“New York Art Studio helped me discover my creative voice. I was accepted to RISD, Parsons, Pratt, and SCAD with scholarships. I’m forever grateful.”
Ariel, accepted to BFA Fashion Design at Parsons
Art College Prep
Who Should Apply?
Our Undergraduate Portfolio Prep program is designed for students preparing to enter top art and design colleges, as well as non-art majors who need a strong supplement portfolio for university applications.
This course is ideal for:
- High school students applying to art colleges
- College students planning to transfer to competitive art programs
No prior art experience required.
Why Choose this Program?
Getting into a leading art college takes more than talent. You need a portfolio that demonstrates both technical skill and creative vision.
Our Undergraduate Portfolio Prep provides personalized, one-on-one instruction and expert guidance to help students build a strong, focused portfolio that stands out in the admissions process.
Each project is tailored to students’ individual goals, with mentorship that helps them create portfolios ready for competitive art program applications.
What Classes Look Like
Students can choose flexible class packages (6, 12, or 18 sessions, valid for 6 weeks).
In every class, students receive individual guidance as they explore new techniques, take creative risks, and complete projects aligned with their portfolio goals.
Instructors rotate through the studio to provide personalized feedback on each project. With fewer than 6 students per class, our program ensures an attentive, mentorship-based environment where each student’s progress is central.
Our enrollment is open year-round on a rolling basis.
Students can join anytime and start building their portfolios without delay.
Whether you are just beginning your art journey or already have experience, our program will help you develop the best version of your portfolio, project by project.
Personalized & Targeted Guidelines
We recognize and nurture each student’s strengths, potential, and goals, helping them reach their artistic aspirations. Students build a strong foundation in both art and creative thinking, and develop a portfolio that stands out in the admissions process.
Flexible scheduling
Our courses are organized by the number of sessions, allowing students to schedule classes according to their availability. You can choose an online, on-site, or hybrid format depending on what works best for you.
Experienced Instructors
Our instructors are accomplished artists and designers with years of professional and teaching experience. They provide focused guidance in portfolio development and preparation, tailored to each student’s interests and college goals.
Course Structure
Course Duration
Our standard program runs for 6 weeks, and each class is 4 hours long.
Students may adjust the course duration and schedule based on their availability.
We offer the following course options:
- 6 classes within 6 weeks
- 12 classes within 6 weeks
- 18 classes within 6 weeks
Class Format
Each class is 4 hours and can be taken in person or online.
Instructors provide personalized feedback throughout the session, guiding each student on their unique projects.
We keep small class sizes with an average student-teacher ratio of 6:1, ensuring an optimal learning environment and effective portfolio development. process.
Student Work
Schedule & Tuition
| Session A (Eastern Time) | Session B (Eastern Time) | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 11 AM – 3 PM | 4 PM – 8 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM – 3 PM | 4 PM – 8 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM – 3 PM | 4 PM – 8 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM – 3 PM | 4 PM – 8 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM – 3 PM | 4 PM – 8 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM – 2 PM | 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM |
* There is a one-time, non-refundable registration fee of $35 for all packages.
| Package Type | Tuition |
|---|---|
| 6 classes within 6 weeks | $890 |
| 12 classes within 6 weeks | $1,735 |
| 18 classes within 6 weeks | $2,580 |
| 24 classes within 6 weeks | $3,425 |
4-week Intensive (up to 10 classes per week) If you are interested in the Intensive option between June and August, please refer to our Summer Art Portfolio Intensive. | $5,800 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
➔ Is the course available online and onsite?
Yes. We offer both online and onsite portfolio preparation courses to meet the needs of students who cannot physically commute to our school or who want to combine the benefits of both formats.
➔What types of artwork should I include in my portfolio?
Your portfolio should demonstrate technical skill, creativity, and personal voice. Most undergraduate programs require 10–20 pieces that highlight your ability to work in both traditional and experimental media.
Strong portfolios often include:
- Observational drawings
- Conceptual or thematic works
Pieces that reflect your unique artistic perspective
➔ When should I start preparing my portfolio?
We recommend starting 6–12 months before the application deadline. This gives you time to:
- Build new work
- Refine older pieces
- Strengthen technical skills
- Develop a cohesive, professional body of work
➔Do I need a theme or concept for my portfolio?
A theme is not strictly required, but a clear flow or visual through-line often strengthens a portfolio. Many art schools value seeing how your ideas evolve across works, even when they span multiple media or styles.
➔How do I submit my portfolio digitally?
Most colleges use SlideRoom or similar digital submission platforms. You’ll need to create an account, then upload:
- Images of your artwork
- Videos (if applicable)
- Descriptions & titles
- Supporting materials (e.g., artist statement)
All files are submitted directly through the school’s application portal.