“To have instructors and classmates who understand and inspire each other was so special.”
Rolando, accepted to BFA Fashion Design at FIT
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
Our course options are structured by the number of sessions, allowing students to schedule classes according to their availability.
Choose an online, on-site, or hybrid option that fits best for you.
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, providing the essential tools needed for Bachelor’s degree programs.
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 placed on refining your artistic vision and creating a polished, professional portfolio that meets the high standards of competitive graduate schools.
Track 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 or in a hybrid format (in-person & remote).
Class Format
Each class is 4 hours long and is conducted in-person or in a hybrid format (in-person & remote).
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
| 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 |
* There is a one-time, non-refundable Application Fee of $500 for any International Students program.
| 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
➔ Do you provide art supplies?
Our school does NOT provide art supplies, and students are responsible for their own supplies. This is because we offer a personalized project plan for each student, which includes a unique list of supplies based on their individual needs.
Our Admissions can assist with purchasing art supplies and recommend specific brands and materials upon registration.
➔ What should I include in my portfolio?
Try to include a variety of works showing technical skill, creativity, and personal voice; typically 12–20 pieces.