Should I submit a portfolio? It sounds like Yale kind of discourages it. I’m not sure if colleges want it or don’t. Also, can I submit drawings on loose-leaf paper (some of my favorites were drawn during class…) Thanks!
please answer!!
I think you should submit a portfolio if you can put together a very nice, professional looking one, something like you would submit for AP Studio Art which shows a good body of work.
I would not include anything done on loose-leaf paper. Does it have lines on it??
How strong of an artist are you?
It won’t help if you don’t have the basic academics they expect and a well done app and supp. It won’t even get to art faculty if you aren’t considered a contender. And they ask for the work via SlideRoom.
Has anyone reviewed this work? In general, you submit work that’s well considered and vetted, even if only by an art teacher. I guess we’d like to know why you want to submit this. And for heaven’s sake, don’t tell them it’s in-class noodling.
@doschicos I’m a pretty strong artist - people are impressed when they see my work. It does have lines 
@lookingforward I don’t have anyone to review my work because my school doesn’t have art. The reason I wanted to include some of my loose-leaf paper stuff is because I worked on them for days, bit by bit. They’re not just doodles. Originally, I wasn’t thinking of giving them in was because someone told me that I should look into it. I want to submit it because my school has very limited extracurricular activities, and I want to show colleges that I have talents and hobbies.
To be helpful it need to be “extraordinary talent” which cannot well be appreciated by none-art people around you. Pretty strong artist that impresses people around with drawings on a lined notebook won’t do it and could have negative effect. Someone told you to look into it. Now you did and have your answers.
Not necessarily “extraordinary.” But at a level the dept folks feel they can - and want to- work with.
It’s not just like a line on the app, another thing about you, “Oh, she did this, good for her.” If you don’t intend to pursue it in some way, it has no real weight. We’re talking Yale. Music supps are easier to discuss, since, beyond some classes, there are so many ways to participate in music, in college.
So,OP needs to think how his/her drawings might be some asset on campus. Do you even want to continue studying art or do you presently contribute to school journals, etc?
Here’s a link to the College Board’s sample of art submitted for AP portfolios. Take a look at the quality depicted. I’d say if you have work that can be judged to be a 4,5, or 6, AND you can put together a quality portfolio with a range of pieces using quality materials, than you should consider submitting.
http://studioartportfolios.collegeboard.org
Also, if you have talent, you owe it to yourself to buy some quality paper for your work.
OP I think it impressive that you love art, and that you have talent which you are eager to develop.
I do want to caution you, though. My kid submitted a SlideRoom portfolio to Yale. It was a carefully put together portfolio that he worked on for almost two years. Mostly the result of a class where they had to produce a fully executed painting every week (!) Some of the pieces won Scholastic Art awards, including a National Visions nomination. His art teacher is very critical and any pieces that were just not up to par were taken out of the portfolio.
By all means – apply to Yale!! – but you don’t actually need to submit a portfolio. Maybe you could emphasize art at some other points in the app? Be sure to specifically say that your school does not offer art classes. Have you gotten some suggestions for schools other than Yale which are strong in art?
I do hope you will use this website to get feedback about college search and financing, and to let us know what you decide about your portfolio.