Undergraduate Portfolio Questions (for Cornell mostly?)

College Majors Architecture Major
1

<p>hey guys, this forum has been a lot of help. here are my questions (for undergrad):</p>

<li><p>Is it okay to have a strong theme throughout the portfolio? I would have different types of medium and styles and subjects, but the overarching message would be the same in all pieces. Basically, I would be trying to convey the same message, but have very varied pieces. Or do colleges (Cornell specifically) want to see pieces about different things? </p></li>
<li><p>Is it okay if the work is not architecture-related at all? I know this has been discussed thoroughly, but my work would be shown as if I’m applying to art school because we have no opportunities at my school to take arch courses. Some people have said it’s good if you show sketches of buildings? </p></li>
<li><p>I’ve heard different things about Cornell Arch Admissions. I’ve read that they look at 1/3 academics, 1/3 interview, and 1/3 portfolio. I’ve also read that they look at you stats (GPA, SAT) and assign you a number from 1-5 and that’s how many times your portfolio gets looked at so it’s the portfolio that basically makes the decision (again, i know it’s an over-discussed topic). I just wanted to know if anyone has up to date information on the admissions process for cornell arch. </p></li>
<li><p>Would it be weird if I didn’t include work from my art classes? I take IBHL Art which is the highest level of art offered at my school and I will probably show one or two pieces, but do people usually create entirely new pieces for their portfolio? I’m asking this because I think Cornell asks you whether the pieces were done in class or outside of class. </p></li>
<li><p>I live in Asia and I won’t be able to make the interview in fall, so I will be answering the essay questions. Is this a disadvantage? I feel like having an interview and being able to meet someone in person, and having to answer questions on the spot as well, is looked at as a better indicator than essay questions. Also, are there any disadvantages/advantages to being an international student (sort of, I’m an American citizen living abroad)?</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Thank you so much in advance! The first question is the one bothering me most. I will be visiting Cornell later in the summer, but I need to get started now so your answers are appreciated!</p>

2

<p>I had Cornell on my list for a little while and visited, so I will try to answer the questions based upon my memory. </p>

<p>When I went to a portfolio presentation and the lady that was talking to use mentioned that it is a great ability to be able to one central theme for you portfolio yet have a number of different mediums…so I think the answer to #1 is that this is a great idea, though I was unable to do this. </p>

<p>I had one/two drawings/sketches of buildings, but especially at Cornell, if I remember, they really stressed the artsy side and having a basic art portfolio is not a bad thing, and may even be preferred. Those are the two that I am pretty sure on, but again, this was a year ago so I may have confused it with another school. </p>

<p>Good luck during your application process and hope you enjoy Cornell! (You may want to also consider Syracuse which is a top architecture program that is about 1 hr away from Cornell…maybe good to apply to just in case as they are both in top 5 according to Design Intelligence).</p>