Overview
If you're applying to art, design, music, dance, theater, or film programs (BFA, BM, conservatory, or major-specific arts programs), you have a second application to build alongside the academic one. Portfolios and auditions carry significant weight, often more than GPA or test scores.
Who This Applies To
Visual arts applicants: painting, sculpture, illustration, graphic design, photography, animation, architecture
Performing arts applicants: classical or jazz music, voice, musical theater, acting, dance
Film/media: screenwriting, directing, cinematography, film studies BFA
Students applying to programs like RISD, Parsons, SCAD, CalArts, Juilliard, NYU Tisch, CMU Drama, Chapman, USC Thornton/SCA
Junior Year Priorities
For Visual Artists
Build a body of 10-20 strong pieces across mediums
Include observational work (still life, figure drawing) - universally expected
Document everything with high-quality photography (neutral background, proper lighting)
Start a sketchbook/process journal - many schools want to see process, not just finished work
Consider a summer pre-college program at a school you're targeting (RISD Pre-College, Parsons, SAIC Early College) - strongest signal
For Musicians
Prepare 2-3 audition pieces across contrasting styles/periods
Make professional-quality recordings (studio or high-end home setup)
Most top conservatories require pre-screen recordings by November 15 - Juilliard, NEC, Curtis, Eastman
Schedule live auditions in January-February at audition venues or on campus
For Actors and Musical Theater
Memorize 2-4 contrasting monologues (1 contemporary, 1 classical; 1 dramatic, 1 comedic)
For MT: prepare 16 or 32-bar song cuts in contrasting styles
Film pre-screen videos by December (many BFA programs require)
Register for Acceptd getacceptd.com - submission platform for most BFA programs
Unified Auditions: Chicago, New York, Los Angeles in January-February
For Dancers
Video audition: ballet barre, modern phrase, choreographed solo
Many programs require live audition in addition
For Filmmakers
1-3 short films demonstrating your voice
Screenplays or creative writing samples
Visual storytelling evidence
Application Platforms
SlideRoom : Most visual arts and design programsAcceptd : Most performing arts BFA programsCommon App arts supplement : For programs using Common AppIndividual portals : Juilliard, Curtis, many conservatories
Strategic Notes
Arts admission is more portfolio-driven than academic; a mid-tier GPA with a stunning portfolio can beat a top GPA with weak work
But academic floors still exist: even RISD wants strong grades and test scores if you submit
Combined BA/BFA programs (Brown/RISD dual degree, NYU Tisch + Stern) are ultra-competitive
Summer Between Junior and Senior
This is the single most important summer for arts portfolios. Plan on 6-10 hours/day of portfolio or audition work.