Cornish Admission
Submit Your Visual Arts Portfolio
Applicants seeking admission to the Art and Design programs are required to submit a digital portfolio as part of their online application. Portfolios give Cornish the chance to see the passion and commitment behind your artistic work and creative process. We want to see the kind of artist you are, the work you’re currently interested in, and how Cornish can fit into your journey as an artist.

Art and Design Portfolio Requirements + Guidelines
- Submit 10-20 works that best represent your artistic ability, creativity, and commitment.
- This can be an exploration in a specific medium OR a wide variety of media: Traditional, new media, or a combination are welcome.
- Also consider adding examples of your sketchbook, process book, reflective journals, works-in-progress, and other items that can help inform us of your creative process and influences.
- Submit the digital portfolio directly with your application.
Additionally, we offer students opportunities to have in-person and virtual portfolio reviews.
Schedule an appointment on-campus for a one-on-one portfolio review.
Transfer Students Applying to Major in Art and Design
After completing the application process, final placement into any of the Visual Art programs is by review of your application materials by the chair of the department to which you are applying. Studio credits completed at other colleges will be evaluated for transfer credit by the Registrar’s office. Placement in the department will be determined by the department chair.