{"id":1687,"date":"2022-05-27T16:24:31","date_gmt":"2022-05-27T20:24:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/?page_id=1687"},"modified":"2026-06-26T09:04:16","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T13:04:16","slug":"undergraduate","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/visual-arts\/admissions-portfolio-reviews\/undergraduate\/","title":{"rendered":"Undergraduate Admissions"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>Welcome, applicants!<\/h3>\n<p>All undergraduate applicants to the College of Fine Arts must apply through the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/admissions\/\">Office of Undergraduate Admissions<\/a> and meet the standards of admission to Boston University. In addition to completing an application to Boston University, all prospective CFA students must have an artistic evaluation by the College of Fine Arts. All portfolios must be submitted digitally at <a href=\"http:\/\/bucfa.slideroom.com\/\">bucfa.slideroom.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"video-responsive\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/884nW47dMKs\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe><\/div>\n<h3>Portfolio Requirements<\/h3>\n<p>The portfolio is a critical part of the admissions process for SVA applicants. Portfolios are to consist of at least fifteen (15) and not more than twenty (20)\u00a0samples of work.\u00a0The selection of work must contain:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Three (3) drawings from direct observation in an analog medium. We suggest charcoal, graphite, or ink. These drawings should showcase your best craftsmanship and understanding of Elements and Principles of design such as line, value, composition, etc.<\/li>\n<li>One (1) piece where you represent water. This is open to your interpretation and can be in a medium of your choice.<\/li>\n<li>One (1) piece done outside of a classroom assignment. This could be sketchbook pages.\n<ul><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul><\/ul>\n<p>The faculty committee is interested in reviewing recent work that shows off your creativity and personality as well as your technical ability and craftsmanship. It is this combination that yields the strongest portfolios. We want to see how you are engaging with ideas as well as materials. Ask yourself, \u201cdoes this piece represent my highest level of execution?\u201d \u201cDoes this piece say something about how I\u2019m thinking within my practice?\u201d \u201cDo the faculty at BU need to see this piece to understand who I am and what I can do?\u201d If the answer is yes, then it should go into your portfolio.<\/p>\n<p>Your portfolio is one piece of the holistic admissions process and will be considered along with all other aspects of your application when making an admissions decision.<\/p>\n<p>Applicants to the undergraduate program in the School of Visual Arts at Boston University must upload their portfolio online. Portfolios consisting primarily of photography are not acceptable, and portfolios that feature composite pages comprised of multiple images are discouraged.<\/p>\n<div class=\"video-responsive\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jiEfqCs2pnY\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe><\/div>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" id=\"grey\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">PORTFOLIOS ARE REQUIRED TO INCLUDE...<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">15-20 total images<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Included in those 15-20 images: three (3) drawings from direct observation in an analog medium; one (1) piece where you represent water; one (1) piece done outside of a classroom assignment. This could be sketchbook pages.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">While not required, sketchbook pages that you feel represent your unique personal language are encouraged.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" id=\"grey\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">TIPS &amp; HINTS<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Always choose quality over quantity. Portfolios composed of 20 images are not inherently better than those composed of 15.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Portfolios consisting primarily of photography are not acceptable.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Portfolios that feature composite pages comprised of multiple images are discouraged.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">When you upload your images, Slideroom will provide you with text fields to submit the title, dimensions, medium, and description of your work. You do not need to include this information in the image file itself.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">The documentation of your work is crucial to how it is received by the faculty committee. Please ensure that your images are of the highest quality, in focus and well-lit.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">You want to have a diverse portfolio, but how you achieve that diversity may vary. It does not necessarily mean that you need many types of media.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">You are encouraged to only include recent work (from approximately the past 12 months) as this will best show the state of your current practice and ability.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Only submit your original artwork. Fraudulent portfolios are not tolerated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" id=\"grey\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION DEADLINES<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Early Decision<\/td>\n<td>November 1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Early Decision 2<\/td>\n<td>January 5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Regular Decision<\/td>\n<td>January 15<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h3>Preliminary Portfolio Reviews<\/h3>\n<h5>BU SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS AT NATIONAL PORTFOLIO DAYS<\/h5>\n<p>Boston University School of Visual Arts is a proud member of the National Portfolio Day Association and will be attending many events around the country this year. Please check the <a href=\"https:\/\/nationalportfolioday.org\/\">National Portfolio Day Association website<\/a>to find out if we will be at an event near you.<\/p>\n<h5>INDIVIDUAL PORTFOLIO REVIEWS<\/h5>\n<p>Students who are unable to connect with us at a NPD event may reach out to Jessica Caccamo (<a href=\"mailto:jcaccamo@bu.edu\">jcaccamo@bu.edu<\/a>) to schedule an individual virtual portfolio review by appointment.<\/p>\n<h2>Transfer Admissions<\/h2>\n<p>Students interested in transferring to the School of Visual Arts should refer to the University\u2019s transfer policies and guidelines on the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/admissions\/apply\/transfer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BU Admissions website<\/a>. Transfer applicants must submit a portfolio that meets the undergraduate portfolio requirements and submissions will be made via Slideroom.