Undergraduate Application Guidelines

Undergraduate application to the BFA Program in Design is a two-part process. Prospective students need to apply concurrently to the University and to the Program of Architecture+Design.

Minimum Requirements for Freshman Acceptance:

• Typical High-School GPA of 3.25 or higher
• SAT minimum as per UMass application
• Physical portfolio and/or link to a website showing 2D media, 3D media, electronic media and/or examples of creative works and/or evidence of research
• Essay as per UMass application
• UMass acceptance
• Statement of intent

Entry for Undeclared UMass Majors:

Undeclared majors at UMass may be allowed to take entry level Foundations classes at the discretion of the Program. They will need to apply to and be accepted into the program during the Freshman year.  The following are minimum requirements:

• Minimum UMass GPA: 3.25
• Physical Portfolio and/or link to a website showing 2D media, 3D media, electronic media and/or examples of creative works and/or evidence of research
• Statement of Intent

Entry for UMass Transfer Students:

UMass transfer students should anticipate requiring at least three years to complete program requirements. Requirements for graduation will be reviewed case by case.

• Minimum GPA: 3.25
• Physical Portfolio and/or link to a website showing 2D media, 3D media, electronic media and/or examples of creative works and/or evidence of research
• Letters of reference (recommended)
• Statement of Intent

Entry for Non-UMass Transfer Students:

Non-UMass transfer students should anticipate requiring at least three years to complete program requirements. Their requirements for graduation will be reviewed case by case.

• Minimum GPA: 3.25
• SAT as per UMass application
• Physical Portfolio and/or link to a website showing 2D media, 3D media, electronic media and/or examples of creative works and/or evidence of research
• Essay as per UMass application
• UMass acceptance

Application Deadlines:

• Fall Semester:
  Early Action - November 1
  Regular Decision - January 15
• Spring Semester (On Campus Students Only):
  October 1:   Download an Application
• Transfer Admission:
  Fall Semester - April 15
  Spring Semester - October 1

After the University Admissions Office has reviewed academic performance and the Program has reviewed the portfolio, the University Admissions Office will notify the applicant of the admission decision.

Application and Document Submittal:

• Online University Application (follow link on site)
• Submit your supporting documents (portfolio and copy of essay) to:
  
  

  Undergraduate Portfolio Review Committee
  Architecture+Design Program
  University of Massachusetts Amherst
  455 Fine Arts Center
  151 Presitdents Dr.
  Amherst, MA 01003-9330

Questions:

If you have any questions regarding the application procedure, please call the Architecture + Design Program's main office at (413) 577-0943 or e-mail the Architecture+Design Program Director at architecture@art.umass.edu.

General Portfolio Guidelines:

Submit 15-20 items representing work completed both in and out of art classes.

Evidence of drawing ability is required in the portfolio. Representative work in other media should be included to indicate your range of experiences. A portfolio should represent your best artwork, but it should also demonstrate independent thought and the diversity of your experience in the visual arts media.

If your portfolio consists of slides of artwork, you must provide a reference sheet or key to the slides. Include your name, address, and social security number. For each slide, list media, size, date, and where and when the work was completed. Please number your slides to correspond to the reference sheet.

Your can also be represented as photographs or copies, printed and slipped into plastic sheets in a binder. See above photo for example.

Or-CD or DVD digital portfolios must not require installation of software. Please organize your digital image files on the disk so that the viewing order is clear. The Department of Art, Architecture and Art History is not responsible for reviewing materials that are not readily accessible. Please test your CD or DVD on multiple playback devices before mailing.

Include a self-addressed mailer with sufficient postage if you want the portfolio returned.

Please include with your portfolio a copy of the 1-2 page personal essay, which you prepared for the University Admissions Office Application (noted above).

The Competitive Portfolio Includes:

• Drawings from direct observation: If you have copied from photographs or other flat media, you can greatly enhance your portfolio with drawings from observation.
• Other works: Include 2D media (fibers, painting, photography, printmaking) 3D media (ceramic, jewelry, metalwork, sculpture, and installations), and electronic media (computer and video) that convey your strengths.

The portfolio also may include architectural designs and models, stage designs, fashion or costume designs, time based digital media still or video and animation or anything else that you have made in art class, a summer exploration program, or on your own.

Return of Portfolio:

Be sure to include a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) if you wish to have your portfolio returned. Do not send checks, international coupons, etc.; we cannot accommodate requests for COD. We can only accept the SASE. The Department of Art, Architecture+Art History is not responsible for portfolios left beyond six months.