Hey guys, recently I've been super interested in Parsons for its celebrated design programs. Anyone here applied and got accepted? What was your portfolio like? What tips do you have for someone who's looking to impress admissions officers?
Sure, happy to provide some insights! Parsons School of Design focuses heavily on your portfolio as it is a significant part of the application process. It's a way for them to judge your creativity, talent, effort, and potential.
1. Quality over quantity: Remember that it's not about how many pieces you submit, but how well they represent your creative capabilities and potential. Typically, 15-20 pieces of your best work are recommended.
2. Diversity is key: Show a variety of work - it could involve different subjects, mediums, themes, techniques, etc. This could involve fine arts (such as painting and sculpture), graphic or industrial design, fashion pieces, photography, or even video and architectural design. Different styles and formats demonstrate your creative range.
3. Include process work: Including pieces that show your creative process can give the evaluators a better understanding of how you think and develop your ideas. Thumbnails, sketches, or slides showing the progression of a concept to the final product are potent tools.
4. Curate strategically: Pay attention to the order in which you present your work. Starting and ending your portfolio with strong pieces could leave a lasting impression.
5. Personalize: Incorporate pieces that tell the viewer something about you. Anything that shows a unique approach, interesting idea or personal passion might catch the evaluators' attention.
6. Presentation: Presentation is crucial, so ensure good, clean photographs of your work. Images should be well-lit and free from distracting backgrounds.
As for academic scores, Parsons does look at your grades and SAT or ACT scores, but they don't hold as much weight as your portfolio. Also, if you're an international student, you might need to submit TOEFL scores. Lastly, a strong essay and letter of recommendation could also contribute to a successful application. Best of luck with your application!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.