Why Should I Consider a Visual, Performing, or Maker Supplement?

Students who have worked on a significant research project outside of high school classes, performing artists, visual artists, and makers may often be invited to submit portfolios as a supplement to their applications. Even if you are not applying for a visual or performing arts degree but you have a special talent you want universities to see, consider putting a well-prepared portfolio together to showcase your interests and skills. It will present admissions officers with another dimension of who you are and what you do.

Since the pandemic, the ongoing challenges of identifying best-fit candidates, coupled with a test-optional environment and rising numbers of excellent candidates, have meant that admissions teams have fewer insights from which to make decisions. Utilizing additional resources makes sense.

Even prior to the pandemic, a number of leading engineering programs made the decision to incorporate Maker Portfolios into their admissions review. It now seems likely that this strategic shift is on its way to creating a new paradigm for not just engineering students but anyone wanting to stand out from other applicants.

Questions to consider as you contemplate applying for a visual or performing arts degree or supplying a portfolio supplement

• What do you wish to study and how can a portfolio help your application? There are four main categories of artistic study, each offering several choices:

  • Fine Arts - drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, glass, ceramics, performance art/new genres

  • Design - graphic design, industrial design, apparel or fashion design, illustration, commercial photography, or textile design/fibers

  • Moving Image - film/video, animation, motion graphics/interactive design, game design

  • Architecture - architecture, interior design/architecture, landscape architecture

  • Another portfolio that is sometimes optional at certain universities in the States is the Maker Portfolio, for those students interested in studying Engineering. These are more technical, but should show creative insight, technical skill, and a hands-on approach to learning and doing. If a portfolio is not allowed, then research papers are often encouraged.

• Are you prepared to create a portfolio? It takes time and patience to develop a strong portfolio that successfully highlights your creative thinking and strengths.

• Which type of college best fits your artistic and academic needs?

  • College of Art

  • Liberal Arts College

  • University

• What type of degree do you wish to pursue and what do you want to do professionally when you complete college? Answering these questions will help you decide what you might wish to highlight in a portfolio or supplement. Speak to your Ivy Options counselor to determine what might be best for you.

What should a student be prepared to put in a portfolio? Are there different requirements?

For those students applying for a visual or performing arts degree, your portfolio or prescreen auditions are an important part of your application, which is why we encourage students to constantly be working on developing pieces and material for this all-important supplement.

For art, architecture, and design students, the portfolio is a visual representation of the student – their ideas and design thinking or problem solving. It is a wonderful opportunity for a student to show his or her growth in certain techniques and overall work. Usually all media are acceptable, ranging from pencil sketches, oil, acrylic, watercolor, sculpture, collage, or photography to video – you name it! The portfolios vary, but need to usually be between 5-20 pieces, sometimes with very defined guidelines. Some universities in the US and Canada require special projects, challenges, and specific pre-screen videos to be sent as part of the portfolio or audition.

Performing arts students also have to prepare specific material to show their skill and understanding of the craft. These pre-screens are currently required as video, with some universities asking for a second round of either virtual or in-person auditions as part of the application process. This often means that students need to prepare the pre-screens earlier to meet the application deadlines.

Engineering or STEM-based programs allow students to submit optional portfolios to highlight a personal and/or research project(s) to help showcase their technical and soft skills and differentiate them from other worthy candidates.

Ivy Options offers portfolio application assistance to ensure that you develop and showcase your strengths and talents in a well-considered supplement. If you would like to find out more, please contact us at info@ivyoptions.com.