University of Michigan . Art & Design
UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS

Undergraduate application to the University of Michigan School of Art & Design is a two-part process. Applicants submit an application to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and submit a portfolio directly to the School of Art & Design for review. After the Admission's Office reviews academic performance and the School of Art & Design reviews the portfolio, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions notifies students regarding the admission decision. If you have any questions regarding this procedure, please call 734.764.0397 or email ad@umich.edu

Office of Undergraduate Admissions Application

Submit a completed application form to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, including the following:

  • official transcripts (transfer applicants must submit official high school and college transcripts)
  • official test score reports from the Educational Testing Service (not required for transfer applicants)
  • 1-2 page personal essay describing how your past experiences, interests and concerns relate to your college choice and career goals
  • application fee ($40 for US Residents, $55 for International Applicants)
Portfolio Review Policy and Procedure

Applicants may submit their portfolios in person by scheduling a portfolio review appointment; electronically by e-mailing the url for their web site; or by mail with slides, photographs, or electronic media. Call 734.764.0397 for a portfolio review appointment, send e-mail to ad@umich.edu or send mail to the School of Art & Design Office of Academic Programs and Student Services, 2038 Art & Architecture Building, 2000 Bonisteel Boulevard, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2069. Prospective students are welcome to visit the North Campus facilities. Call 734.764.0397 for an appointment.

General portfolio guidelines:

  • Include 15 to 20 items representing work completed both in and out of art classes.
  • For a portfolio review of slides and photographs by mail, a reference sheet or key with your name, address, and social security number must accompany the portfolio and include media, size, date, where and when completed. Number your entries to correspond to the reference sheet. Computer work on disk or CD must be stand-alone work that does not require installation of your software on a School of Art & Design computer. Video work must be original video art or documentation of performance art, not documentation of static artwork such as painting and sculpture. For a web site portfolio, send your url. Include a self-addressed mailer with sufficient postage if you want your portfolio returned.
  • For transfer students, advanced standing will be dependent upon evaluation of your college-level studio courses. Bring your portfolio to the first week of classes at the School of Art & Design for faculty review.
What type of work should I submit for a portfolio review?

. Representative work in other media should be included to indicate your range of experiences. A portfolio should represent your best artwork, but should also cover the diversity of your experience in visual arts media and should demonstrate evidence of independent thought. Every portfolio varies to a certain degree, however, the following are expected in a competitive portfolio:

  • Drawings from direct observation. If you have in the past copied from photographs or other flat copy, you can improve your portfolio with drawings from observation. Sketches should be included along with finished drawings.
  • Works in other 2-D media (fibers, painting, photography and printmaking), 3-D media (ceramics, jewelry and metalwork, sculpture and installations) and electronic media (computer, video and audio) that convey your strengths.
For information about applying for admission to the University of Michigan, see the University Admissions Office web site.


  Printable hard copy of School of Art & Design Admissions Guidelines (PDF)
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