Arts students have a distinct path through college admissions that requires additional preparation well beyond the standard application process. Here is what you need to know.
Types of Arts Supplements
Visual Art Portfolio: Required at most art schools and arts programs within universities. Usually submitted digitally through platforms like SlideRoom or the school's own portal. Typically includes 15–20 pieces of work showing breadth, technique, and a developing artistic voice.
Music Audition: Required at music conservatories and most music programs. Either live (requiring travel) or recorded video submission. Repertoire requirements are highly specific — research each program's requirements carefully, as they differ significantly.
Theater and Dance Audition: Required for BFA programs in theater and dance. Usually includes prepared monologues, movement combinations, and sometimes improvisational components. Video submissions have become more common since COVID.
Creative Writing Portfolio: Required at many MFA-track creative writing programs and some BFA programs. Usually 10–20 pages of fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction.
Specialized Programs vs. Arts Programs Within Universities
There is an important distinction between conservatories (Juilliard, New England Conservatory, Berklee College of Music, Rhode Island School of Design, Pratt) — where the arts portfolio or audition is the primary admissions criterion — and arts programs within universities (Yale School of Art, NYU Tisch, Carnegie Mellon drama, Northwestern music) where you apply to both the university and the specific arts program, sometimes through separate processes.
Deadlines
Arts supplement deadlines are often earlier than standard application deadlines. Portfolio submission systems may have different timelines than the application itself. Research each school's arts supplement requirements and deadlines separately from the main application calendar.