Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MASSART) portfolio requirements are listed here as they have been in the past, but there are a few changes including adding a digital portfolio and replacing the graphic design portfolio with an audio/visual design portfolio. Students must maintain a high level of skill in all areas of graphic arts to be accepted into any program at MASSART
The portfolio requirements of the Massachusetts College Of Art And Design include two books, one clear portfolio and a resume. To be considered for admissions, applicants must complete an online application, as well as submit New Resume/CV to be evaluated by a college representative. Applicants will be notified within two weeks of receipt if they have been admitted or not.
About massart application requirements
A portfolio consists of 10 original works of art (including up to two video or time-based works) that represent your best artwork/design/photos. Portfolios should also demonstrate independent thought and the diversity of your experience in visual arts. The portfolio should include drawings from direct observation. The portfolio may also include works in 2-D media (such as painting, illustration, comics, photography, printmaking), 3D media (such as ceramic, sculpture and installations), and/ or time-based media (animation, motion graphics, game design and video). Your portfolio can include finished pieces and works in progress, but please note the status of the work in the description.
Applicants must submit their portfolio online via Slideroom.
Images in the form of JPEG, video (.MOV, .WMV, .FLV) or PDF documents may all be uploaded. For good image quality and a fast upload, it is recommended that the image files be sized no larger than 1220 px @ 72 dpi, and video files kept under 60 MB each. For all technical assistance in this process, applicants can access the SlideRoom help desk.
SlideRoom provides a text area to submit information that is useful in understanding the work in the images. Applicants are requested to use this feature to specify the size, medium and date of completion of each piece. Descriptions of the assignments, concepts or processes involved in the making of the work may also be included.
If an applicant cannot submit a portfolio via SlideRoom for technology-related reasons, then applicants may submit their portfolios by mail to:
Portfolio Submission
Department of Art & Design
Mahoney Hall, Suite #1
870 Broadway Street
Lowell, MA 01854-3088
Please be sure to include your contact information and return address to receive your materials. While the department will make every effort to ensure the safety of your materials, we will not be responsible for items lost or damaged in transit in either direction. Digital submissions are the best way to ensure the safety of originals. Please be sure to call the department 978-934-3494 and let us know if you are mailing your portfolio.
Successful applicants will receive a letter from Admissions detailing the terms of acceptance. If an applicant’s portfolio fails review, applicants who are accepted to the university may take freshman level art courses and resubmit well-graded work resulting from these courses to the portfolio review after the first semester.
If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact the Department of Art & Design.
PORTFOLIO TIPS
As a prospective student, you will need to submit a selection of 15-20 examples of your strongest and most recent artwork that reflects your interests, skills, and willingness to explore, experiment, and express yourself. We encourage you to include work representing a sustained interest and/or development over time.
At MassArt, we review your portfolio within the context of your own experiences and exposure to art and design instruction. Although there is no universal approach when constructing a portfolio, you may want to consider the following:
CREATE ORIGINAL ARTWORK FOR YOUR PORTFOLIO
Include pieces that showcase your own unique voice as an artist, materials that you love to work with, and subject matter you’re interested in exploring
Your portfolio may concentrate on a single medium or may show a variety of media
Show what makes you stand out as an artist: how do you see the world?
STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN TECHNICAL AND CONCEPTUAL SKILLS
Demonstrate your knowledge of the principles and elements of art and design;
REVIEW THIS HELPFUL GLOSSARY
PDF icon review this helpful glossary
You may include both class assignments and self-directed work
The strongest pieces are often those which merge technical and conceptual skills
WHAT NOT TO SUBMIT
Do not include artwork that is a direct copy of another artist’s work, design, ideas or characters
In addition, please do not submit theater performances, musical recordings, screenplays, or creative writing samples in your portfolio. If submitted, they will not be reviewed.
BE OPEN TO FEEDBACK
Practice speaking about your work and sharing ideas
Feedback may help you find recurring themes, ideas, and techniques in your work
We’re here to help; visit us at a National Portfolio Day or schedule a virtual portfolio review.
