Founded in 1871, San Francisco Art Institute is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious schools of higher education in contemporary art. SFAI boast an illustrious list of faculty and alumni in all areas of focus. Most importantly, the institute have consistently held fast to a core philosophy of fostering creativity and critical thinking in an open, experimental, and interdisciplinary environment. At SFAI, they educate artists who will become the creative leaders of their generation.

What are the top 3 program features that make your program stand out?

1. Class size of 12-15 per studio class.
2. 11 to 1 faculty student ratio.
3. Interdisciplinary programs.

What makes your school’s art & design programs different & unique from other art & design school programs?

SFAI is different because we do not have any commercial programs. Students focus on contemporary art making, question asking, and investigating new ideas.

Can students take courses in other schools?

Yes, outside of their major, students may take up to 11 elective studio courses. 

What does your program look for most in the creative portfolio during admissions? 


Portfolio, interests, potential, and ideas.

What do you think makes an A+ portfolio?

Investigation and not being afraid to go outside of class assignments.

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?

Where to begin. Students are fully prepared to be successful working, practicing artists. This means so many things from making a gallery through selling work in galleries and attending residency programs. Many alum are entrepreneurial and start their own creative businesses. Many are teachers, filmmakers, and designers. Essentially SFAI students gain the transferable skills to invent and reinvent themselves.

We do not place students in jobs because we want them to find their own paths and do not have specific companies that we filter our students into.  Each graduate is very individual and unique. 

We have a Career Center and Counselor that students meet with and faculty that mentor throughout the program. 

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 high school seniors?

1. Debunk art school clichés.
2. Do the research.
3. Develop your portfolio.
4. Focus on ideas.
5. Try to research on contemporary artists.

Interviewed by Colleen Mulvey Sr. Associate Director for Undergraduate Admissions

APPLICATION MATERIALS

Common Application

PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS

10-15 digital images or
3-4 video clips

WRITING SAMPLE

BFA: Optional Artist Statement 
BA: Required Critical Essay

TRANSCRIPTS

1 Teacher or Counselor
(2 Recommended) 

RECOMMENDATION LETTERS

Required 

INTERVIEW

Recommended

APPLICATIONS DEADLINES

Priority Deadline
Spring Term: Nov 15
Fall Term: Feb 15 

CA Residents: Mar 1

FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

TOEFL: 79
IELTS: 6.5
PTE: 58

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

Annie Leibovitz, American Photographer
Kathryn Bigelow, Director, Producer and Writer
Barry McGee, Painter and Graffiti artist
Roxanne Quimby, Businesswoman of Burts Bees

DID YOU KNOW?

In 1945,  Ansel Adams founded the first fine art photography department. In 1968 Annie Leibovitz begins photographing for Rolling Stone magazine while still a student. She becomes the magazine’s official photographer in 1973. 

ADMISSIONS OFFICE

San Francisco Art Institute
800 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94133

+1 (415)-749-4500 or (800)-345-SFAI