BFA Portfolio Review
Students in the BFA program are required to choose an area of emphasis in order to focus their studies. Although the program is open enrollment, students continuing in the BFA beyond four semesters are required to pass a Portfolio Review in their chosen area of emphasis. The seven emphasis areas are: Art and Technology, Ceramics, Film/Video, Glass, Painting and Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture.
To apply to an emphasis area, you must have completed the Foundations courses--or be in progress of completing the Foundations courses-- in the semester of your review:
- ART 2000
- ART 2100
- ART 2200
- ART 2300
- ART 2400
Each emphasis area has specific courses it recommends you complete before applying, and may also have additional advice on the amount and range of work from the core courses to present, which is generally two courses at the 2500 level or above; check with your specific area for guidelines.
The contents of the BFA portfolio should represent a variety of work from the core course sequence and specifically reflect the emphasis area to which the student is applying.
Students register for Art 2900 in the semester they wish to apply for Portfolio Review.
Students are notified of the outcome of the review by email within 15 business days.
Contact your faculty mentor, your area coordinator, and the Department of Art Academic Advisor for more information and the next steps for enrolling in ART 2990.
What does the Review consist of?
The application packet
- Your application packet is four pages and includes the application form, your written statement (see below), a copy of your advising report, and your program plan.
Statement of intent
- The written statement is three paragraphs (fewer than 500 words, 12 pt. Arial font, 1.5 spacing).
- The quality of the writing and thinking presented in your written statement will be considered in the application outcome.
Application form
Advising Report
Portfolio
- Your portfolio must include examples of work consistent with the advice of your emphasis area. Generally, you are expected to present 12–15 pieces. Select your best work and include 4 to 8 pieces that reflect your interests and abilities in your proposed area of concentration.
- Depending on the area, you may want to include either actual pieces or documentation of your artwork. Acceptable documentation includes photographic prints, color printouts, or slides in a slide page (will not be projected). Documentation intended for viewing on a computer must be on a CD that runs on a Mac and in an appropriate format, such as PowerPoint or QuickTime. Please check with the area to which you are applying for specific guidelines.
Interview
- Be prepared to present your work and answer questions about your written materials.
Frequently Asked Questions???
- BFA emphasis area applicants must first complete the Foundation series of courses, the bulk of the Core series, and up to two courses in their intended emphasis area.
- Your faculty advisor will help you decide on an appropriate time to apply.
- Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.25 in Art major courses and a minimum overall GPA of 2.0.
- As a BFA candidate, you will be enrolled in Carmen Course 2990, which provides access to resources, detailed information, and the application portal and rubric for your review.
- The application process begins the first week of the semester of the intended review.
- The written portion of the application is due by the posted application deadline.
- Students enrolled in Art 2990 will receive an email at the beginning of the semester with more information regarding the application process.
- As a BFA Portfolio Review Candidate, you are required to attend one of the information sessions hosted by the Department of Art Undergraduate Chair.
You will be notified in Carmen and through Department communications about the upcoming BFA Review Info sessions.
You will have approximately one hour to prepare your portfolio presentation in the space reserved. Be sure to plan for all your needs and bring any tools, computer or AV equipment, electrical cords, hangers, tape, pins, etc., with you. Any exceptions must be negotiated with the area faculty before review day. Some areas may have specific computers for you to use with your files.
The interview will occur with the area faculty in the portfolio viewing space. Students not currently presenting will be asked to wait outside. You will have approximately 20 minutes for the review. The faculty will have looked at your written materials before the portfolio interview. Removal of your work will begin as soon as all interviews in that area have concluded. Please restore the area to its original configuration on that day.
Each team of faculty will evaluate the works in your portfolio, along with the written statement and interview. This synthesized evaluation will ensure that each element of the portfolio and interview process reflects a solid knowledge base and the potential for success in the rigorous professional preparation expected of each student in a BFA course of study at The Ohio State University.
A successful application to your chosen area of emphasis will be evidenced by your aesthetic and conceptual potential, focus, and commitment that go beyond the minimum course requirements, as demonstrated in your portfolio; the clarity and depth of your written statement; and your capacity to participate fully in the interview process. Please note: Although individual course grades and your cumulative GPA at Ohio State will be considered, they are not the sole basis for this review.
You can discuss the portfolio review with any of the following people in the Department of Art:
- Your Area Faculty
- Any Instructional Staff
- The Department of Art Program Coordinator
- Department of Art Advisor
Once you have been assigned your review time, you need to request a space.
You can do that through the facilities request site.
Remember to give as much lead time as possible for your space request.
If you are not accepted into your emphasis area, you will meet with the Undergraduate Chair to decide on a course of action. In consultation with the Undergraduate Chair, you may petition to reapply to the same or different emphasis area, pursue the BA degree in Art, or pursue a minor in Studio Art. Students who reapply will have one semester from their first emphasis review to reapply. Students not admitted after their second application will not be permitted to pursue a BFA at Ohio State.