When applying to college, many high school students believe that their grades and test scores are the only things that matter. However, for students interested in pursuing creative fields, submitting a portfolio can be just as important as their academic credentials. But did you know that submitting a portfolio can also be beneficial for students applying to non-art departments? In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of a portfolio for college admissions and highlight some well-known universities that encourage students to submit portfolios.

The Importance of a Portfolio:

A portfolio is a collection of a student’s best work that showcases their skills and creativity. Traditionally, portfolios have been associated with art schools or programs, but they can be just as important for students applying to non-art departments. Here are some reasons why:

1. Demonstrating Skills: A portfolio allows students to demonstrate their skills in a tangible way. This can be particularly helpful for students interested in fields such as architecture, graphic design, or engineering.
2. Standing Out: Submitting a portfolio can help students stand out from the thousands of other applicants. It shows that they are willing to go above and beyond to showcase their abilities and creativity.
3. Highlighting Passion: A portfolio can also demonstrate a student’s passion for a particular field. This can be especially helpful for students who may not have taken traditional classes in that field but have pursued it on their own.
4. Enhancing Application: A portfolio can enhance a student’s application by providing additional evidence of their strengths and interests.

Well-Known Universities that Encourage Portfolios:

1. Carnegie Mellon University: Carnegie Mellon encourages students to submit portfolios for all majors, not just those in the arts. They recommend submitting a portfolio that showcases a student’s strengths and interests.
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): MIT encourages students to submit a portfolio if they have a passion for the arts or if their academic work reflects their creativity.
3. Brown University: Brown University’s Open Curriculum allows students to explore a wide range of academic interests. They encourage students to submit a portfolio if they have a passion for the arts or if their academic work reflects their creativity.
4. University of Southern California (USC): USC’s School of Architecture requires applicants to submit a portfolio, but they also encourage students applying to other departments to submit one if it showcases their skills and creativity.
5. Harvard University: Harvard encourages students to submit a portfolio if they have a passion for the arts or if their academic work reflects their creativity.

In conclusion, submitting a portfolio can be a valuable addition to a college application, even for students applying to non-art departments. It allows students to showcase their skills, stand out from the crowd, highlight their passions, and enhance their application. If you’re considering submitting a portfolio, be sure to research the universities you’re interested in and their portfolio requirements. With a little effort and creativity, a portfolio could be the key to unlocking your dream college.