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BFA in Art Application Information Sheet for 2015/16
Applicants for Elon University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Program must submit a portfolio of works, an essay, two
letters of recommendation, and participate in an interview. This information sheet provides the exact due dates for the
application packet and explains the portfolio review requirements, essay and letters of recommendation guidelines, and
the interview process.
1. PORTFOLIO REVIEW
There are a limited amount of openings in the BFA program at each review. Portfolios become an important deciding
factor for acceptance into this degree program. Applicants should submit artwork that demonstrates creativity,
curiosity, ambition, technical skill, and the ability to convey ideas in an imaginative and personally engaging manner.
Portfolio Requirements
 The portfolio must include 12 to 15 examples of works that best document the depth and breadth of the
applicant’s art experience and potential.
 All portfolios must be accompanied by a printed inventory list detailing the artist’s name, titles of work,
medium(s), size, and date of the depicted works. (i.e. #1: Artist Name, Self Portrait, mixed media, 24" x 36",
May 2013)
 Do not submit originals. Elon assumes no responsibility for any damage to portfolios either in transit or during
the review process. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that it is packaged properly for prepaid return
shipping.
Digital Portfolio (preferred)
Submit digital portfolios on a CD. Still image files should be formatted as TIFFs or JPEGs, with pixel dimensions
of 800 x 600 or smaller at a resolution of 72 ppi (DO NOT use Powerpoint or any other program). Video clips and
animations should be formatted as Quicktime files (a DVD-R can be substituted if your Quicktime files do not fit
onto a CD-R). Web works can be submitted as .html files. File names should correspond to the inventory list
included with your portfolio. Each CD must be labeled with the applicant’s name and address. All digital
portfolios will be reviewed on the Mac platform. Please check to see that the files are readable before
submitting. CDs that do not open compromise the viability of your application.
35 mm slide portfolio
Slides should be labeled with the applicant’s name and the artwork’s title, and be numbered to correspond with
the inventory list included with the portfolio. In the right-hand corner of the slide, indicate the top of the image
with a small arrow. Assemble the slides in numerical order and place them in a clear slide-protector sheet. Also
label the slide-protector sheet with your name and address.
Printed portfolio
Printed images should be no larger than 11” x 17”. The back of each print should be labeled with the
applicant’s name, artwork’s title and number corresponding to the inventory list included with the portfolio.
Assemble the prints in numerical order and place them in an appropriate container labeled with the your name
and address.
2. ESSAY
The essay provides an important place for the applicant to express his/herself as a creative, thoughtful student and
individual. Write a two page single-spaced essay that addresses the following topics:
BFA in Art Application Information Sheet for 2010–2011 page 2
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Artists should create with intention so that their work has meaning and purpose for themselves and their
audience. Discuss the reasons why you make art and some specific ideas or concepts your work communicates
to you and your viewers.
Describe an experience, encounter, or class assignment that inspired further independent exploration or inquiry
outside of the classroom. Where did it lead you and how did it impact your development as an artist?
Why are you attracted to a BFA program that places an emphasis on an integrated examination of the liberal
arts?
What attribute(s) do you feel make you an especially strong candidate for our BFA program?
3. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Applicants must submit two (2) letters of recommendation. If you are a current Elon student, at least one letter must be
from an Art Department studio faculty member. References should have knowledge of the applicant’s accomplishments
as a student and an artist. The letter should specifically address creative and intellectual curiosity, ambition, technical
skill, and the ability to convey ideas in an imaginative and personally engaging manner. References should complete the
Letter of Recommendation form.
4. INTERVIEW
Interviews offer a chance for prospective students to ask questions and get a sense of their potential within Elon
University’s BFA in Art program. It also gives the faculty an opportunity to further understand applicant’s goals,
ambitions, and creative ideas.
Choose one of the four interview times listed below. These interviews are scheduled around University open houses
and other events to facilitate a more complete experience of the art department and the entire University. For 2015/16
interviews will be held on Friday, October 30th; Friday, November 6th; Friday, February 19th; Friday, March 11 th; and
Friday, April 8th (*the schedule for the interview day normally is from 9am-2pm).
Applicants must indicate a preferred interview time on the BFA application form. It is crucial that your completed
packet arrive by the appropriate due dates listed below (two weeks before your desired interview date). These
interviews are essential for all applicants, however for those with special needs or residing outside of the continental
United States, please contact Young Kim, BFA Review Coordinator, for information about alternative interviews.
APPLICATION PACKET DUE DATES (These are not postmark dates. Your completed application and portfolio MUST
arrive by the deadline to be considered).
First Fall Review
Friday, October 16th
(for interviews October 30th)
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Second Fall Review
Friday, October 23
(for interviews November 6th)
th
First Spring Review
Friday, February 5
(for interviews February 19th)
Second Spring Review
Friday, February 26th (for interviews March 11th)
Final Review
Friday, March 25th
(for interviews April 8th)
*Entire application packets must be sent together in one envelope (completed BFA application form, portfolio, essay,
two letters of recommendation). Separate items will not be accepted. Please include a self addressed stamped
envelope if you would like your portfolio returned. Make sure that you carefully follow instructions on the information
sheets while assembling your packet.
For more information about the review process contact:
Contact Young Kim, BFA Review Coordinator (336) 278-5748 or ykim3@elon.edu