///////////////// YOUR PORTFOLIO 101
YOUR PORTFOLIO IS KEY. Admissions staff at Columbus College of Art & Design are the experts at this—and we’re always ready to talk with you by phone or email (877.997.CCAD or admissions@ccad.edu). Where to begin? Read on.
START HERE At CCAD, we want to see your strongest works—no specific media or subject requirements, and no need to reflect the major (or majors) you’re interested in. Just knock us out with your best work. What do we mean by “best work”? We look for:
TECHNIQUE
RISK-TAKING
This is how well you handle whatever media you decide to work with. All pieces should show that you understand basic concepts like composition, value, color, texture, patterning, and depth.
Get out of your comfort zone. Show us what challenges you—like a new technique or medium, or a more complex subject matter or concept.
CONCEPT Choose artwork that communicates your ideas—tell stories, make statements, start conversations, and evoke moods.
DEDICATION A good portfolio doesn’t come together overnight. Your time and effort should be evident.
TOP TIPS
FOR BUILDING
YOUR PORTFOLIO
GET ADVICE. Have your portfolio reviewed often. Your sophomore and junior years of high school are a great time to start. College reps and art educators can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, so you have the best possible combination of work to submit when you apply. There are lots of ways to get feedback directly from us— choose as many as you like!
ON CAMPUS » Schedule an individual appointment. (www.ccad.edu/ visit) » Attend an on-campus Admissions event. (www.ccad.edu/admissions/ events) » Take a class through Continuing & Professional Studies. (www.ccad.edu/ce/info)
» High school sophomores and juniors can do College PreView, our 3-week summer pre-college program. (www.ccad.edu/ce/cp)
OFF CAMPUS » Attend a CCAD Info Night in your area. (www.ccad.edu/admissions/ events) » Explore a National Portfolio Day. (portfolioday.net) » Visit a National College Fair. (www.nacacnet.org) » Look for other local or regional events. (www.ccad.edu/admissions/ calendar) » We may even visit your high school or community college! (www.ccad. edu/admissions/calendar)
DO PROJECTS OUTSIDE CLASS. Don’t be afraid to do projects on your own, outside your art classes. Independent projects can show us your unique voice, interests, enthusiasm, and dedication. For some ideas to get you started, visit www.ccad.edu/admissions/ portfolio.
KNOW YOUR DEADLINES. CCAD’s BFA program has rolling admission, which means you can apply almost anytime throughout the year—and all admitted students are automatically considered for institutional scholarships. However, the earlier you apply, the better. » Dec. 1: Early Action deadline » Feb. 15: Priority Decision deadline » Aug. 1: Final deadline. Applications received after Aug. 1 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
CHECK OUT THE DETAILS ONLINE. CCAD’s application process happens online. To apply (or just look over the details), visit www.ccad. edu/future-students-parents/ admissions/how-to-apply. To work with the online application system, you have to submit your portfolio digitally—so you’ll need to scan or photograph any traditional artwork that’s in it. For step-by-step info on how to do this, visit www. ccad.edu/admissions/portfolio.
TO ACHIEVE YOUR BEST WORK, REMEMBER: TECHNIQUE
CONCEPT
RISK-TAKING
DEDICATION
WANT MORE? Check out our video on YouTube
QUESTIONS? If you have more questions, contact us directly. We really are here to help. Toll-free 877.997.CCAD (2223) admissions@ccad.edu
Admissions 60 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH 43215 614.222.3261 // 877.997.CCAD (2223) www.ccad.edu/admissions admissions@ccad.edu