Grades & Transferring Credit
Your grade for VASI will be available 2-3 weeks after the end of the program. The grade takes into account all of your VASI courses–the faculty work collectively to grade each student at the end of the program. You can access your grade by logging into the BU Student Link with your BU username and Kerberos password. Click on the “Academics” tab, and then on “Grades”.
The three college credits you earned at VASI can be transferred to another institution once you enroll in college. Usually, they transfer in as visual arts elective credits. In order to do this, you will need to order a transcript from BU and have it sent to the college, and then work with the college Registrar’s Office to have the transfer credits approved. Some colleges may want a course syllabus for VASI–if you ever need this you can email us at buvasi@bu.edu, even years from now.
If you are interested in transferring the credits to your high school, talk first with your school’s registrar/guidance office about their procedures for accepting college credits.
Letters of Recommendation
The VASI faculty are usually glad to write letters of recommendation for college applications or other programs. Please remember, though, that they often get many requests for recommendations. Here are some pointers to get the best letter possible:
- Give your letter writer plenty of time–Don’t ask them right before a deadline
- Tell them why you need the letter, and what it is you are applying for–is this a scholarship application, an application to your dream school, etc?
- Send some images of your work so that it’s fresh in their minds (It’s also great for them to see any progression of work after the VASI program)
- Make sure you follow all the directions, and give your letter writers the proper information–does the letter need to be mailed? Emailed? Will a reference link be sent to them by a third party? Is there a specific format that the letter needs to follow?
If you’re not sure how to get in touch with one of your VASI faculty members please reach out to us at buvasi@bu.edu.
Stay in touch!
If you’re thinking about applying to BU, please stay in touch! You can reach out to Jessica Caccamo, Director of Admissions for the BU School of Visual Arts. She is happy to answer questions, give preliminary portfolio reviews, or schedule a tour while school is in session. She travels to National Portfolio Days, so she might even be in your neck of the woods! Her email is jcaccamo@bu.edu.
Those of you who are near the Boston area are always welcome to attend our visiting artist lectures and gallery shows that are free and open to the public. Be sure to visit campus next spring when you can see the finished result of all the construction!
We wish you all the best, and are so glad to have gotten to know you this summer!