UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS PORTFOLIO

 

 

Portfolio Submission Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions
 

Students applying to Stanford may submit an optional Arts Supplement as part of their application.  Contact Undergraduate Admissions at http://admission.stanford.edu for specific deadlines and for general admissions questions.


Make sure you double check all deadlines, as there are different deadlines for students submitting the Arts Supplement.  In order to have your Arts Supplement considered in the review of your application, you must submit the Common Application and the Stanford Supplement to the Common Application by the Arts Supplement deadline (see Admission website and application form).  Your submission will not be reviewed if Admissions does not have an application on file for you by the submission deadline.  


Students may submit a CD, DVD, slides or prints (no larger than 8 x 10) of up to ten images of their work for evaluation. Note: CDs and DVDs will not be accepted for drawing and painting portfolios. Make sure to label every image with the following information: name of applicant, dimensions of piece, medium (oil, watercolor, pastel, etc.), and date of work. This label should be on the back of slides or prints, and included either with each image or as a separate document on CDs.  To best demonstrate your talent, it is recommended that portfolios focus on one particular medium (drawings and paintings can be submitted together. Portfolios that exceed the number of prints or slides indicated will not be evaluated. Although Stanford offers a Film and Media Studies major and minor, we do NOT accept film portfolios. If you have further questions, contact the Art Department at (650) 723-3404. 

 

 

Portfolio Submission Requirements:

Design:	Submit ten images of your two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional work in a variety of media. Include images of your drawings created from your observation of actual people, places or things. The department does not accept clothing design or interior design portfolios.
Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking:	Submit ten slides or prints of your work in any or all of the following: still life, figure, landscape, portrait, self-portrait, deliberate abstraction. Do NOT submit CDs or DVDs for drawing and painting portfolios. Drawings and paintings can be submitted as one portfolio (total not to exceed 10 images).
Sculpture:	Submit ten images revealing your technical knowledge in an area such as welding or metal casting. The department does not offer ceramics courses and does NOT accept ceramics portfolios.
Photography:	Submit ten images.
Video Art, Digital Media, and Electronic Arts:	Submit no more than three video segments, totaling no more than ten minutes on a single DVD. If your work is a website, please do NOT submit the link or HTML code; rather, make a video DVD that demonstrates the operation of the site.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Do I have to be an art major if I submit a portfolio?
A: No, submitting the portfolio does not require or admit you to the Art Practice program.  The portfolio is intended for any student with a talent and passion for art, regardless of their intended major.  Once you arrive at Stanford, we welcome students of any major to enroll in art courses.

 

Q: Can I submit more than ten images?
A: No, if you submit more than ten images the portfolio will not be reviewed.

 

Q: Can I submit a portfolio with drawings, paintings, and photos?
A: Yes, you can include different media, but the strongest portfolios demonstrate talent in one particular area (drawing and painting can be submitted as one portfolio).  The maximum number still cannot exceed ten images.

 

Q: Can I send my portfolio directly to the Department?
A: No, all materials must be submitted directly to the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

 

Q: Are there restrictions on what I can submit?
A: We do not accept ceramics, clothing design, jewelry design, or film portfolios.  Images cannot be larger than 8 x 10.  Do not submit originals, they will not be returned.

 

Q: Can I submit a piece that I worked on with other people?
A: Yes, but you must clearly explain what your role was and what part of the piece you were responsible for.

 

Q: My piece was included in a magazine or show, can I submit the magazine or catalog?
A: Please include only the pages or section with images of your work.

 

Q: Can I stop by to meet with someone about my portfolio?
A: Due to the large number of portfolios received, we are unable to meet with applicants individually.