<p>Stanford is my dream school and I would go in a heartbeat, but unfortunately I don't think I have the stats(3.95 GPA, 25 ACT, only passed 1 AP test). However, I was wondering if it might boost my chances of getting in if I submit an Arts Supplement? the link to my Portfolio is: PEYTON.SMYTH</a> portfolio . Let me know if it's college worthy? I want to major in Architecture</p>
<p>Stanford may be a little bit too much of a reach. Have you looked at Virginia Tech? Their architecture program is supposed to be really amazing. One of my best friends is applying there and he’s got great grades and scores, but I think you might also have a chance for the program.</p>
<p>I have taken a look at them, and as an art student myself studying visual arts for the IB diploma, I honestly and frankly think that your art portfolio is not particularly outstanding. (sorry for bluntness, just answering your question)</p>
<p>According to my art teacher, two things universities look for in a supplement is excellent technical skill in rendering details and recreating reality, and demonstration of excellent visual understanding and expressive creativity (like employing the use of light, negative space, unique interpretation of subject etc).</p>
<p>To look for exmaples of excelent portfolios, I would recoment going to collegeboard and viewing samples portfolio submissions of candidates who obtained a grade 6 in AP studio art.</p>
<p>[AP</a> Central - Exams: 2010 Studio Art Drawing: Quality Samples](<a href=“Supporting Students from Day One to Exam Day – AP Central | College Board”>AP Drawing Portfolio – AP Central | College Board)</p>
<p>While I do not discourage you from submitting an arts supplement, (you obviously have a passion for art and probably spent lots of time on it), don’t be disillusioned to think think you will be guaranteed admission by it alone - in fact schools are holistic and view everything, not just the supplementary materials.</p>
Hello! I know I am a few years late; however, I would like to counterargue the fellow participants’ statements. Your portfolio is actually very nice. One imperative thing to keep in mind is that art is subjective. Thus, what’s beauty in one’s eyes is different in another’s. Second, one main goal of Stanford is to see what YOU can contribute to their community. Also, although you may not have perfect credentials does not indicate you will be immediately thrown out of the running for being a potential Cardinal. Essays are a huge portion on the application and if those stand out more than someone who has perfect academics, but weak essays, the individual with the stellar essays are more apt to get in. Stanford wants to see that you are “weird.” That you have a personality. And that you can make connections between arbitrary matters. When going on a tour there, a Stanford student suggested the irony within the process. When students meet each other, they ask how in the heck did they get there. Therefore, if academic credentials are lacking, then ensure your essays are stellar. Also, keep in mind grades and standardized test scores are not always the best predictor of one’s intelligence.
This post is from 2011. This one time poster is well into his her college career by now and likely never checked CC again.