Portfolio & Audition Requirements
School of Art Portfolio Requirements
School of Design Portfolio Requirements
School of Film Portfolio Requirements
Illustration
Design, Art & Technology
5-Year BFA/Master of Art in Teaching
College of Performing Arts Audition/Interview Requirements
Division of Liberal Arts
Performing Arts Audition Dates
National Portfolio Day Events
National College Fairs
Performing and Visual Arts College Fairs
College of Art, & Media and Design - Portfolio Information
As an applicant to the College of Art, Media & Design, you are required to submit a portfolio of original artwork. We look for individuals who are highly motivated and who provide evidence of visual experiences that demonstrate the ability to succeed in a highly competitive visual arts program.
The portfolio you present will vary based on your own experiences, interests, education, and training. You may submit a broad-based portfolio containing examples of work from a variety of media or a more focused portfolio.
Creating Your Portfolio
An artist’s portfolio is a way to present your talents, express your individuality, and tell us something about your formative creative visual experiences. We would like to see recent, original work that demonstrates your strengths and experience in the visual arts. The selection of pieces in your portfolio will tell us a great deal about you. Choose thoughtfully and carefully those pieces you think best demonstrate your talent and potential for further development in the art, media, and design professions. Just as all talents are different, so are the backgrounds of all students. The Admission Committee keeps this in mind when reviewing your work; we know that applicants’ portfolios may reflect a wide range of experience.
Recommendations for Portfolio Development
For specific portfolio requirements for the program to which you are applying, please follow the links above.
- Schedule a Preliminary Portfolio Review: If you’re looking to receive feedback on your portfolio during the development process, the Office of Admissions is now scheduling preliminary portfolio reviews. An Admissions Counselor or faculty member will review your portfolio in its current stage, and offer recommendations for preparing your portfolio for an official review. Preliminary reviews are done Mondays and Fridays between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm, and can be scheduled by calling the Office of Admissions at 215-717-6049. A preliminary review is not a requirement for admission.
- Join us for a National Portfolio Day: National Portfolio Days offer students another opportunity for a preliminary portfolio review. At these events, you can receive feedback on your portfolio-in-progress from UArts’ representatives, as well as representatives from other schools you may be interested in. The University of the Arts participates in a number of National Portfolio Days hosted throughout the U.S. from October to January. Pre-registration is not required for National Portfolio Days.
- Enroll in a Portfolio Preparation Class: A portfolio preparation class can be a useful tool in building and polishing a portfolio for review for college admissions. The University of the Arts offers two portfolio preparation classes through its Pre-College Office – Portfolio Preparation for College Admissions, a semester-long Saturday School course, and Portfolio Preparation, a weeklong intensive offered through the Pre-College Summer Institute. Visit our Pre-College Programs page for more information, or check with your local colleges or art centers for portfolio preparation classes offered in your area.
- Still Have Questions? Contact Us!: Our Admissions Counselors are happy to answer questions regarding portfolio requirements. Contact our counselors by calling the Office of Admissions at 215-717-6049, or e-mailing us at admissions@uarts.edu.
Presenting Your Portfolio
While the presentation of your portfolio needn’t be elaborate, it should demonstrate the respect you have for your work. If you show us your portfolio in person, you should be able to talk about it—what each project involved, how you made design decisions, what you learned from the experience, and how you feel about the finished piece. It is not necessary for you to mount or mat your work as long as it is presented as a
neat and coherent body of work. Group the pieces in a specific order, such as by medium, by size, by date completed, or by subject matter. Both you and your interviewer will then have an easier time grasping the full import of what you show. Work done in charcoal, chalk or pastels should be sprayed with fixative and covered with a clean sheet of paper to protect it.
Methods of Presentation:
- On-Campus Review
- Since we believe that the questions you ask of us are as revealing as the questions we ask of you, UArts encourages all applicants to visit the campus. You’ll not only have an opportunity to see our classrooms and facilities; you’ll get to meet our faculty and, most importantly, those who will be your professional colleagues and peers: other UArts students.
- There’s no fixed format or schedule of questions for the interview, so you’ll be evaluated as an individual by an individual. The admissions officer or faculty member who conducts the interview will be interested in your academic record, personal achievements and extracurricular activities, as well as your plans-however vague they may be-for your creative future.
- The best way to prepare for the interview is simply to be curious: come with plenty of questions - about the application process, financial aid, courses, instructors, programs of study, student life and anything else you can think of. And don’t be afraid to ask for advice. While many students come to UArts already knowing exactly what they want to do, others are still searching. Each talent is unique, and thus has its own yardstick and follows its own path. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to recognizing and nurturing that talent. So even though the interview is not a prerequisite for acceptance to UArts, it does help both of us decide if we’re right for each other.
