Instructions for preparing Entrance Portfolio:
Each prospective applicant must submit a completed Application Form and an Entrance Portfolio, consisting of digital images of artwork and a written essay.
A written essay alone will be considered if no artwork is available. Entrance Portfolio submissions should demonstrate the applicant’s potential for growth as a student of the Arts.
Artwork guidelines:
- Five to Ten works of art. These should include at least two of the following:
- Drawing from observation (still life, figure or landscape)
- Painting (acrylic, oil or watercolor)
- Printmaking (all types)
- Photography
- Graphic Design
- Computer Art / Computer Graphics (still, animation or interactive)
- Three-dimensional work (sculpture, ceramics or metals)
- Mixed media work
- Cover page with list of artworks numbered 1 through 10 including titles, dimensions and media of each work.
- Images of artwork should be saved in JPEG, PDF, or PowerPoint formats, at 72 dpi, formatted for a screen no smaller than 800px by 600px and no larger than 1024px by 768px. Images may be submitted on a CD or emailed to lisa.stocker@unco.edu.
- Submission for Fall Semester should be made by March 1st*.
Submission for Spring Semester should be made by October 31st*.
*Applications submitted after these dates will be considered depending upon space available. (Transfer students must also submit a portfolio and essay).
Essay guidelines:
Answer the following questions with approximately 150 words for each topic:
- What are your interests and background as they relate to the program at UNC’s School of Art & Design and how will this education help you to attain your career goals?
- Describe a moment, event, book, conversation, or situation that helped you make a decision to become an art major.
- Write about a time when you have successfully achieved a goal that you set for yourself.

