I’m an artist with a passion for art. However, I am not sure I would consider myself “a completely exceptional artist that draws practically photo-realistic drawings,” but I do think I would consider myself from “good” to “pretty good”. I did not submit an art portfolio on Gateway due to my indecisiveness and I did not think that i was “good enough” to submit an art portfolio. However, now that I think about it, perhaps my artwork could set me apart as an individual applicant. I also did mention my passion for art in my interview and a bit in my essays. Please let me know if you would like to PM you a link to one of my drawings (watermarked, of course) if it would give you a better sense of the type of artist I am. Your thoughts?
I still have time to submit (the school had an extension due to the blizzard), but I missed the two chances to submit my portfolio onto Gateway (Candidate Profile and Student Essays). Would it look bad if I uploaded my portfolio instead to one of the “Optional Additional Documents”? I only have one “optional additional document” section left however and do have plans for that file, so would submitting two links be alright?
I’m not sure I understand what the Gateway thing is or how it works, but I think you should submit your art portfolio. If you spoke about your passion for art in both your interview and school essay, the admissions officers are most likely very curious.
I told an admissions officer that I absolutely loved writing and she asked me to email her a writing piece. After reading it, she encouraged me to apply for a scholarship to the school. Things like artwork and writing samples don’t hurt, and often times help AOs better understand what kind of person you are.
If your question was whether or not you should submit the portfolio, I hope I helped! If it was if you should submit two links in the Gateway thing, sorry if I didn’t! PS, can I see one of your drawings? Now I’m really curious!
We sent a photography portfolio and rec from the photography teacher directly to schools because we had some technical issues with Gateway. These were received before the deadline. It was not a problem at all & I think that it helped to round out the application.
We placed a link (on gateway additional documents) to our daughters blog that she created specifically for admissions. The blog format allowed her to show a range of artistic experience and projects. Including videos and slides. Regardless of deadlines you should reach out to the AO’s and show them who you are! I am an artist and teach at the college level, I’d be happy to look at your work but I already know what I would say which is show it off!
Thanks for the input, @jdewey! I decided to submit my portfolio. It was fun creating it! :)
I did have a question: for the schools that I applied to who had their deadlines on January 15, should I consider sending the art department my portfolio? I doubt it would make a difference on my application now but I think that perhaps I should establish some sort of rapport with the art department.
@thelittleswimmer right, so? What’s the worst case scenario? They do not consider it? If that is it then there is no harm in sending it, or that they consider you a PITA which is possible if you do it in an annoying way. I am sure you can send it in a way that says, I know it is after the deadline and that you are very busy, however, if you have time and would like to se my art portfolio here it is. Sincerely, the little swimmer
You are over thinking this. It is February 9th, just send it politely and be done with it.
I agree! The idea of a deadline can almost have magical thinking. It can’t hurt to give more information. I would send it to admissions too. Your AO will be in charge of your folder and make sure the committee that reviews you sees it. The Art Department may not realize you want them to go to bat for you. Make sure you communicate with them your hope that the school gets to see your interest in Visual Art. It’s a very busy time for them and it could get lost in the shuffle. Advocate for yourself.
Good luck with this @thelittleswimmer! Please come back on M10 and let us know how it all went for you. My DD is so happy with her art class at Cate and finds that it’s a nice escape from her academic demands. She’s really looking forward to developing her talent there. All of your interests and passions are important, regardless of whether or not you feel that you are more than “pretty good”. You chose to spend time on art, so you shouldn’t feel shy about sharing that with the admissions committees. It rounds out the picture of who you are, and can only benefit you.
I honestly am having trouble writing the email to my AO without the email making me sound like a procrastinator or a late submitter and I really do not want to make a bad impression. Does anyone have any advice?
They won’t. Probably. They were perfectly fine with me. Most of your schools will probably ignore you, but some will give you a “Congratulations” or a comment.
