Submitting a portfolio for Brown?

Hey everyone, I'm an aspiring artist and I was wondering if it's a good idea to submit a portfolio along with my application to Brown University. Has anyone else done it and how did it turn out for you? Any advice would be super helpful!

Hey there! If you're an aspiring artist and have a strong passion for art, submitting a portfolio to Brown can be a great way to showcase your skills and dedication to your craft, which helps the admissions committee better understand your unique talents and interests.

When it comes to submitting a portfolio, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, remember that your submission should be a supplement to your main application, rather than the main component. In other words, your academic performance, test scores (if submitted), extracurricular activities, and essays will still be important factors in the admissions process, so don't neglect them to focus exclusively on your portfolio.

Now, when preparing your portfolio, be sure to select pieces that highlight your strengths as an artist. Consider including a variety of mediums, subjects, and styles to demonstrate your versatility. Additionally, it's a good idea to create a focused, cohesive collection that showcases your personal artistic vision.

Additionally, make sure to closely follow Brown's guidelines for submitting supplementary materials. You should submit a digital portfolio through SlideRoom and adhere to their specific formatting requirements. Check Brown's website for detailed information on how to submit your art portfolio.

As for how it turns out for those who submit art portfolios, results can vary depending on many factors, such as the overall strength of your application, the quality of your portfolio, and how well it aligns with your application's overall narrative. There isn't a guarantee that submitting a portfolio will improve your chances of admission, but it can certainly help the admissions committee evaluate your talents and potential to succeed in Brown's creative community.

The question shouldn't be if it'll boost your chances of acceptance, as that's impossible to answer, but whether you feel understanding your artistic achievements is important to understanding you as an applicant. After all, ultimately, the whole point of college applications is to show admissions officers who you are. So, if a portfolio will help with that, then you should absolutely submit one!

Best of luck with your application, and I hope your portfolio helps you stand out as a creative and dedicated applicant!