Rowan University Art Department
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Portfolio Interview Instructions

All applicants to the Art Department, whether entering as first-year or transfer students, must present a portfolio. After submitting the Rowan University Application, please allow 2-3 weeks for your portfolio review confirmation package to arrive by mail from your academic department. If you do not receive your confirmation package within three weeks of submitting your application to the office of admission, please contact fpa@rowan.edu, or call (856) 256-4548. It is your responsibility to fulfill this requirement. You will not be considered for admission to the Art Department without submitting your portfolio.

What to Include:

  • 12 examples of recent work that include a minimum of 6 original representational drawings (incorporate tonal values and perspective)
  • 250-word typed essay discussing why you want to pursue art studies
  • Sketchbook and works from other areas of interest in the visual arts
  • Slides, images or photographs of fragile and/or large artwork too difficult and cumbersome to bring to the portfolio interview (optional)

Your portfolio must contain twelve examples of recent original artwork, including six representational drawings, a sketchbook and works from other areas of interest. Artwork or projects too large or too fragile to carry may be photographed. Color slide transparencies are preferred, although digital images on a CD may be presented. Multiple views of three-dimensional work, sculpture or crafts will count as one item. Select artwork from class assignments and those works you have created for your own interest and enjoyment. You may also include art created for community or other projects. Ask your art teacher to help you select your best works to demonstrate skills and concepts.

All art shown must be original. Do not include work based on images from magazines, newspapers, books, or another artist’s works. We are interested in seeing the quality of your talents and skills to assess your potential to succeed in the art program.

As part of the portfolio interview process, we will also be considering the 250-word typed essay, discussing why you are interested in pursuing art studies. Please include your name and address on the paper.

How To Present Your Work:

Presentation is important! Two-dimensional art (drawings, prints, and watercolors) should be matted and mounted. Use only white or off-white mounts (no colored mounts, please). Protect these pieces by covering them with acetate. Do not frame the work or use glass. Photographs should be dry mounted. You may present small three-dimensional works on black or gray cloth. You may submit digital art as part of your portfolio.

Be prepared to discuss with the faculty interviewer your work, art experiences and future plans. We will gladly answer any questions about the department and the program. Parents and family are welcome to come meet, speak with faculty, and visit the facilities at Rowan University.

Portfolio Review Dates

Sunday, October 18*
Sunday, December 6*
Sunday, January 17
Sunday, February 7
Sunday, February 28

*Sunday, October 18 and Sunday, December 6 are priority scholarship consideration portfolio review days. If you would like to be considered for artistic merit-based scholarship, please select one of these dates. Transfer students may attend the Sunday, October 18 review date, submit materials by mail, or contact fpa@rowan.edu to make other arrangements to be considered for spring admission.

Once you submit your application to the Office of Admissions, please allow 2-3 weeks for your audition or portfolio review confirmation package to arrive by mail from your academic department. It is strongly recommended that all students appear on campus to audition or present his or her portfolio.

Application Deadlines
For fall semester entrance, freshman and transfer applications and all required supporting materials, including the portfolio, are due by March 1. The application deadline for spring semester entrance is November 1 for freshmen and transfers.

Please contact fpa@rowan.edu for more information, or call (856) 256-4548.