary review by a member of the faculty or staff of an art school. They register, then wait on line. Info is also available. Both types of event are free. Hope this helps.</p>

<p>Went to National Portfolio Day with my D. It was great to get real feedback on what she needed to boost her portfolio for admission. It was interesting to see what different fields (graphic arts, illustration, computer animation) were looking for in portfolios. They all had different perspectives. You registered for a portfolio review based on your interest.
Many schools were also there with information and examples of student work.
Did not attend VPA fair.</p>