Admissions

Art Center welcomes applications from students who have chosen to pursue a career in the visual arts.
The programs are highly specialized, and we ask applicants to seriously consider their choice of major.
Students must specify one major at the time of application.
The college does not offer an undeclared major option and requires a focused portfolio directed toward
one major for admission.
For this reason, many applicants choose to complete prior coursework at another college to explore
options and develop a specific direction. Admission is competitive.
Your classmates will be serious, motivated and talented.


Portfolio Requirements

Review the following guidelines to assure that you fulfill the basic requirements.
Then read the portfolio requirements by major for specific requirements.

There is no formula for an acceptable portfolio, but you should submit your best,
most recent work that represents your personal interests and your abilities.
Read the specific portfolio requirements for each major, as requirements vary greatly.

For most majors, a portfolio of slides only or CD format are not acceptable.
If you have slides or photographs of three-dimensional or oversized pieces,
you may submit them in addition to the required original works.

Sketchbooks are always welcome.
Color copies are acceptable for some departments as described.
Date each piece of your work with the date of completion.
Samples should be flat, not rolled.
Framed or glassed pieces cannot be accepted.
Do not tape overlays, if any are included.
Do not wrap individual pieces.
Portfolios cannot exceed 24-by-36 inches in height and eight inches in width,
suitable for vertical storage. The maximum weight, including case, is 25 pounds.
Avoid submitting heavy cartons, which are costly to ship and difficult to handle.
Pieces must be submitted in a case or container; loose pieces are not acceptable.
Protect your work by ensuring that the container is durable and safely packed.
 
Affix your name to the outside of your portfolio.
Mark the back of each portfolio piece with your name.
While great care is taken, Art Center does not accept responsibility for loss of or damage to an applicant's work.
 
Submit your portfolio. Applicants can bring their portfolios directly to the Admissions Office between 8:30 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you would like to meet with an admissions counselor before applying,
please read the section on visiting the campus. If you mail your portfolio, we suggest that you insure it. 
Returning your portfolio. Let us know how to return your portfolio by completing the portfolio return form.
Portfolios will be mailed to applicants within the U.S. and will be insured for a value of $100.
Applicants outside the U.S. must include a check or money order in U.S. dollars to cover return postage.
International reply coupons are not acceptable. A postage estimate can be obtained from your local post office.
You may also pick up your portfolio in person from the Admissions Office during business hours.
Space consideration may necessitate the disposal of portfolios not claimed within six months of review.


Graphic Design

Include layouts or comprehensives for projects, such as posters, brochures, editorial design, package design,
motion graphics, Web design and identity systems.
Pieces that exhibit a grasp of an issue, an individual point of view, or a unique approach to a problem are helpful.
Evidence of an understanding of and passion for typography is a must.
Samples of logotypes, lettering, life drawing, and general color and design assignments should be included.
A combination of finished pieces and sketches is desirable.
If submitted work has been produced, attach an explanation of the role played in the creation of the work
(overall design, production only, etc.).
Color copies are acceptable in lieu of originals.
Motion work should be submitted as storyboards as well as on CD
(Quicktime files that are optimized at 200 MB or less and Mac-compatible).










From. http://www.artcenter.edu/accd/admissions/undergraduate/portfolioreq.jsp