Boston University College of Fine Arts is more than a community of artists—it is a specialized educational experience that demands inquiry and exploration, individuality and teamwork, and academic and artistic immersion. This is a place where students and faculty can fully explore and expand the study of music, theatre, and visual arts in the context of an elite research university.
The BU Arts Initiative partners with the College of Fine Arts on a number of initiatives and programs, including, but not limited to the MED Campus Outreach, special events, art installations, conferences, performances, and workshops.
What are the top 3 program features that make your program stand out?
The three features that make BU’s school of visual arts stand out would be incredible access to one of the world’s best research institutions and the opportunity to pursue other academic interests, our arts leadership minor, and our unique and passionate faculty.
What makes your school’s art & design programs different & unique from other art & design school programs?
Boston University’s art program is unique because we offer students a rigorous studio experience as well as the opportunity to combine their passion for the arts with other academic interests being studied at the highest level. We also offer an intensive foundations year that focuses on developing a fundamental skill set that prepares students to work in any medium that they may decide to pursue later.
Can students take courses in other schools?
Absolutely! Many of our students choose to take elective courses, pick up minors, or even pursue dual degrees in any of the university’s 250+ areas of study.
What steps do you take to evaluate a student’s candidacy, apart from reviewing their creative portfolio?
In addition to the portfolio, Boston University requires that students complete the common application with includes a personal essay, two letters of recommendation and a students official high school transcript. Boston university has a high level of academic rigor and therefore carefully considers the level of rigor demonstrated in high school. BU is also looking for students who will create a unique, diverse community at bu. For example, students who are volunteers, entrepreneurs, passionate about a single pursuit or exploring a wide variety of subjects. Therefore, BU considers extracurricular activities and interests, special talents and skills.
What does your program look for most in the creative portfolio during admissions? What do you think makes an A+ portfolio?
Exhibiting a strong foundation in observational drawing is important for a strong portfolio, and students who submit the most successful and exciting portfolios are ones who also exhibit exceptional skill and execution as well as the use of compelling concepts and ideas. It is this combination that makes for an A+ portfolio.
How are new technologies affecting students’ curriculums and/or ways of learning/collaborating at your school?
A unique opportunity exists for SVA students to work in Boston University’s Engineering Project and Innovation Center (EPIC). This is a pioneering facility for fabrication that offers laser cutting, 3d printing, robotic manufacturing and more.
How does your program help graduating students with internships or jobs? Can students expect job placement more at your program than in others? If so, how or why? What kinds of job opportunities have you seen students take once they completed their degrees?
BU offers career placement through our Center of Career Development, as well hundreds of visual arts specific internships that students may participate in for credit. Every fall the School of Visual Arts holds an internship fair to help facilitate these opportunities.
Are there any exciting developments for your programs that students should know about?
A new and exciting initiative has been our Arts Leadership Minor. This minor is for any student at Boston University who feels that the arts have a greater role in society and can be an agent of social change. The minor in Arts Leadership is designed to provide students with the practical and strategic skills to become leaders in the arts. Course selection is intentionally flexible in order to serve not only a broad constituency but also to allow students to hone leadership and thinking skills in particular areas of interest, including arts entrepreneurship, arts administration, and arts activism. The College of Fine Arts recognizes that artists and creative thinkers need practical preparation for a life in the arts. As natural problem-solvers, artists are already well suited as agents of social change and possess the potential to also be dynamic leaders. The Arts Leadership minor provides students with the tools and skills to put ideas into action.
What is the most distinguished feature at your school?
As a University, BU has a rich and distinguished history of alumni and important achievements including the formation of the School of Music, this first of it’s kind. Also, The SVA’s largest professional gallery, the 808 Gallery, was formally a Cadillac Dealership showroom and maintains some of the original interior finishes from that era!
What is the best advice you have for students entering the art, design & architecture field? What role does the artist play today?
Artists today have an incredible opportunity to be agents of social change. It requires not only the drive to create compelling work, but also the passion to be involved in the community. Training beyond the studio is critical, as is a willingness to approach the arts from a broad prospective.
Interviewed by Jessica Caccamo Assistant Director for Admissions
FACT!
CFA students can also apply for the Boston University Collaborative Degree Program (BUCOP), where students simultaneously earn undergraduate degrees at CFA and in one of 14 undergraduate colleges of the university.
FACT!
Average Class Size:
Undergraduate: 16
Graduate: 11
Student/Faculty Ratio:
9.5:1
RANKING
#Top Design Schools Graphic Design, GDUSA (Graphic Design USA), 2016
DEGREES
BFA
1. Art Education
2. Graphic Design
3. Visual Arts Minor
4. Painting
5. Printmaking
6. Sculpture
7. Art Education
*check website for various majors, including BA also available:
- Arts Leadership Minor
- BU Dual Degree Program
- SED/CAS Double Degree Program
- CFA/CAS Double Degree Program
APPLICATION MATERIALS
Common Application
PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS
15–20 pieces
Early Decision: Nov 1
Reg Decision: Feb 1
* All portfolios submitted before the February 1 deadline will be considered for merit-based Financial Aid from the School of Visual Arts.
WRITING SAMPLE
1. Common App Essay
2. Artist Statement on Slideroom (few sentences)
TRANSCRIPTS
Required
RECOMMENDATION LETTERS
1 Counselor Recommendation
1 Teacher Evaluation
INTERVIEW
Recommended
APPLICATIONS DEADLINES
Early Decision: Nov 2
Early Decision 2: Jan 4
Regular Decision: Jan 3
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Early Decision: Nov 1
*Dec 1 - for scholarship consideration
Regular Decision: Jan 3
TOEFL min. 90-100 (scores of 20 or higher on
each subsection)
IELTS: min. 7.0
*SAT/ACT test scores are not required for applicants to the College of Fine Arts, with the exception of those applying to the Double Degree Programs, Kilachand Honors College, or for any of BU’s merit scholarships.
TIPS
Required in Portfolio:
1. Portrait from Observation
2. Still-Lifes from Observation
There is an optional official portfolio review day in which students have their portfolios reviewed by faculty members as part of their application for admission. Students will also have an opportunity to attend a class. You must register ahead of time.
ALUMNI
Brice Marden, Artist
Gael Towey, Short films document artists
Katie Noyes. Artist
Uzo Aduba, American actressand Singer
DID YOU KNOW?
Scarlet and white are BU’s school colors. BU’s mascot is named Rhett because of the Gone with the Wind quote: “No one loves Scarlet more than Rhett!”
ADMISSIONS OFFICE
BU Admissions - Alan and Sherry Leventhal Center
233 Bay State Rd,
Boston, MA 02215
+1 (617)-353-2300