Admissions

Work on a diverse portfolio showing skills in more than one medium. Also remember that it is better to have 10 strong pieces than 20 okay ones. Your portfolio is key in your admission to the Cleveland Institute of Art and should be your main focus from at least the beginning of your senior year in high school. All of the staff is extremely friendly so call admissions and ask away with any questions you might have. They knew me by name in that office before I had even applied, but I was able to get every step of submitting my artwork down pact and was granted a lot of financial aid. Good luck!

Work hard on your portfolio, but don't worry too much about getting in. I'd only been drawing for four months when I applied, and I got $19,000 in scholarships.

I would definitely recommend you go in with a portfolio. Around a dozen different pieces as a minimum. Its not required, but it helps a lot.

Because the practices and projects are more professional than any art project you did in high school, you will end up being taught almost from the ground up. Be prepared to force yourself to break habits that may have been accepted in high school.

Critiques are a major part of each project. That being said, they can be quite painful to listen to. Just remember that they are meant to help improve your piece. It may sound hurtful, but they are actually a blessing in disguise.

If you are sure that art is the only think you will ever want to do, the only thing you are good at, want a better chance for a job, and like the smaller school setting. Then apply to this school for sure. If you are afraid of debt, don't apply :).

Be prepared to do things you would never think of doing. The professors here love to get to know you and make you put yourself out there. It is a life changing experience to attend here.

Work hard on developing a good portfolio of 10-20 pieces. Observational drawings are a must, but when the board reviews your portfolio, they will take into account your intended major. Also, look for scholarships early! It's a pricey school, but it's totally worth it.