Division of Art Scholarship Portfolio

Guidelines - First Year Applicants

The Division of Art awards scholarships based on a combination of artistic merit and financial need to both entering and continuing students. Submission of a portfolio for admission, while not required, is strongly recommended. It should be designed to clearly present the visual quality of your work at the time you apply. It should show, if possible, extended work beyond class assignments — one way you can do this is to complete and return the Division of Art sketchbook we sent you. To request a sketchbook click here.

For scholarship consideration, a review of your portfolio is required. The Division of Art can accept a portfolio in different formats, including the uploading of images through smu.slideroom.com, or through the submission of a slide portfolio. In some instances (such as video, performance or sound installation), submitted material requires alternative documentation. Slide portfolios must consist of 20 good-quality 35mm slides presented in a vinyl slide page. Digital portfolios will be accepted, provided they are well-organized in PowerPoint format for both Mac and PC, and are accompanied by a printed thumbnail page and the proper information as listed below.

Students also should submit the FAFSA form. Deadline for submission of the portfolio is February 15.

Specifications for Scholarship Portfolios

Portfolios can be uploaded directly through smu.slideroom.com – the slideroom site offers specific information about the requirements for all work submitted on-line. However, portfolios also can be submitted via mail; all submissions must meet the following parameters:

1. The portfolio must consist of 20 good quality 35mm slides presented in a vinyl slide page.
2. Each slide must be labeled as follows: Artist's name, date of execution, dimensions, media, directional arrow showing top of slide.
3. Slides must be arranged chronologically in the slide page and numbered.
4. Slides must be in standard cardboard or thin plastic mounts which will slip easily into a Kodak Carousel slide tray. Please avoid masking tape or glass slides.
5. The portfolio must be accompanied by a separate page listing the slides in chronological order and the data required in "B" above. Also on the page, please give name, address, telephone number, year in school, the level at which you plan to enter SMU, and any other information you wish to add, such as a statement to be read to the faculty committee. If you wish to transfer to SMU from a different college or university, list the studio art courses you have completed or those currently in progress.
6. Include with the portfolio a large self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of the portfolio. The art department will not return portfolios without following this procedure. You may hand deliver your portfolio, but be sure to include the self-addressed, stamped envelope if you wish to have the portfolio returned.
7. Many students submitting portfolios wish to include additional materials such as impressive covers, folders, photographic prints, original art works, and recorded tapes. If these things are not essential to your portfolio, please omit them.
8. Please be aware that the review and scholarship process takes some time, as we compile portfolio rankings, admission data, and financial forms. If you have any questions regarding Meadows Financial Aid, please contact the Meadows Scholarship Office at 214-768-3314.

Portfolio Checklist

1. (20) 35mm slides, plain, thin mounts labeled as required in "B" above
2. Slides numbered chronologically
3. Slides in vinyl slide page chronologically
4. List along with slides as required in "E" above
5. Large self-addressed, stamped envelope included
6. Portfolio package addressed to:
   Division of Art Meadows School of the Arts
   PO Box 750356
   Dallas, TX 75275-0356

Questions? Please call the Division of Art office at 214.768.2489 or email lisab@smu.edu

SMU Application Early Action Deadline:           November 1
SMU Application-Scholarship Consideration:    January 15
Meadows Sketchbook Portfolio Deadline:          January 15
FAFSA Due for Optimal Scholarships:              February 1
Portfolio Submission Deadline:                           February 15

For additional information, visit Meadows on the Web at: http://www.smu.edu/meadows/