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 showing 2D media, 3D media, or examples of creative works and/or evidence of research.  No CDs or websites will be reviewed.  See the example at the right .
• 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 showing 2D media, 3D media and/or examples of creative works and/or evidence of research, no CDs or websites, please
• 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 showing 2D media, 3D media,or examples of creative works and/or evidence of research; no electronic media (CDs or websites), please
• 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 showing 2D media, 3D media, 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
  151 Presidents 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 images of artwork, you must provide a reference sheet or key to the images. Include your name, address, and student ID number if you have one. For each image, list media, size, date, and where and when the work was completed. Please number your images to correspond to the reference sheet.

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

The Department of Art, Architecture and Art History is not responsible for reviewing materials that are not readily accessible.

No portfolios will be returned. All materials sent to the Architecture+Design Program become the property of the Department of Art, Architecture+Art History.

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, or anything else that you have made in art class, a summer exploration program, or on your own.

Return of Portfolio:

No portfolios will be returned. All materials sent to the Architecture+Design Program become the property of the Department of Art, Architecture+Art History.