Pre-College Portfolio Preparation

The course, taught by RIT School of Art drawing and painting faculty, is an annual visual arts class designed to prepare the portfolios of rising high school juniors and seniors for admission to college art programs. Over the course of two weeks, students will produce high-level additions to their portfolios. In-depth investigations of media concept development and critical analysis are emphasized. Students will create still-life drawings, gesture drawings of the figure, self-portraits, and explore techniques for drawing the human head. Expressive art assignments, group and individual critiques, and visual research will help guide students through the process of portfolio selection and documentation.

*On-campus housing for in-person attendees is not available.

The two-week workshop is offered in two modalities: virtually via Zoom or as an in-person experience on RIT's campus. Stay tuned for tuition and scholarship information related to the 2025 workshop. Please email art@rit.edu with any questions.

During the workshop, students complete a range of projects for inclusion in their portfolios alongside creative peers and RIT School of Art faculty. Students are provided the necessary tools and resources to take on assignments that cater to what college art programs are looking for in applicants.

In 2020 and 2021, the course shifted to an online-only environment for the first time due to COVID-19, still offering an engaging and rewarding experience for 35 participants. Since then, we have adopted a hybrid model, with online and in-person options for students. Video by Jesse Wolfe '22.

Testimonials:

Dylan D.

“I would tell anyone interested in art to take this course. I have had an awesome experience. Not only does it get you pieces for your portfolio, but it’s like a pre-college experience. It’s been a sneak peek at the future and I’m excited to go to college because of it.”

Juliet H.

“This program gives you a head start on the projects that you’re really going to want for your portfolio. It’s less of a stress because you have a head start from some of the stuff you’ll work on during the school year.”

Elizabeth L.

“Printmaking and figure drawing was something that I got to try for the very first time, which was really exciting. There are a lot of things that I’ve been able to experience and technical skills that I’ve learned during the course that are opening my eyes to bettering myself even more than I thought I could and getting me ready to handle college art.”