“To have instructors and classmates who understand and inspire each other until the finish line was so special.”
Christy, accepted to BFA at Carnegie Mellon
International Student Portfolio Preparation
Core Portfolio Prep
International Student Portfolio Preparation
Core Portfolio Prep
International Students Portfolio Preparation Core Portfolio Prep
Certificate of Completion: Portfolio Preparation
Students who successfully complete the required hours of study will receive a Certificate of Completion: Portfolio Preparation, which serves as a testament to their dedication and the skills they have developed during their time with us.
In order to receive a Certificate, the student needs to complete either:
- 960 hours within 50 weeks
(approximately 1 year)
OR
- 2,700 hours within 135 weeks
(approximately 3 years)
Our Core Portfolio Prep track is designed for students who wish to build a professional art or design portfolio to meet specific academic or career goals. Whether you’re preparing for college admissions or advancing your artistic journey, we offer tailored options for each level.
The track offers two course levels: Undergraduate Level and Graduate Level. Please see the details below on this page.
All instruction is personalized and conducted one-on-one. Receive individualized feedback and support from our instructors, who are active artists and designers with degrees from prestigious colleges and universities. Each class is designed to guide you through projects that are specifically aligned with your target schools and programs.
With our directions, students build strong portfolios that are sought after by top art schools and colleges like RISD, MICA, SCAD, Pratt Institute, SVA, Parsons School of Design (The New School), and more.
No prior art experience is required to join, but students should have an intention and interest in developing their portfolio for higher education or career advancement.
We accept students year-round based on the International Students school calendar. Please refer to our program start dates.
Have questions about the track option?
Personalized & Targeted Guidelines
We recognize and nurture each student’s strengths, potential, and talent, empowering them to reach their artistic aspirations. Build a strong foundation in art and creative thinking, and develop a standout portfolio for the admissions process.
Flexible scheduling
Students are welcome to customize their schedules based on attendance requirements.
Experienced Team
Our instructors are seasoned artists and designers with years of knowledge and experience in portfolio development and preparation, who offer pinpoint guidelines catered to your interest and intended schools.
Class Structure
Undergraduate Level
This course level is for students preparing a portfolio for undergraduate art school applications or other programs that require a portfolio at the undergraduate level.
The focus is on building a well-rounded portfolio that encompasses foundational skills and creative exploration, which are the essential aspects that Bachelor’s degree programs look for.
Graduate Level
This course level is tailored for students preparing a portfolio for admission to graduate-level (Master’s) art or design programs.
Emphasis is on refining your artistic vision and creating a polished, professional portfolio that can stand out to the committees of competitive graduate schools.
Course Duration
We operate on a quarter-based calendar, with each quarter lasting 12 weeks. Each class is 4 hours long.
You can customize your class schedule based on your availability. Classes are conducted in-person at our school location in Midtown Manhattan.
* Graduate Level students are required to complete additional studio hours, fulfilled through up to six Private Lessons per quarter.
Class Format
Each class is 4 hours long and is conducted in-person.
We maintain small class sizes with an average student-teacher ratio of 6 to 1 to optimize the learning experience and portfolio development process.
Student Work
Schedule & Tuition
Select 5 sessions per week from the options provided below.
| Session A (Eastern Time) | Session B (Eastern Time) | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 11 AM – 3 PM | 4 PM – 8 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM – 3 PM | 4 PM – 8 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM – 3 PM | 4 PM – 8 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM – 3 PM | 4 PM – 8 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM – 3 PM | 4 PM – 8 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM – 2 PM | 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM |
- Select 4 sessions per week from the options provided below.
- Additionally, Graduate Level students are required to complete additional studio hours, fulfilled through up to six Private Lessons per quarter.
| Session A (Eastern Time) | Session B (Eastern Time) | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 11 AM – 3 PM | 4 PM – 8 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM – 3 PM | 4 PM – 8 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM – 3 PM | 4 PM – 8 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM – 3 PM | 4 PM – 8 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM – 3 PM | 4 PM – 8 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM – 2 PM | 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM |
* The one-time, non-refundable Application Fee for International Student Portfolio Preparation Program is $150.
| Undergraduate Level Tuition | Graduate Level Tuition | Quarter Options |
|---|---|---|
| $8,400 | $8,650 | 1 Quarter |
| $16,750 | $17,257 | 2 Quarters |
| $25,110 | $25,864 | 3 Quarters |
| $33,470 | $34,470 | 4 Quarters |
- Register quarterly
- One week vacation after each quarter of 12 weeks
- Receive $100 off each additional quarter when you register for more than one quarter at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
➔ Who is this program designed for?
This program is tailored for international students aiming to build a professional art or design portfolio for academic or career advancement. It caters to various levels, including high school, undergraduate, and graduate applicants.
➔ What skills will I develop?
Students will enhance their abilities in observational drawing, composition, color theory, concept development, and presentation techniques, all crucial for a compelling portfolio.
➔ Do you assist in developing a cohesive theme or concept?
Absolutely. We guide students in shaping a cohesive direction that reflects their personal voice and aligns with their goals.
➔ How are critiques conducted in this course?
Instructors provide regular feedback through both individual sessions and group settings, focusing on refining techniques and conceptual development.
