11th Grade Art School Prep
Junior year is a crucial time for students planning to apply to art school. This is the year to refine your portfolio, research colleges, and start preparing your application strategy. While senior year is when you’ll submit applications, much of the groundwork happens now. By staying ahead, you’ll have a stronger portfolio, a clear college list, and a well-thought-out plan for your next steps.
If you’re serious about attending art school, here’s what to focus on in 11th grade to set yourself up for success.
1. Strengthen Your Portfolio
Your portfolio is the most important part of your application, and 11th grade is the time to develop, refine, and expand your body of work.
Push beyond class assignments – Admissions officers want to see personal, original work that reflects your artistic voice, not just school projects.
Focus on observational drawing – Many schools require life drawings, still lifes, and figure studies to assess your technical skills.
Experiment with different media and styles – This is the time to explore new techniques, whether it’s digital art, mixed media, sculpture, or animation.
Seek constructive feedback – Show your work to teachers, mentors, or professional artists to get critiques and improve your portfolio.
Document your work professionally – Start photographing or scanning your pieces properly for digital submissions.
Pro Tip: Some art schools offer portfolio reviews before applications open—take advantage of these to get direct feedback from admissions representatives.
2. Start Researching Art Schools
Not all art programs are the same, and now is the time to explore your options. Look into dedicated art schools, design programs at universities, and liberal arts colleges with strong art departments.
Things to Consider When Researching Schools
Degree Type: Do you want a studio-intensive Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or a broader Bachelor of Arts (BA) with room for electives?
Location & Facilities: Would you prefer a large city with industry connections or a small, focused art campus?
Programs & Majors: Does the school offer animation, graphic design, industrial design, fine arts, or whatever interests you most?
Faculty & Alumni: Research who teaches there and where graduates have gone on to work.
Action Step: Make a list of 10-15 schools you’re interested in and begin noting their portfolio requirements, deadlines, and application components.
3. Visit Schools & Attend Portfolio Days
If possible, start visiting colleges in person or virtually to get a feel for their programs. Many schools offer campus tours, virtual info sessions, and National Portfolio Day events where you can speak directly with admissions representatives.
Tour campuses and studios to see if the environment feels like a good fit.
Ask questions about their programs, faculty, and student life.
Schedule a portfolio review if the school offers it—getting feedback now gives you time to improve your work before senior year.
4. Start Thinking About Your Artist Statement
Most art schools require an artist statement as part of the application. This is a short essay where you explain:
Why you want to study art
What inspires your work
Your artistic influences and creative process
What you hope to achieve through your education
You don’t need to finalize this now, but start journaling ideas about your artistic journey so you’re prepared when applications open.
5. Stay on Top of Academics & Testing
While your portfolio is the most important factor, many schools still require academic transcripts, and some may ask for SAT/ACT scores.
Maintain strong grades, especially in art-related and core classes.
Check testing requirements – Some art schools are test-optional, but others may still require scores.
6. Look for Scholarships & Summer Art Programs
Art school can be expensive, so it’s smart to start looking for scholarship opportunities early. Many merit-based scholarships are tied to portfolio quality, so the stronger your work, the better your chances.
Consider applying to pre-college summer programs at top art schools—they help build your portfolio, connect you with faculty, and strengthen your application.
Research scholarships for art students and see if any have early deadlines.
Final Thoughts
Junior year is all about building a strong foundation for your senior year applications. By focusing on your portfolio, researching schools, and preparing your application materials now, you’ll be in a great position to submit confident, compelling applications when the time comes.
Start early. Stay organized. Keep creating.
Need help developing your portfolio? ArtBound offers coaching and resources to help students build standout portfolios and navigate the application process. Let’s make your art school dreams a reality.
