Sincerely, Scott Ramon Director, Undergraduate Admissions

The Admissions office at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is dedicated to assisting you and your family through every step of the college selection process. We are interested in getting to know you your work, your expectations for college and your ambitions for the future. We are seeking students who wish to immerse themselves in an intense, transdisciplinary environment. We hope to challenge the very notion of what art means to you and to our society. SAIC provides a sophisticated education that hones your unique abilities as a contemporary thinker and maker in a global community. We are excited to have you show us what you do and to engage in a discussion about why you do it. We are always available here, in Chicago, and at events across the nation. We hope that you will come and meet us and allow us to help you prepare a portfolio that best represents your work. The Admissions office looks forward to working closely with you, your family and your instructors as you transition to college and begin your studies at SAIC. Sincerely, Scott Ramon Director, Undergraduate Admissions 2 3

SAIC representatives were extremely helpful and engaging. Their insights were door opening, and I felt as if they genuinely were doing their best to provide me with information about the school, as well as provide constructive criticism. Even though I was their last interview after a long day, both of the reviewers present gave me a great deal of attention; I realized that they cared about art and the development of individuals. The portfolio review I received was a very positive and helpful experience. I would definitely recommend it to any future SAIC applicant. It let me know where I stood in the portfolio preparation process and what areas I needed to focus on. I was really nervous, because it was the first time that someone critiqued my work. It turned out to be really nice though. The representative from SAIC was positive and was talking to me on an artist-to-artist level, not teacher to student. She recognized influences of artists on my work and was really complimentary. 4 5

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio. Bachelor of Interior Architecture. Bachelor of Fine Arts with an Emphasis in Writing. Bachelor of Fine Arts with an Emphasis in Art Education. Bachelor of Fine Arts with an Emphasis in Art History, Theory and Criticism. Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Critical Studies. For more information on our degree programs, visit www.saic.edu/ugdegrees. APPLICATION DEADLINES FALL DEADLINES: Freshmen Transfer and Prior Degree Early Action Deadline January 2 January 2 Priority Deadline February 15 March 1 Final Deadline June 1 August 15 (Applications received after these dates will be reviewed on a case by case basis.) SPRING DEADLINES: Freshmen Transfer and Prior Degree Priority Deadline November 15 November 15 Final Deadline January 15 January 15 (Applications received after these dates will be reviewed on a case by case basis.) 6 7

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS ITEM: APPLICATION AND FEE Applications must be submitted electronically. Apply online at: www.saic.edu/ugapp Domestic: $65 International: $85 (includes the return shipping and handling of your portfolio) STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES ACT English: 20 or SAT Verbal/Critical Reading: 500 TOEFL and IELTS (international students only) Internet: 79 Computer: 213 Paper Based: 550 IELTS, band score: 6.5 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT or GED COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS ONE LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION PORTFOLIO WITH INVENTORY LIST FRESHMEN APPLICANTS (First time in College): if the applicant has completed AP, IB, CLEP, Early/ Pre-College or dual enrollment course work at a college or university and wishes to receive transfer credit. TRANSFER AND PRIOR DEGREE APPLICANTS: Waived for applicants with a substantial amount of liberal arts courses completed at a U.S. college or university or for applicants with a prior bachelor s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university. Waived for applicants with a prior bachelor s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university. Waived for applicants with a prior bachelor s degree from an accredited college or university. INTERVIEW Highly Recommended for BA/VCS Highly Recommended for BA/VCS 8 9

Submit a collection of your best and most recent work (created within the last two years) that solidly reflects your interests, skills, and most importantly your creative potential. When determining what work to include, consider the following: The ideas and visual information being presented should be your own. The work should explore a common idea or demonstrate continuity personal themes are encouraged. If you are using an assigned classroom project, try to stretch the initial concept or generate your own project. Keep in mind how you are organizing your work consider the order of each piece and how they relate to one another and to the whole. 10 11