<\/p>\n<p>All applicant portfolios will be evaluated for first semester standing. Students may enter the program at a higher studio level should their transcript and portfolio reflect an adequate amount of studio practice at the collegiate level. This will be contingent upon a transcript evaluation performed on a case-by-case basis. The highest level that a student may enter the program is as a first-semester junior.<\/p>\n<p>Questions about transfer credit evaluations can be directed to Beth Zerega, Assistant Director for the School of Visual Arts at <a href=\"mailto:bzerega@bu.edu\">bzerega@bu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"button\" href=\"http:\/\/bu.edu\/admissions\/apply\/transfer\/\">Read More About the Transfer Process<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Declaring a Minor<\/h2>\n<p>BU School of Visual Arts offers minors in Printmaking and Visual Arts. Interested students can send questions to Beth Zerega at <a href=\"mailto:bzerega@bu.edu\">bzerega@bu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" id=\"grey\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Printmaking Minor<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>To declare a Visual Arts minor, students should obtain a Declaration of Minor Form from the college of their major. The staff of the School of Visual Arts will review and sign this form. The completed form must then be returned to the student\u2019s major college.<\/p>\n<p>For more information, feel free to contact the Visual Arts office at 617-353-3371 or\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:visuarts@bu.edu\">visuarts@bu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" id=\"grey\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Visual Arts Minor<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><span>The Visual Arts minor is selective and requires an application for admission.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5>APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Portfolio of five (5) images of original artwork.<\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span>Included in those 5 images must be at least two (2) drawings from direct observation, preferably one still-life and one self-portrait. The remaining three (3) images should be work of your choosing that demonstrates the formal qualities above, your engagement with your materials and areas of technical skill, and personal studio work and interests.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Short essay questions<\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span>to help the application review committee understand how studying visual arts relates to your personal or professional goals and why you are interested in pursuing the Visual Arts minor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a class=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/bucfa.slideroom.com\/#\/login\/program\/68878\">Visual Arts Minor Application<\/a><\/p>\n<h5>APPLICATION DEADLINES<\/h5>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>March 1<\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td>To be considered by the start of Fall semester registration. For Fall 2022 registration, applications received by April 1<sup>st<\/sup><span>\u00a0<\/span>will be reviewed as quickly as possible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>October 1<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span>T<\/span>o be considered by the start of Spring semester registration<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Starting with Spring 2023 registration, applications received after October 1 and March 1 will be reviewed on a rolling basis but are not guaranteed to receive a response prior to registration.<\/p>\n<p>Students are eligible to apply to the Visual Arts minor starting in their first semester<span>\u00a0<\/span><strong>(no applications are accepted pre-matriculation)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Students are strongly encouraged to apply before the end of their sophomore year.<\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span>Later applications may result in a student not being able to complete the minor requirements by graduation.<\/p>\n<ul><\/ul>\n<h5>PORTFOLIO TIPS<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>Portfolios that feature composite pages comprised of multiple images are<span>\u00a0<\/span><strong>discouraged<\/strong>.<strong><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><\/strong><\/li>\n<li>When you upload your images, Slideroom will provide you with text fields to submit the title, dimensions, medium, and description of your work.<\/li>\n<li>The documentation of your work is crucial to how it is received by the review committee. Please ensure that your images are of the highest quality, in focus and well-lit.<\/li>\n<li>You are encouraged to only include recent work (from approximately the past 12 months) as this will best show the state of your current practice and ability.<\/li>\n<li>The faculty also encourages works that were completed outside of a school assignment. This could include sketchbook pages.<\/li>\n<li>Only submit your original artwork. Fraudulent portfolios are considered to be plagiarism and are not tolerated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul><\/ul>\n<h5>NOTIFICATION OF APPLICATION DECISIONS<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>Visual Arts minor applications are reviewed by a panel of faculty and administrators in the School of Visual Arts.<\/li>\n<li>Applicants will be notified of their admissions decision via email from the School.<\/li>\n<li>Admitted students will be instruction on how to formally declare their minor, and will also receive information on how to register for Visual Arts courses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome, applicants! All undergraduate applicants to the College of Fine Arts must apply through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and meet the standards of admission to Boston University. In addition to completing an application to Boston University, all prospective CFA students must have an artistic evaluation by the College of Fine Arts. All portfolios must [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14125,"featured_media":0,"parent":1685,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"bu-publication":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1687"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14125"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1687"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1687\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":131505,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1687\/revisions\/131505"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1685"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1687"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"bu-publication","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-publication?post=1687"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}