PREPARING A PORTFOLIO
A primary criterion for admission to OCAD University is the assessment of the portfolio. This section outlines portfolio guidelines and the review process, you will also find information about resources available at OCAD U to help improve your portfolio.
Portfolio assessments will be held during OCAD U's study week from February 21 until February 24, 2012.
All applicants will be notified by email of the exact date, time and location of their review. Unfortunately, due to the number of applicants to OCAD U each year we are unable to change or reschedule portfolio assessments.
NOTE: A $30 fee, payable in advance to OCAD University, is required to cover the cost involved with the portfolio assessments.
First Year Portfolio Guidelines
Advanced Standing Portfolio Guidelines
Digital Futures: Technology/Innovation/Design/Art Admission and Portfolio Guidelines
First Year Portfolio Guidelines
Your portfolio is an important part of your admission application. It needs to demonstrate a variety of your skills and approaches to art making. This can include experimentation in both analog and digital media. Keep in mind that when it comes to your portfolio, the most important feature OCAD U looks for is your ability to think creatively, shown in a diverse range of media.
A personal creative statement of approximately 250 words is a required element of the portfolio. No portfolio will be reviewed without the written statement. Some of the topics you might address are:
- Why do you want to attend OCAD U?
- What strengths and skills do you bring with you?
- How do you hope to benefit from attending OCADU?
Portfolio preparation tips:
- Include between 10 and 15 pieces of your original work in art, design or media
- Include a creative journal/sketchbook to demonstrate your creative process
- Demonstrate your ability to work with a wide range of techniques, materials and subject matter
- Include works in 2D, 3D, time-based, lens-based, digital or traditional media
- Originals are preferred. If you can carry the work easily you can include it in your portfolio. If the work is too large to transport, is very fragile, or for site specific work, you may present the piece as a digital image or photograph. There are no other size limitations
- Whenever possible applicants are strongly encouraged to provide their own laptop for the review of digital or time-based work. A limited number of laptops, TV's and DVD players will be available during the reviews
- Drawings may be from direct observation, such as figure drawing, still life, interiors and landscapes, as well as from imagination and memory
- Please present work flat rather than rolled, mounted or framed.
- Work exploring colour, form and mixed media approaches are welcome, as are three dimensional works, such as installations, models, jewellery, soft or hard sculpture
- Feel free to include work that directly relates to the discipline that you are applying to
First Year Portfolio Presentation Guidelines
You’ll be invited to attend a review, of approximately 15 to 20 minutes, where you'll present your original work to reviewers from your chosen faculty.
Applicants who live too far away to attend the scheduled review in person must ensure that the portfolio arrives at least one week in advance, and are encouraged to include additional written materials in support of the work. Mailed submissions should be no larger than 18 x 24 inches and should be sent to Admissions & Recruitment at OCAD University's main address. Applicants may choose to send a digital version of their portfolio on a CD, DVD or USB. Return postage must be included with the portfolio if you would like it returned.
OCAD University cannot be held responsible for loss or damage if an applicant chooses to send in original work.
Please be advised that if you choose not to have your portfolio returned to you it may be used for demonstration purposes by Admissions & Recruitment.
Tips for your presentation:
- Generate interest and excitement with the first piece
- Be aware that current work best demonstrates your skill level
- Be prepared to explain why a particular work was selected for inclusion in your portfolio, what it means to you and what you were trying to achieve
- Be prepared to talk about any research and preparation you did for your final work
- Research OCAD U ahead of time to show your level of interest and commitment to studying here
Advanced Standing Portfolio Reviews and Requirements
Advanced standing acceptance and year level placement is based on the strength of the applicant's portfolio and academic standing. All applicants will be notified of the time, date and location of the review through email.
A statement of intent of approximately 250 words is a required element of the portfolio. No portfolio will be reviewed without the written statement.
The majority of the portfolio reviews will be held during OCAD U's study week, February 21 to 24, 2012.
Applicants who live too far away to attend the scheduled review in person must ensure that the portfolio arrives at least one week in advance, and are encouraged to include additional written materials in support of the work. Mailed submissions should be no larger than 18 x 24 inches and should be sent to Admissions & Recruitment at OCAD University's main address. Applicants may choose to send a digital version of their portfolio on a CD, DVD or USB. Return postage must be included with the portfolio if you would like it returned.
OCAD University cannot be held responsible for loss or damage if an applicant chooses to send in original work.
Please be advised that if you choose not to have your portfolio returned to you it may be used for demonstration purposes by Admissions & Recruitment.
Advanced Standing Faculty of Art Portfolio Requirements (PDF)
Advanced Standing Faculty of Design Portfolio Requirements (PDF)
Last Modified:1/24/2012 12:57:32 PM