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE: BFA BFA with an Emphasis in Art Education BFA with an Emphasis in Art History, Theory and Criticism Bachelor of Interior Architecture BFA with an Emphasis in Writing BA in Visual and Critical Studies PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENT: A collection of your work which can include, but is not limited to, drawings, prints, photos, paintings, film, video or audio recordings, sculpture, ceramics, designs for fashion, graphic art, objects or architecture, web sites, video games, sketchbooks, scripts, storyboards, screenplays or zines. One or a combination of: 10 pages of poetry. 20 pages of prose (fiction, creative non-fiction or drama). 10 pages of graphic novel. Visual portfolio (if you also engage in studio practice). Created or collected images or objects. Critical writing sample that contextualizes this collection. PORTFOLIO INVENTORY Your portfolio must include an inventory of some type (whether a word document saved on a disc or a printed sheet, etc.). The inventory should include your name, address and phone number and should list and number each individual piece. Each entry should correspond to the actual piece in the portfolio. The inventory should also include the title, medium, size, date, running time, digital file type and any other pertinent information of each piece. Each portfolio item (slide, video tape, disc, etc.) should be labeled with the corresponding number along with your name. LABELING YOUR PORTFOLIO Label your slide sheets and/or disc cases with your name, address and phone number. TYPE OF ART WORK: Painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, photography and any other surface (2-D) or space (3-D) based work. PORTFOLIO TYPE AND DESCRIPTION: ONLINE OR DIGITAL PORTFOLIO SAIC highly recommends that you use the eportfolio option to upload your work for an admissions review. You will receive details about how to submit your electronic portfolio when you begin your online application with us. You may also submit a minimum of 10 images saved as 72 DPI JPGs on a CD. SLIDE PORTFOLIO A minimum of 10 slides arranged in a clear plastic slide sheet. Each slide should be numbered in the order in which they should be viewed. With a pen or marker, write your name on the front of the slides. DO NOT use labels or tape. PORTFOLIO DON TS: Film, video, performance, sound, multimedia, interactive or any other time (4-D) based work. TIME BASED PORTFOLIO A maximum of 10 minutes and submitted on a CD, DVD or 1/2 inch VHS tape. DO NOT present work that is copied or rendered directly from photographs, magazines, or other artists work. DO NOT present work in glass frames or large scale pads at National Portfolio Days. DO NOT send original artwork in the mail. DO NOT submit your portfolio or other application materials in binders or plastic covers. All binders and covers will be discarded. Non-visual based work Original work ALTERNATIVE PORTFOLIO An alternative portfolio may include scripts, research journals, experimental writing, documentation of works in progress or project proposals. Also may include spoken word pieces, storyboards, zines or other output that may not be visual in nature. May include collections of appropriated materials with accompanying written descriptions. This is an ideal portfolio for applicants with prior degrees who are changing educational paths, or for students with limited access to studio facilities and instruction. IN PERSON PORTFOLIO Show original work portfolios at National Portfolio Days or SAIC Days or in the Admissions office. Always bring sketchbooks when meeting an SAIC counselor. For more information about preparing your portfolio, visit www.saic.edu/ug_portfolio 12 13

merit SCHOLARSHIPS You are automatically considered for a merit scholarship when you submit your portfolio. If your portfolio demonstrates exceptional levels of thoughtfulness, maturity, skill and conceptual development, and you are admitted to SAIC, you will be considered for merit scholarship. Be sure to send a portfolio to the Admissions office prior to the merit deadline. MERIT SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES FALL DEADLINES: Freshmen Transfer Priority Deadline February 15 March 1 Final Deadline May 1 June 1 (Portfolios received after these dates will be reviewed on a case by case basis.) SPRING DEADLINES: Freshmen Transfer Priority Deadline November 15 November 15 (Portfolios received after these dates will be reviewed on a case by case basis.) ADVICE ON MERIT PORTFOLIOS Work for merit consideration needs to be consistently expressive, curious and thought provoking. Merit work meshes great ideas political, social, environmental, humorous with personal voice and strong style. Show us what makes you different; present your work in a clear and cohesive manner and go beyond skill skill is merely a tool for expressing your ideas. Think about your merit portfolio as a gallery show you are curating. What is the first piece you want your viewer to see? What is the final piece? Merit work is insightful and revealing, and suggests you have gone through a process of reflection and self-examination. Boldness, experimentation and fearlessness are present in the spirit of a merit portfolio. Work that takes on contemporary and social issues via visual commentary can be very compelling. An example of a strong portfolio is one with a working theme multiple pieces sharing similar ideas and demonstrating continuity. MERIT COMPETITION GUIDELINES: 1. Merit nominees must be admitted to SAIC to be considered for merit scholarships. 2. Do not include work that fulfills specific portfolio admission requirements for other art schools, colleges or universities. 3. ALWAYS include the names of the other artists that contributed to the completion of any piece included in the portfolio if the work is collaborative. Note each contributors roles. 4. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in your being removed from consideration for a merit scholarship. MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS: SAIC annually awards a substantial amount of merit scholarships to our incoming student class. Award amounts vary from $2,000 to full tuition and are annually renewable. For more information about SAIC merit scholarships, visit: www.saic.edu/ugmerit. 14 15