- To schedule an on-campus review, contact the receptionist in the Office of Admission at 800.616.2787, ext. 6049, or 215.717.6049. Portfolio reviews can be scheduled for the following days and times:
Monday-Friday (Year-Round): 10 am - 3 pm
Saturday, March 2, 2013: 9 am - 12 pm
Saturday, March 23, 2013: 9 am - 12 pm
Saturday, April 20, 2013: 9 am - 12 pm
- An official review can only be completed for students whose applications have been received by the Office of Admissions.
If you are a transfer applicant, the Office of Admission will contact you to schedule a portfolio review after we have received all transcripts and a list of coursework in progress.
- Online/Internet Submissions
- Freshman and transfer applicants to Art and Design programs may submit their portfolio online via an image hosting website such as www.carbonmade.com or www.deviantart.com. Freshman and transfer applicants to Film or Animation may submit work online through www.youtube.com or www.vimeo.com. Please send a direct link to your online gallery to admissions@uarts.edu.
- Electronic/Digital Submissions
- You may submit your work on CD-ROM or USB flash drive. Images submitted for review must be either .JPG or .GIF file formats. You must provide documentation with your files including a description indicating the concept, project or problem involved. All files must be viewable on a PC. The submission must be self-contained and not require special software to be viewed; for example, a Director piece should be a "projector" and not the original file. The documentation can either be printed, or included as a Microsoft Word file, or Text file on your disk or CD. Please do not assume that our offices can launce your digital project. Any interactive pieces should have an embedded or runtime program with your files.
- Films/Videos/Animation
- Work may be submitted via DVD or uploaded to a video hosting website such as www.vimeo.com or www.youtube.com. DVDs submitted must be in NTSC format. Please include both up to a 5-minute cut of each piece, and the full-length works for films, videos or animations. DVD submissions must be clearly labeled with your name, address, phone number, and running time. Please send a direct link to your online videos to admissions@uarts.edu. Include a short description of your role in the production, and how you feel it expresses your abilities. If you have a script or storyboard that you followed in making the film/video/animation, please include it.
- Writing Samples - Creative Writing and Writing for Film & Television ONLY
- Writing samples are to be e-mailed as a Word doc or PDF to your assigned admission counselor.
Transfer Applications
Because you are seeking admission at an advanced level (above that of a freshman), a faculty member from your major department will evaluate your portfolio. We assume that students seeking advanced standing have completed preparatory course work similar in content to the university’s first year. Your portfolio should include work from these courses in addition to work directly related to your intended major. Although online/internet and electronic/digital submissions are accepted, an on-campus, in-person interview is always preferred for transfer applicants.
The Office of Admission will contact you to schedule a portfolio review after we have received all transcripts and a list of coursework in progress.
Performing Arts Audition Dates
Applicants to the College of Performing Arts will schedule their audition/interview date when completing the online application. Music & Theater applicants auditioning off-campus will be contacted via e-mail to schedule their audition/interview appointment; there are no specific appointment times for all on-campus and Dance auditions. Applicants will receive confirmations and instructions for their auditions once their applications are processed.
At the University of the Arts
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Saturday, April 20, 2013*
Regional Audition Dates
Los Angeles, CA - February 11, 2013
Ft. Lauderdale, FL - February 18, 2013
National Unified Audition Dates [School of Theater ONLY]
(space is limited)
New York, NY – February 2 & 3, 2013
Chicago, IL - February 4, 5 & 6, 2013
Los Angeles, CA - February 9 & 10, 2013
*To be eligible for priority talent scholarship consideration, you must apply for admission by March 15 and audition prior to April 1.
Application must be received at least 3 weeks prior to selected audition date.
Do not make any travel arrangements until you have confirmed your audition date with the Office of Admission.
Information regarding specific locations and times will be mailed to you once we have received your completed application.
National Portfolio Day Events
UArts will have representatives at the following upcoming National Portfolio Day events:
For the most current information about NPDA Events, please click here.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Houston, Texas
Woodlands Waterway Marriott
Hosted by School of Visual Arts
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Cincinnati, Ohio
Art Academy of Cincinnati
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Dallas, Texas
Hilton Anatole
Hosted by School of Visual Arts
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus College of Art and Design
Saturday, October 14, 2012
San Diego, California
Laguna College of Art + Design
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse University, College of Visual and Performing Arts
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Chicago, Illinois
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Ann Arbor, Michigan
University of Michigan, School of Art & Design
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford College of Art
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Boston, Massachusetts
Hynes Convention Center
Hosted by the School of the Museum of Fine Arts
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadephia Convention Center
Hosted by Moore College of Art & Design
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Atlanta, Georgia
Cobb Galleria Centre, Exhibit Hall C
Hosted by MICA
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Purchase, New York
Purchase College, SUNY, School of Art & Design
Sunday, November 18, 2012
New York, New York
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
Hosted by Parsons The New School for Design
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Charlotte, North Carolina
Location TBA
Hosted by Memphis College of Art
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Washington, D.C.
