“To have instructors and classmates who understand and inspire each other until the finish line was so special.”
Christy, accepted to BFA at Carnegie Mellon
International Student Portfolio Preparation
Core Portfolio Prep
International Student Portfolio Preparation
Core Portfolio Prep
International Students Portfolio Preparation Core Portfolio Prep
Certificate of Completion: Portfolio Preparation
Our 1-year and 3-year certificate programs issue an I-20 for students enrolled in full time study.
In order to receive a Certificate, the student needs to complete a full time study of either:
- 1 year certificate program
OR
- 3 year certificate honor program
Our Core Portfolio Prep track is designed for students who wish to build a professional art or design portfolio to meet specific academic or career goals. Whether you’re preparing for college admissions or advancing your artistic journey, we offer tailored options for each level.
The track offers two course levels: Undergraduate Level and Graduate Level. Please see the details below on this page.
All instruction is personalized and conducted one-on-one. Receive individualized feedback and support from our instructors, who are active artists and designers with degrees from prestigious colleges and universities. Each class is designed to guide you through projects that are specifically aligned with your target schools and programs.
With our directions, students build strong portfolios that are sought after by top art schools and colleges like RISD, MICA, SCAD, Pratt Institute, SVA, Parsons School of Design (The New School), and more.
No prior art experience is required to join, but students should have an intention and interest in developing their portfolio for higher education or career advancement.
We accept students year-round based on our International Student Portfolio Preparation calendar.
Personalized & Targeted Guidelines
We recognize and nurture each student’s strengths, potential, and talent, empowering them to reach their artistic aspirations. Build a strong foundation in art and creative thinking, and develop a standout portfolio for the admissions process.
Flexible scheduling
Students are welcome to customize their schedules based on attendance requirements.
Experienced Team
Our instructors are seasoned artists and designers with years of knowledge and experience in portfolio development and preparation, who offer pinpoint guidelines catered to your interest and intended schools.
Track Structure
- Classes are conducted in-person at our school location in Midtown Manhattan.
* Graduate Level students are required to complete additional studio hours, fulfilled through up to six Private Lessons per quarter.
Benefits
- Small class sizes with an average student-teacher ratio of 6 to 1 to optimize the learning experience and portfolio development process
- Customizable class schedule based on your availability.
Undergraduate Level
This level is for students preparing a portfolio for undergraduate art school applications or other programs that require a portfolio at the undergraduate level.
The focus is on building a well-rounded portfolio that encompasses foundational skills and creative exploration, which are the essential aspects that Bachelor’s degree programs look for.
Graduate Level
This level is tailored for students preparing a portfolio for admission to graduate-level (Master’s) art or design programs.
Emphasis is on refining your artistic vision and creating a polished, professional portfolio that can stand out to the committees of competitive graduate schools.
Schedule & Tuition
Select 5 sessions per week from the options provided below.
| 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 |
1-year program:
- Quarter System: 12 weeks per quarter
- Class Length: 4 hours per class
- Schedule: 5 classes per week
- Break: 1-week vacation after each quarter
3-year honor program:
- Quarter System: 11 weeks per quarter
- Class Length: 4 hours per class
- Schedule: 5 classes per week
Break: 2-week vacation after each quarter
- After each quarter, if the student wishes to continue their study, they can enroll for another quarter.
- Classes are conducted in-person at our school location in Midtown Manhattan.
- You can customize your class schedule based on your availability.
- Select 4 sessions per week from the options provided below.
- Additionally, Graduate Level students are required to complete additional studio hours, fulfilled through up to six Private Lessons per quarter.
| 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 |
1-year program:
- Quarter System: 12 weeks per quarter
- Class Length: 4 hours per class
- Schedule: 5 classes per week
- Break: 1-week vacation after each quarter
3-year honor program:
- Quarter System: 11 weeks per quarter
- Class Length: 4 hours per class
- Schedule: 5 classes per week
Break: 2-week vacation after each quarter
- After each quarter, if the student wishes to continue their study, they can enroll for another quarter.
- Classes are conducted in-person at our school location in Midtown Manhattan.
- You can customize your class schedule based on your availability.
* The one-time, non-refundable Application Fee for International Student Portfolio Preparation Program is $150.
| Quarter Options | Undergraduate Level Tuition | Graduate Level Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Quarter | $8,400 | $8,650 |
| 2 Quarters | $16,750 | $17,257 |
| 3 Quarters | $25,110 | $25,864 |
| 4 Quarters | $33,470 | $34,470 |
- Register quarterly
- One week vacation after each quarter of 12 weeks
- Receive $100 off each additional quarter when you register for more than one quarter at a time.
Student Work
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
➔ Who is this program designed for?
This program is tailored for international students aiming to build a professional art or design portfolio for academic or career advancement. It caters to various levels, including high school, undergraduate, and graduate applicants.
➔ What skills will I develop?
Students will enhance their abilities in observational drawing, composition, color theory, concept development, and presentation techniques, all crucial for a compelling portfolio.
➔ Do you assist in developing a cohesive theme or concept?
Absolutely. We guide students in shaping a cohesive direction that reflects their personal voice and aligns with their goals.
➔ How are critiques conducted in this course?
Instructors provide regular feedback through both individual sessions and group settings, focusing on refining techniques and conceptual development.