DOCUMENT YOUR WORK
When you apply to MassArt, your will submit your portfolio electronically; plan on photographing any work that isn’t in a digital format already
We recommend documenting your work periodically – that way, if a piece gets lost or damaged, you can still use it for the portfolio
Represent your hard work well: make sure images are cropped, have accurate color and value, and that the files aren’t too small
EDIT YOUR PORTFOLIO
Produce as much work as possible so that you can find your strengths and be selective when choosing your pieces
Take an inventory; choose only your strongest and most recent work when applying
Trust your instincts!
SUBMITTING YOUR PORTFOLIO
Portfolios must be submitted digitally. Please apply using the Common Application, and a link will be provided for you to complete your portfolio within 48 hours.
Each digital image file can be saved as a .jpg, .gif., or .png, and must be at least 72 dpi. You can also submit films, videos, or animations.
Do not submit pre-formatted portfolios, PowerPoint presentations, PDFs, or links to websites
TRANSFER STUDENTS
Transfer students are encouraged to submit a larger, more diverse portfolio if they have completed studio art or design courses at the college level. Please submit 3-5 work examples from each class to demonstrate the skills you have gained through the coursework you have completed so far. Transfer credit will be awarded based on the strength of the examples provided.
Most transfer students with prior studio credit submit a portfolio with 20-30 work samples demonstrating their strengths, interests, and the work created in previous classes. Submitting a variety of media is encouraged when appropriate.
Prospective transfer students are encouraged to schedule a virtual portfolio review and/or information meeting before applying.
What are Massachusetts College of Art and Design’s average SAT scores and GPA? In this guide, we’ll discuss what scores are needed for you to get admitted into Massachusetts College of Art and Design. You’ll also get to calculate your own chances with our admissions calculator.
Location: Boston, MA
Massachusetts College of Art and Design Admissions Statistics
There are three critical numbers when considering your admissions chances: SAT scores, GPA, and acceptance rate. All these combine to tell you what you scores are required to get into Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
Average SAT: 1170
The average SAT score composite at Massachusetts College of Art and Design is a 1170.
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Massachusetts College of Art and Design SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)
The 25th percentile New SAT score is 1020, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1260.
In other words, a 1020 places you below average, while a 1260 will move you up to above average. There’s no absolute SAT requirement at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, but they really want to see at least a 1020 to have a chance at being considered.
Here’s the breakdown of new SAT scores by section:
Section Average 25th Percentile 75th Percentile
Math 560 500 610
Reading + Writing 610 520 650
Composite 1170 1020 1260
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Average GPA: 3.45
The average GPA at Massachusetts College of Art and Design is 3.45. This makes Massachusetts College of Art and Design Moderately Competitive for GPAs.
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(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.
With a GPA of 3.45, Massachusetts College of Art and Design requires you to be around average in your high school class. You’ll need a mix of A’s and B’s, and very few C’s. If you took some AP or IB classes, this will help boost your weighted GPA and show your ability to take college classes.
If you’re a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change from this point on. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.45, you’ll need a higher SAT score to compensate and show that you’re prepared to take on college academics. This will help you compete effectively with other applicants.
Admissions Rate: 70.7%
The acceptance rate at Massachusetts College of Art and Design is 70.7%. In other words, of 100 students who apply, 71 are admitted.
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This means the school is not selective. As long as you don’t fall way below average, you’ll likely get in.
Final Admissions Verdict
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Because this school is not selective, you have a great shot at getting in, as long as you don’t fall well below average. Aim for a 1020 SAT or higher, and you’ll almost certainly get an offer of admission. But if you score below this, you may be one of the unlucky few to get rejected.
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Admissions Calculator
What are your chances of admission at Massachusetts College of Art and Design?
Chances of admission with these scores:
70.7%
Here’s our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are.
Pick your test: New SAT ACT
SAT Score
1170
Your GPA
3.45
Note: Your admission decision relies not only on your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but also on your coursework difficulty, extracurriculars, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. This tool provides only a simplistic estimate of your chances of admission. Instead of treating this tool as a crystal ball, we recommend you consider the big picture of what your chance means:
80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
50-80%: More likely than not getting in
20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in
We recommend you apply to schools across a range of chances. Applying to some safety schools will guarantee you have a college to go to, while applying to some reach schools will give you a shot at getting into the school at the top of your range.
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