Art Schools: Requirements & Courses

Art Center College of Design - Product Design

1.    Submit sketches and finished drawings of 3 or more original product designs (furniture, lighting, medical and computer equipment, or consumer products such as coffee makers, sporting goods, communications devices or personal stereos). Each project should be grouped as a separate PDF.

2.    Emphasis should be on the function of the product, as well as the aesthetics and originality of the design. Projects should show a thorough researching and exploration of a product from beginning through intermediate sketches to a final finished rendering of the product.

3.    Inclusion of photos of 3D models is optional. Of primary importance are exploratory sketches that show a variety of solutions and ideas for each product presented. Sketchbook pages should be scanned and grouped in a single PDF.


*http://www.artcenter.edu/accd/index.jsp

Rhode Island School of Design 

Drawings 

1.    Two drawing samples are required of all candidates. Your first drawing must reference a bicycle. Your second drawing should be chosen from this list of options:

a. In the course of a single calendar day, draw 25 related images in a single visualizationb. Visualize the invisiblec. A drawing that uses both sides of the sheet of paperd. An image of water, from an observed body of water.  It should include the following: something visible from the bottom, something floating under the surface, something alive, things floating on the surface, the reflection of sky, the reflection of something terrestrial (structure or person), water surface patterns or rhythms (from wind), light on the surface of the water, light coming from underneath the water, and hierarchy (both tiny to large and crowded to open).

Portfolio

1.    Your portfolio should consist of 12 to 20 examples of any type of 2 or 3Dwork you have completed recently. We suggest that the work reflect your ideas, interests, experience and abilities in the arts to date. It may be in any media, may be finished or in sketch form, and may be the result of an assigned class project or a self-directed exploration. We strongly suggest that as part of this visual presentation you also reproduce and submit 2-3 pages from your journal or sketchbook to indicate your process of research, thinking or investigation.

Writing Samples 

1.    Submit two examples of writing, each between 200 and 400 words. Your first sample should address, "What is the most important thing you hope will have happened to you as a result of your time in the RISD community?"

- Your second sample should be chosen from this list of options:

a. Every day we're confronted by circumstances that range from the worrisome to the inspiring. What do you find most compelling in the world right now? How might this impact our future? What influence can you have on this situation?b. Create a short piece of fiction, in the form of a story, essay, poem or other genre.c. Is there something you love, have to do, can’t stop thinking about? Write about a personal passion or obsession other than visual art or design.d. A rubber ball, two inches in diameter. Make a list of 50 things you could do with this ball. OK, let's be reasonable, 25 would be good. OK, final offer, make a list of things, length of the list up to you... and the length of the list is not the most important thing, is it?

Letter(s) of Recommendation

1.    Recommendations should be written by teachers or other professionals who have a first-hand knowledge of your art or academic achievements and can comment on your potential as a student. Although not required, these letters can be very helpful in the consideration of your application. One letter is suggested, although as many as three may be submitted.


*http://www.risd.edu/Admissions/Apply/Freshmen/

California College of the Arts

Application ($60 nonrefundable fee required)

1.    You must submit the completed application, including the nonrefundable $60 application fee, to the Enrollment Services Office

Personal essay

1.    A 1 to 2 page essay must accompany the application. The essay is considered part of your portfolio. It allows us to learn more about you and is your opportunity to help us complete the picture of you, in addition to your grades, portfolio, test scores, and recommendations.our essay should address the major influences on your decision to pursue art, architecture, design, or writing. It should also address how you see yourself contributing to the CCA community, specifically with respect to the college’s values, summarized below.

2.    CCA understands the important role of artists, designers, architects, and writers in solving social, cultural, environmental, and economic problems. The educational experience we provide supports the following values:- cultivating intellectual curiosity, risk taking, collaboration, innovation, compassion, and integrity- fostering social justice and community engagement- promoting diversity on our campuses- advocating sustainability and environmental responsibility

Transcripts

1.    You must submit an official transcript from your high school or college. High school transcripts must show proof of graduation or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Official, sealed transcripts from your institution must be sent from the school directly to the Enrollment Services Office.

2.    If you have attended college or received college credit while in high school, please submit official transcripts from the college(s) attended.

3.    All transcripts must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation of the original.

4.    Home-schooled applicants should submit detailed syllabi of courses (equivalent to grades 10–12) and details of curriculum you are pursuing through any public or private agency (including community college transcripts, if applicable).

Two letters of recommendation

1.    Two letters of recommendation from current or recent instructors or school counselors must be submitted to the Enrollment Services Office. If you do not have access to instructors, you may include letters from employers or other professional references. We highly recommend that you take advantage of our electronic recommendation process. This will ensure we receive your recommendations in a timely fashion, and it is convenient for your recommenders.

Portfolio

1.    A portfolio representing your art experience must be submitted to the Enrollment Services Office. The portfolio consists of your artwork and a personal essay. The portfolio allows the admissions committee to gain an understanding of your interests, experience, and creative potential.


*http://www.cca.edu/admissions/undergrad/application