Junior Year Checklist for Art School Applicants
If you’re a high school junior with dreams of attending art school, now is the time to start preparing. The college application process for artists involves more than just grades and test scores—you’ll need a standout portfolio, strong application materials, and a clear plan for your future. The earlier you start, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to apply.
Here’s a step-by-step checklist to help you stay on track and set yourself up for success.
1. Start Researching Art Schools & Programs 🎓
Not all art programs are the same—some emphasize fine arts, while others focus on design, digital media, or applied arts. Begin researching colleges now to find the programs that best align with your interests.
✔ Explore different types of art programs (BFA vs. BA, specialized vs. interdisciplinary).
✔ Attend virtual or in-person college fairs and info sessions.
✔ Make a list of schools that interest you and note their portfolio requirements, deadlines, and admission criteria.
2. Build & Refine Your Portfolio 🎨
Your portfolio is the most important part of your application, and junior year is the perfect time to start curating and refining your work.
✔ Create a mix of personal and observational pieces (most schools require both).
✔ Experiment with different mediums and styles to show versatility.
✔ Focus on originality—schools want to see your unique voice, not just class assignments.
✔ Seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or professional portfolio reviewers (ArtBound offers expert coaching!).
3. Develop Strong Artistic Habits ✏️
Junior year is when you should be pushing your skills and creative process to the next level.
✔ Dedicate time to drawing or creating every day.
✔ Keep a sketchbook to document your ideas, experiments, and progress.
✔ Visit galleries, museums, and artist talks to expand your artistic knowledge.
✔ Start thinking about a theme or narrative for your portfolio—cohesion matters!
4. Prepare for College Applications 📄
While your portfolio is key, your college application materials also play a big role in getting accepted.
✔ Start drafting your artist statement—schools want to know who you are and why you create.
✔ Gather letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors who know your work well.
✔ Consider whether you’ll need SAT/ACT scores (some art schools don’t require them).
✔ Keep track of application deadlines and create a calendar to stay organized.
5. Take Advantage of Summer Opportunities ☀️
The summer before senior year is a golden opportunity to boost your portfolio and experience.
✔ Attend a pre-college art program to develop skills and get a taste of art school life.
✔ Build a personal project that showcases your passion and originality.
✔ Document your creative process—many schools ask for process work in portfolios.
✔ Start visiting campuses (if possible) to get a feel for different schools.
Take the Next Step with ArtBound
Applying to art school can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At ArtBound, we specialize in portfolio coaching, online courses, and expert resources to help you present your work professionally and maximize your chances of acceptance.
Ready to build a standout portfolio? Explore our coaching services and online courses.
