Essays and interviews

Admissions essays are an opportunity to let institutions get to know you as a person and to highlight things that you particularly want them to take note of in your application. It is important to submit a well-organised and authentic (personal) response to the essay question.

If you are using the Common Application you will need to produce one essay from the choice of prompts provided. This will be sent to all the institutions you are applying to. Individual institutions may also provide their own questions and require two to three supplementary essay submissions to support your application. Each essay is generally 500–750 words long and may ask you to talk about your personal identity, academic interests or extra-curricular activities.

Art school admissions generally require submission of an art portfolio from students. Portfolio requirements will vary between individual schools. The portfolio has an important role in the art school admission review process to understand a student’s skills, abilities and potential at the school.

Interviews

Universities have varying interview policies – many universities do not use them at all, while for others, they may be an optional part of the application process. Depending on the institution, the college may contact you to see whether you are interested in having an interview, or you may need to note this in your application package.

Interviews generally focus on your personal and academic attributes, your short- and long-term goals, and your reasons for wanting to attend that particular university. They are often conducted by the admissions department or by alumni volunteers, and may take place by phone or online if there is not a representative in your country.