Strategies for Admission to RISD

Hi! I'm super passionate about art and design and my dream school is RISD. Can anyone give me some advice on what RISD looks for in their applicants, and how I can improve my chances? Thanks!

Hello! I'm glad to hear about your passion for art and design, and your desire to attend Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). To improve your chances of getting admitted, let's focus on a few key aspects that RISD values in their applicants:

1. Strong Portfolio: Your art portfolio is the centerpiece of your RISD application, as it demonstrates your skills, creativity, and commitment to your craft. Make sure to include a diverse range of pieces that showcase your unique perspective and technical abilities.

2. Academic Performance: While RISD primarily emphasizes your artistic abilities, they also care about your overall academic performance. Maintain a strong GPA, take challenging courses in school, and demonstrate your critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

3. Extracurricular Involvement: Engage in extracurricular activities related to your art and design interests, such as participating in local art exhibitions, joining art clubs, or attending workshops and summer programs. These activities give you additional opportunities to develop and showcase your skills outside the classroom.

If you're looking for suggestions on how to bolster your extracurricular involvement, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which lists a range of arts-related summer programs for high schoolers that you might consider participating in: https://blog.collegevine.com/high-school-art-summer-programs

4. Personal Statement & Essays: Write thoughtfully crafted essays that exhibit your passion, commitment to art and design, and personal experiences that have shaped your perspective. Be genuine and introspective in your responses, as RISD values students who can express themselves clearly and authentically.

5. Recommendations: Request letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or art mentors who can speak directly to your artistic potential and commitment. Make sure your recommenders are familiar with your work and can provide specific examples that demonstrate your growth and dedication.

Lastly, consider visiting RISD's campus or attending virtual information sessions to better understand the school's culture and expectations. Having detailed knowledge about their academic programs and extracurricular offerings will allow you to tailor your application, and emphasize why you're a great fit for RISD specifically.

By focusing on these key aspects and presenting a cohesive and compelling application, you'll be well on your way to improving your chances of admission to RISD. Good luck!