Confused about applications

[FlyingMilton]

Next week I will be starting work full time and will not have the opportunity to sit down and actually get a portfolio together. I have given myself the task of applying for a school or two this week and I really don't know anything about the process.

I've been looking into SCAD for a long time and I think it looks like the right school for me. They also seem to be one of the few places that takes digital work for their entrance portfolios. The problem I am running into is that I don't really have any physical life drawings or paintings to include since I've lost a large portion of them with frequent moving. I have a few anatomy studies that I may be able to stick in there but I am not sure they are acceptable since they are copied from a book.

How bad will my mostly digital portfolio hurt my chances at getting accepted? Would anybody be willing to coach me through the process?

[thesinfulsaint]

What exactly do you consider "Full-time"? Last week, I worked 40 hours, went to school, and found a bit of time for art in there. Without the school, you'll be able to find even more time than that, if you manage it well!

However, I did take a glance through your sketchbook, and I'm SURE you would get into SCAD, if that's really where you want to go. SCAD doesn't even necessarily require a portfolio for admittance. Anyone can get in, as long as they're willing to pay up. I'm no expert, but I think you might be able to even win some scholarship money from SCAD.

As far as a general guide as what to include, Seedling just made a super-helpful thread! http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=96340

[Mirana]

thesinfulsaint is right. You don't have to have a portfolio to get into SCAD, but it doubles your chances of getting a scholarship. Incidentally, you can submit your portfolio for scholarship at any time before and during school, and multiple times, so you will have more time to work on it should you not get the scholarship you want right away (or want to send the application before a completed portfolio).

Having a job while working on your portfolio is way easier than what it will be when you're working, going to school AND doing massive amounts of homework. Get used to it now.

Of the 20 pieces in my portfolio to SCAD, 15 were digital/non-traditional and I got one of the highest scholarships available to undergrads at that time. Don't sweat it.

[FlyingMilton]

Excellent. That's great news that I can submit during school as well. While a large scholarship would be nice, I'm not too worried if I don't get the highest. My largest priority right now is getting in since I am 21 and I don't want it to slip into the background. If I resubmit it, can I apply the scholarship funds to the year/semester that I am currently taking?

I can't thank you guys enough for the input.

[Mirana]

No. It would have to be awarded before your tutition due date. They don't back-date these things.

Also consider (re)taking the SAT or ACT as SCAD gives direct levels of scholarships based on scores, as well as merit (combined) scholarships for good scores + portfolio.

[Storyboard Dave]

How bad will my mostly digital portfolio hurt my chances at getting accepted? Would anybody be willing to coach me through the process?

I don't know of any schools now that take just slides or original artwork. I'm almost positive that almost all schools take digital portfolios now.

You know how tough it is to find slide film at times now? Or even to find a projector or someone to develop them?

And what if you do sculptural pieces? Obviously they'll have to be photographed and sent in that way. And I'm never a huge fan of shipping off original work. So I'm not sure where you got the notion or what school don't accept digital portfolios. It's practically the industry standard now.