<p>I was visiting with my daughter's tutor who showed me some work from two precollege programs. One was from RISD, and the other was from the Corcoran. Both kids had a number of pieces, but all pieces were very unfinished. These programs seem to give a lot of ideas but don't provide enough time to finish off the pieces so that they are portfolio quality. </p>
<p>Maybe these kids are exceptionally slow at drawing,but I doubt it. Frankly, I was very underwhelmed at what I saw. </p>
<p>If most pre-college programs produce these types of unfinished work due to severe time limitation,I would strongly urge all future art applicants to get professional tutoring instead of attending pre-college programs. I wish I could show what a huge difference professional tutoring produces over what I have seen at some of the pre-college portfolio development programs.</p>
<p>Since I haven't examined all precollege programs, I would strongly investigate whether my observations are indeed true for the program that you are investigating.</p>
<p>based on portfolio feedback at MICA, SAIC and Cooper Union I stand by the pre-college program at CMU. The program is half day every Saturday for the school year. Of the ten painter in PA Governor's school, five were in the CMU precollege program.</p>
<p>I disagree-I think precollege portfolio developement classes are really helpful, as I have been to one and will be going to another this summer. Of course, I can’t speek for them all-there are so many differences, such as time length and the student themselves. </p>
<p>I went to the Corcoran last summer-there was a range of students in there-some who had never taken art before and some who were hardcore artists. With this variety, you would expect conflict, but it was actually quite good-those not as experienced got not only teacher insight, but student input too. Students who talked with those less experienced reinforced their knowledge of what they know. (the best way to learn something is by teaching it to someone else) The course lasted 2 weeks, but there was a 4 week option also. </p>
<p>As someone who was interested in art but never had the chance to fully immerse in it, I pumped out many pieces in that short time and was surprised at how far I had gotten. It is forgiveable that one doesn’t create most of their portfolio in such a class (if you are seriously considering going to an art school, you would never wait until the summer!)-anyway, much time can be spent basically enhancing your skills, even if it does not mean the piece will be hung in their gallery afterwards. It also depends how devoted one is to the class. Everyone had fun, but there were also some slackers. </p>
<p>Yesterday I got the news of my acceptance to MICA’s precollege program. To anyone who is able to go to any course of the like, I would highly recommend it. It’s a great opportunity to experience, not only for the sake of a portfolio, but to get a feel of college rigor.</p>