BFA in Art Application

INSTRUCTIONS
Applicants for Elon University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art program must submit a portfolio of works, an essay, and two letters of recommendation, and participate in an interview. The exact due dates for the completed application, portfolio review requirements, essay, letters of recommendation guidelines, and the interview process are located below.

1. PORTFOLIO REVIEW

There are a limited number 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 an 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")

Digital Portfolio

Digital photo documentation files should be formatted as JPEGs, with pixel dimensions of 3000 x 2500 at a resolution of 72 ppi (DO NOT use Powerpoint or any other program). Video clips and animations should be formatted as Quicktime files. Web works can be submitted as .html files. File names should correspond to the inventory list with your portfolio. Please check to see that the files are readable before submitting. Digital files that do not open compromise the viability of your application.

2. ESSAY

The essay provides an important opportunity for the applicant to express themselves as a creative, thoughtful student and individual. Write a one- to two-page essay that addresses the following topics:

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

In-person 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 the applicant’s goals, ambitions, and creative ideas.

Choose one of the five 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 2024/25 interviews will be held on October 25^th, November 1^st, February 7^th, February 21^st, and March 14^th (*the schedule for the interview day normally is from 9am-2pm).

Applicants must indicate a preferred interview time on the BFA application. It is crucial that your completed application MUST be submitted 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.

On-line APPLICATION DUE DATES

Deadline	Application Deadline	Interview Date
First Fall Review	October 11^th	October 25^th
Second Fall Review	October 18^th	November 1^st
First Spring Review	January 24^th	February 7^th
Second Spring Review	February 7^th	February 21^st
Final Review	February 28^th	March 14^th

**Final Review interviewees are NOT eligible for scholarships

For more information about the review process contact:

Contact Young Kim, BFA Review Coordinator (336) 278-5748 or ykim3@elon.edu or
Ty Goss, Program Assistant (336) 278-6263 or tgoss2@elon.edu.

PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING and note that answers cannot be saved and the application must be completed in one sitting:

First Name

Last Name

Address

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

Email Address

Phone Number

I am a:

High School Student

Transfer Student

Current Elon Student

Current College / University

Number of Art Hours Completed

Projected Graduation Date

Are you applying for an art department scholarship? Please note that you must apply BEFORE the final review in order to be considered for the department scholarships. Students who are already enrolled in Elon University will be required to participate in the annual scholarship review process.

Yes

Supporting Materials

Portfolio item 1:

Portfolio item 2:

Portfolio item 3:

Portfolio item 4:

Portfolio item 5:

Portfolio item 6:

Portfolio item 7:

Portfolio item 8:

Portfolio item 9:

Portfolio item 10:

Portfolio item 11:

Portfolio item 12:

Portfolio item 13:

Portfolio item 14:

Portfolio item 15:

Essay Upload

Upload your essay in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format please. Click "Choose File" to select document.

Letter of Recommendation References

Applicants are advised to select individuals who can best speak to their accomplishments and creative and scholarly potential. References should have knowledge of the applicant’s accomplishments as a student and an artist. The letter should specifically address the student’s creative and intellectual curiosity, ambition, technical skill, and the ability to convey ideas in an imaginative and personally engaging manner. Keep in mind that a strong letter of recommendation provides insight into your creative potential, breadth of interests, and intellectual curiosity.

Privacy Information:
In accordance with the provisions the Federal Education and Privacy Act of 1974 (Buckley Amendment), enrolled students have the right to see their letters of recommendation unless they explicitly waive that right. It is entirely the student’s decision whether or not to waive that right, however, understand that some recommenders may be more reserved and less candid if they believe the student will have full access to their recommendation. Please know that the Admissions Committee also usually destroys the letters of recommendation after the final review and before the student matriculates at Elon University. (It is very important that this signed cover letter accompany your recommendation. Otherwise, the Admissions Committee assumes you have waived your rights.)

Please check the appropriate box:

I waive my right of access to this recommendation and any related supplemental evaluation.

I do not waive my right of access to this recommendation and any related supplemental evaluation.

Electronic Signature and Date

Reference #1

First Name

Last Name

Job Title

Employer

Email Address

Reference #2

First Name

Last Name

Job Title

Employer

Email Address