<p>Alexandre: what is considered a first-rate portfolio? i am going to work with my photography teacher next year who is usually the one who helps out with college portfolios. also, i know of a friend, an amazing artist, who got into cornell bc the adcoms fell in love wiht her portfolio.</p>
<p>also, i consider myself an average artist (im not the best at it but i try) but i have a lot interest in working at increasing my skill. is that going to be a disadvantage?</p>
<p>spazattack, I believe it is jonri who suggested the "first rate portfolio". I wouldn't know a first rate portfolio if it hit me in the face!</p>
<p>@ spazattack</p>
<p>I would also consider School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Rhode Island School of Design if you are considering a career in the fine arts.</p>
<p>Here are some LACs that offer (from my own personal visits to the schools and research) some strong visual art departments:</p>
<p>Bard
Vassar
Sarah Lawrence (some nice talent here)
Skidmore
Oberlin</p>
<p>spaz, There are two tracks here: art school and an art major at a "full service" university or liberal arts college. My understanding is that you don't want an art school. If that's the case, you've received plenty of suggestions for universities and liberal arts colleges that have good visual art departments. Now you need to make your list based on other aspects of the schools that would make them suitable for you, e.g., selectivity, size, location, culture, personality.</p>
<p>Most colleges (and again I'm not talking about art schools) will ask for supplemental material to be submitted in the form of slides, though some will accept photographs on CD. You should look at the individual colleges' websites for specific instructions on how to prepare the portfolio.</p>
<p>Colleges understand that you are a high school student. They don't expect professional level work. What they are looking for is evidence of creativity and exposure to a range of media. They especially like drawings from life. I was told that self portraits are always a good part of a portfolio, but that may or may not be universally valid.</p>
<p>Colleges, even the most selective, need artists just as they need football players and violinists. So even if you don't intend to major in art, if it's your passion and strength by all means submit a portfolio. It's also a good idea to include an arts resume that would summarize your art-related activities, classes, awards, achievements. You might also include a third recommendation from an art teacher or mentor.</p>