ADMISSIONS EVENTS AND PORTFOLIO REVIEWING OPPORTUNITIES There are a variety of ways that you can meet with us, gain more information about SAIC and receive critical advice about preparing your portfolio. NATIONAL PORTFOLIO DAYS SAIC attends all domestic National Portfolio Days across the country. This is a perfect way to introduce yourself to us and to learn about art schools and early college programs. A review at these events lasts 10 15 minutes. SAIC DAYS An SAIC Day is a 3 hour program, including Admissions representatives, SAIC faculty and enrollment services staff, that allows you dedicated one-on-one time. Not only will you receive a longer period to discuss your work and college plans, but you will also find out more about SAIC through academic and Admissions presentations. IDO DAYS Immediate Decision Option Days are held on campus. This is an exciting and information-packed day that allows you to experience life on our campus. By the end of the day, you will find out if you have been accepted to our undergraduate program. To find out where we will be, visit www.saic.edu/ugadmiss_events 16 17

THE STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Your statement of purpose helps us find out more about your personal vision; please tell us what your work is about. Writing is a very important component of being an artist. We will be looking closely at your ability to compose a structured essay, as well as the manner in which you utilize text as an expressive tool. If you are applying to the BFA with an Emphasis in Writing, your statement also needs to address how you imagine a studio arts environment will impact your writing practice. ADVICE ON THE STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: Discuss your personal goals and dreams and how SAIC will help you achieve them. Originality, unique thought and experimental writing can make a statement of purpose stand out. Tell us about the issues that are being addressed in your art. A statement can be about a significant experience, one that shows us your personal voice. NEVER start your statement with I always knew I wanted to be an artist or I ve been drawing since I was two years-old. Humor is always welcome. 18 19

Important Dates and Deadlines for Fall Semester Admission Visit us in Chicago, at a National Portfolio Day (we attend all of them!), or at an SAIC Day in a city near you. We will provide you valuable information about SAIC s curriculum, review your work for admission and give you advice about how to prepare your portfolio for merit scholarship consideration. www.saic.edu/ugadmiss_events Submit your electronic application by January 2 for early action at SAIC. Early action entitles you to priority housing and registration consideration. For portfolio guidelines and electronic portfolio information, visit www.saic.edu/ug_portfolio Priority merit deadline for first-time freshmen is February 15. Even if your portfolio has been approved already, MAKE SURE we have a copy in our office prior to the deadline! Priority merit deadline for transfer students is March 1. Even if your portfolio has been approved already, MAKE SURE we have a copy in our office prior to the deadline! Housing contracts will be sent to all admitted students on or around April 1. Return your housing contract with a $550 deposit to our Residence Life Office. Final merit deadline for first-time freshmen is May 1. Final deadline for admission for first-time freshmen is June 1. Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Students living in the Residence Halls will be notified of their roommate assignments in early August. throughout the year JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST Ready for Admission? Attend one of our Immediate Decision Option (IDO) Days. Tour our campus, spend one-on-one time with our admissions counselors and receive your admission decision by the end of the day. www.saic.edu/ugadmiss_events In Chicago? We offer student-led tours of our campus at 12:30 pm (CST) on Monday, Thursday or Friday with an optional residence hall tour following. Select Saturday tours are also available. These tours take place year round. Schedule a tour at 800-232-7242. January 1 is the first day FAFSAs are accepted by the federal government. Don t wait for your admission decision to apply for financial aid. Arrange to have all of your admission materials test scores, transcripts, portfolio, letter of recommendation to us so that you can be admitted prior to our February 15 priority merit scholarship deadline. SAIC mails out financial aid awards to admitted students who have submitted their FAFSAs beginning March 1. Priority deadline to complete the FAFSA is March 15. SAIC begins registration for the Fall semester for early action students on May 1. SAIC begins registration for non-early action students on May 15. Final merit deadline for transfer students is June 1. Final deadline for transfer and prior degree students is August 15. Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Important Dates and Deadlines for spring Semester Admission First-time Freshmen and Transfer Students Initial financial aid award letters mailed to admitted students with completed FAFSA begins November 1 Priority Admission and Merit Scholarship Deadline: November 15 Priority Deadline to complete the FAFSA: December 15 Final Admission Deadline: January 15 20 21

