Art School Entrance Requirements

Take pictures of your paintings.

Admission to an art school can open doors to a bright and professional creative future. Art school graduates tend to pursue careers as professional artists, gallery operators and employees, restoration experts or instructors. Entrance requirements can vary, but there are a standard set of needs every school asks of potential students.

Fill Out the Application

Complete the entire application. Leave nothing blank or unanswered. Many applications require short, written answers. Be sure you meet all word length requirements and answer all questions precisely. All applications should be typed or completed in black or blue ink. Every component of the application must be legible. Include appropriate reference letters from previous instructors or professional artists who know your work. The Portland School of Art requires at least three letters of reference, as do most schools.

Write An Essay

Write an essay in accordance with application requirements. The Yale School of Art, for example, requires a 500 word essay describing your objectives as an artist and how you intend to proceed as an art professional. Construct your essay with clear and concise language. Choose bold and active vocabulary and ensure the structure of your essay is sound. Most importantly, ensure your essay is authentic and true.

Submit Transcripts

Submit all high school and college transcripts necessary for admission. Transcripts outline courses you have taken in the past and how well you succeeded academically. Almost all art schools require transcripts. Contact previous high school and college admissions offices to have them sent directly to the art school or to arrange to have you pick them up and submit them with your entrance package.

Make a Portfolio

All art schools require a portfolio. Portfolios are visual displays of your work and are often the central and most important component to any art school admissions policy. Quintessential portfolios, according to the Yale School of Art website, must "represent your best work, indicate your major interest and direction and demonstrate your ability." Be sure all work is your own and that everything is labeled appropriately, with the title of the piece and date the work was completed.

References

• Portland State University: School of Art
• Yale University: School of Art