Corcoran College of Art & Design
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland
MICA
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Richmond, Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Seattle, Washington
Cornish College of the Arts
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Portland, Oregon
Oregon College of Art & Craft
Saturday, January 19, 2013
New Orleans, Louisiana
Location TBA
Hosted by Memphis College of Art
Saturday, January 19, 2013
San Francisco, California
San Francisco Art Institute
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Pasadena, California
Art Center College of Design
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Miami, Florida
Miami Dade Campus
Hosted by New World School of the Arts
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Sarasota, Florida
Ringling College of Art & Design
GRADUATE PORTFOLIO DAYS
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Los Angeles, California
Otis College of Art and Design
Sunday, October 14, 2012
San Francisco, California
California College of Art
Sunday, October 28, 2012
New York, New York
Parsons The New School for Design
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Chicago, Illinois
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
UArts will have representatives at the following upcoming National College Fairs:
For the most current information about these events, please click here.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Chicago, Illinois
Navy Pier
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Long Island, New York
Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Uniondale, New York
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Milwaukee, Wisconsion
Frontier Airlines Center
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Denver, Colorado
Colorado Convention Center
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Cincinnati, Ohio
Duke Energy Center
Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27, 2012
Portland, Oregon
Oregon Convention Center
Monday, October 29 and Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore Convention Center
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City Convention Center
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Greater Fort Lauderdale
Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center
Friday, November 2 and Saturday, November 3, 2012
Seattle, Washington
Washington State Convention Center
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Convention Center
Wednesday, February 6 and Thursday, February 7, 2013
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Sunday, February 10, 2103
Atlanta, Georgia
Georgia World Congress Center
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Miami, Florida
Doubletree by Hilton Miami Airport
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Tampa, Florida
Tampa Convention Center
Sunday, March 10 and Monday, March 11, 2013
Syracuse, New York
SRC Arena - Onondago Community College
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Rochester, New York
Rochester Riverside Convention Center
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Charlotte, North Carolina
The Park Expo and Conference Center
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Greater Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh Convention Center
Monday, April 8, 2013
Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas
Irving, Texas
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Austin, Texas
Austin Convention Center
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Houston, Texas
Reliant Center
Thursday, April 11 and Wednesday, April 12, 2013
Hartford, Connecticut
Connecticut Convention Center
Wednesday, April 17 and Thursday, April 18, 2013
Montgomery County, Maryland
Montgomery County Agricultural Center
Gaithersburg, Maryland
Friday, April 19, 2013
Prince George's County, Maryland
Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex
Landover, Maryland
Saturday, April 20, 2013
San Francisco, California
Concourse Exposition Center
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Cleveland, Ohio
Wolstein Center
Wednesday, April 24 and Thursday, April 25, 2013
New Jersey
Meadowlands Exposition Center
Secaucus, New Jersey
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Greater Los Angeles, California
Pasadena Convention Center
Pasadena, California
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Nashville, Tennessee
Belmont University
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Providence, Rhode Island
Rhode Island Convention Center
Sunday, April 28, 2013
New York, New York
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
San Diego, California
San Diego Convention Center
Tuesday, April 30 and Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Inland Empire, California
Ontario Convention Center
Ontario, California
Performing and Visual Arts College Fairs
UArts will have representatives at the following upcoming Performing and Visual Arts College Fairs:
For the most current information about these events, please click here.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Atlanta, Georgia
Cobb County Center for the Excellence in the Performing Arts
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Tampa, Florida
University of South Florida - Marshall Student Center Ballroom
Monday, October 8, 2012
Denver, Colorado
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Cincinnati, Ohio
University of Cincinnati, Tangeman University Center
Saturday, October 13, 2012
New Orleans, Louisiana
Pontchartrain Convention & Civic Center
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
New York, New York
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Dallas, Texas
Owen Fine Arts Center, Southern Methodist University
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Los Angeles, California
University of California, Los Angeles - Ackerman Union
Sunday, October 21, 2012
San Francisco, California
Nob Hill Masonic Center
Monday, October 22, 2012
Portland, Oregon
Portland Art Museum
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Seattle, Washington
Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center
Sunday, October, 28, 2012
Washington, D.C.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Center for the Arts, Cyclorama
Monday, November 5, 2012
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Convention Center