Known as the city of neighborhoods, Chicago offers a great variety of housing accommodations and experiences. Most incoming students choose to live on-campus, right in the heart of Chicago s loop for their first year, and enjoy conveniences not found in most student apartments. Both residence halls are just minutes away from classes, have controlled access into the buildings, and have 24-hour security staff. Living in one of the School s two residence halls allows instant access to a thriving artist community and a variety of programming. Residence Life also offers assistance in locating off-campus housing. 162 NORTH STATE STREET RESIDENCES: Located on the corner of Randolph and State streets, this facility houses students in triple, double and single rooms. Amenities include: in-room cable, internet connections, individual phone lines with voice mail and private kitchens and bathrooms. Common areas include: study space with computers, exercise room, gallery space, studio/work space, a television lounge and laundry facilities. CHICAGO BUILDING RESIDENCES: Located at State and Madison, this facility features an artists community in loft-style fully furnished double and single occupancy rooms. Amenities include in-room cable, internet connections, individual phone lines with voice mail, private kitchens and bathrooms. Common areas include study lounge with computers, studio workspace, a television lounge, and laundry facilities. For more information on residence life, visit www.saic.edu/housing, call 312.629.6870 or email student_life@saic.edu. housing contract process 1. Housing Contracts will be sent to all admitted students on or around April 1st. Only admitted students are sent contracts. 2. Students must complete the housing contract and return it with a $550 deposit to the Residence Life office. Deposits are refundable until May 1st, and are forfeited after this date. Spaces will be assigned based on the contract return date, with priority given to students with the earliest return date. 3. Once your contract is received, you will receive confirmation of your residency. 4. Students admitted after April 1st will be sent contracts on a rolling basis. 5. You will be sent your room assignment and the name of your roommate on or around August 1st. 22 23

Through its extensive financial aid program, SAIC strives to attract qualified students from diverse economic backgrounds. Available aid consists of need and non-need based aid that includes: scholarships, grants, loans and on-campus employment. The first step in the financial aid process is filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov. SAIC s school code is 001753. FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION DATES: FALL Date First day that FAFSA applications are accepted. January 1 Initial financial aid award letters mailed to admitted students with completed FAFSA. March 1 Priority deadline to complete FAFSA. March 15 SPRING Date Initial financial aid award letters mailed to admitted students with completed FAFSA. November 1 Priority deadline to complete FAFSA. December 15 HELPFUL FINANCIAL AID HINTS: DO NOT wait for your admissions decision to apply for financial aid. Financial Aid applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Keep a copy of all completed forms and applications. Include student name and social security number on all communications with the Student Financial Services office. DO NOT hesitate to contact Student Financial Services with any questions you may have. For additional information about financial aid at SAIC, or to submit your questions online, visit www.saic.edu/sfs. You may also contact our office at 312.629.6600 24 25

SAIC encourages prospective students to visit our campus. If you wish to visit for an interview, a portfolio review, counseling, and/or a tour of the facilities, call Admissions at 800.232.7242 or 312.629.6100 two weeks in advance. Admissions counseling appointments and SAIC tours are available Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and some weekends. Before arriving on campus, please visit our virtual tour at www.saic.edu/about/tour. For information on getting to SAIC, please visit www.saic.edu/about/getting_here. For hotel information, please visit www.saic.edu/hotels. 1 State Street Residences & Gene Siskel Film Center - 162 N. State St. 1 RANDOLPH North 2 3 Chicago Building Residence Hall - 7 W. Madison Ave. Sullivan Center - 36 S.Wabash Ave./33 S.State St. WASHINGTON 4 Sharp Building - 37 S.Wabash Ave. 2 MADISON 3 4 5 6 7 8 MacLean Center - 112 S.Michigan Ave. 116 S.Michigan Ave Art Institute of Chicago - 111 S.Michigan Ave. Columbus Drive - 280 S.Columbus Dr. STATE MONROE ADAMS JACKSON WABASH 5 6 MICHIGAN 7 8 COLUMBUS LAKE SHORE DRIVE 26 27

FOR MORE INFORMATION School of the Art Institute of Chicago Admissions Office 36 South Wabash Ave. Chicago, IL 60603 312.629.6100 1.800.232.7242 admiss@saic.edu www.saic.edu Photo credits: Danny Hsu Liz Nielsen Maryann Schaefer Joshua Kastan