Summer Programs
"How to Get into a Top Art School" Summer Institute

July 18-22, 2010

We will begin accepting applications January 4, 2010.

Application Deadline: April 16, 2010
Art students and work

View AU Summer Institutes Video >>>

View Institute Brochure >>>

The Program
This summer institute is a 5-day intensive course in establishing preparation for applying to art school. Topics will include "Building a Strong Portfolio" and "Careers in the Arts." The program includes:

  • one-on-one portfolio critiques
  • studio activities such as observational drawing and color study
  • a trip to a professional artist's studio
  • college advising
  • presentations on various artists' career paths, such as studio artists, museum/gallery work and graphic arts/web design
  • recreational activities

Who Can Attend?
This program is for students entering their junior or senior year of high school who wish to continue their education at a top art school. Students are required to bring their portfolios to campus with them for review. The number of participants will be kept small to allow for individualized attention. We will accept 20 students into the program this year.

Director
The institute is directed by Kevin Jacobs, AU Career Advisor, Liaison to the School of Art and Design and Director of the Cohen Art Center. Formerly in Creative Services at Polo Ralph Lauren NYC, Mr. Jacobs is an interior designer and former owner of a home design firm in Venice Beach, California. Questions about the program may be directed to him at 607-871-2164 or via email.

Schedule
Students must arrive between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. on Sunday for registration and will leave after lunch on Thursday. Sunday registration is followed by orientation, dinner and welcome activities. Classes begin Monday morning. View the institute schedule >>>

Alfred University admissions interviews and campus tours will be available, by appointment, Thursday afternoon. To schedule an appointment, please contact the Office of Admissions at 607-871-2115.

Further information, including a detailed program schedule and driving directions to campus, will be sent to all students upon acceptance.

Activities
When not in classes, students have lots of fun participating in recreational activities. Living, dining and learning together, students have ample opportunity to get to know each other and develop lasting friendships. Sample activities include:

  • indoor and outdoor games
  • movies
  • visits to a nearby lake for picnics and campfires
  • swimming in the University's indoor pool
  • social gatherings at the Terra Cotta Coffee House
  • a farewell party on the last night

Supervision
When institute participants are not in class, they are supervised by specially-trained Resident Directors (RDs) and Resident Assistants (RAs) who serve as camp counselors, mentors, positive role models and friends.

Tuition, Room and Board
Participants will arrive on Sunday and leave after lunch on Thursday. The institute fee is $795* (includes a $100 deposit). This covers tuition, supervision, program materials, room and board from dinner on the first day through lunch on the last day, and recreational activities. Students stay in residence halls (2 per room). Students must provide their own pillows and bed/bath linens for the week. (Bed linens must fit the extra-long twin residence hall beds). Meals are served in the campus dining hall.

The $100 deposit is due with the application. Full payment of the balance ($695) is due by May 28, 2010. Each participant is responsible for transportation, incidentals and extra nights or meals. Details and directions will be sent to all students upon acceptance. If, for any reason, a participant must be sent home early, all expenses will be paid by the student/parents.

*There will be a $30 charge for checks returned for insufficient funds.

How to Apply
Students who wish to apply must return the following materials so they are received in the AU Office of Summer Programs by the application deadline. Please send all items in one packet, if possible. We will begin accepting applications January 4, 2010.

  • a completed application form
  • an up-to-date transcript or report card
  • two letters of recommendation from teachers on official school stationery (at least one should be an art teacher)
  • a one-page essay telling us why you want to attend this institute (in your own words, with your signature at the bottom)
  • $100 deposit (non-refundable unless student is not accepted into the program).

Application materials must be submitted by April 16, 2010. (Later applications may be considered only if space is available. Call 607.871.2612 to check availability after the deadline.) Send to: Office of Summer Programs, Alfred University, Saxon Drive, Alfred, NY 14802, or fax to 607.871.2045. (Incomplete or illegible applications cannot be considered.)

Acceptance
The Institute Admissions Committee will evaluate all applications and determine which students will be accepted. Notification letters will be sent within two weeks of the application deadline. Students requiring an earlier decision should include a note with the application form indicating the date by which they need to be notified. (If a student is not accepted the $100 deposit will be refunded.)

Accepted students will receive, along with the acceptance letter, additional materials including medical history form, permission form, emergency notification forms, etc. These materials must be filled out as soon as possible and must be back in our hands by May 28. Updated immunization information (including dates) is also required at that time. (If you do not have updated immunization information on hand, you may want to acquire this from your physician now to avoid processing delays.)

Cancellation Policy
Refunds, less the $100 non-refundable deposit, will be made for student cancellations received by June 15. A 50% refund will be made for those received from June 16-July 2. After July 2, no refunds will be made for any reason.

Questions?
For further general information contact the Office of Summer Programs via email or by calling us at 607.871.2612. A copy of the institute application is available in pdf form at application. If you are not able to open it, please contact us and we will send or fax one to you.

For specific information concerning class content please contact Institute Director Kevin Jacobs via email or by calling his office: 607.871.2164.

Comments from Past Participants

  • "I loved all the classes and thought that most of the activities we all did together were really fun ways to hang out and get to know other campers. I learned how to use charcoal and also worked on improving skills I had learned before like drawing from observation." - Alexandra K. from Hilliard, OH
  • "I really loved the drawing classes. I felt like I learned so much in one week. It excites me to think of how much I could learn over four years of college!" - Maggie W. from Rome, NY
  • "I liked working with charcoal and color and really liked the social aspect and feeling like I was a student. I can see myself going here now because of the programs and atmosphere!" - Talia S. from Valatie, NY
  • "The classes were wonderful. I think all the drawing was very beneficial because it is the core of art. I learned drawing techniques and how to impress people with your portfolio and application." - Holly H. from Phoenix, NY
  • "It was good practice, good variety. I learned that a variety of careers exist in art or design and that Alfred has a lot of ceramics stuff!" - Kayleigh H. from Hilliard, OH
  • "I learned about different jobs you can get if you go to an art college and how to work faster." - Ashley P. from East Northport, NY
  • "I liked the art class because I could experiment with different materials we don't use in school. I learned how to pace myself when I am drawing and how to use charcoal better." - Catherine S. from Homer, NY

Art at AU
Artists who come to our campus find a supportive and growing community dedicated to the teaching, creation, research, exhibition and communication of fine art and design. The beauty of our area - rural Western New York - is inspiring. Alfred University's School of Art and Design is internationally known and has a long illustrious history of creative excellence. Our art students are part of a thriving community of artists who work in some of the best art making facilities in the world. View further information about the School of Art and Design >>>

About Alfred
Alfred University is located in the safe, peaceful village of Alfred in western New York State, where summer days are warm and nights are cool and comfortable. Surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful meadows and valleys, Alfred University is the perfect place to spend an enjoyable week learning more about your favorite subject and meeting other students who share your interests!

The campus, a 6-hour drive from New York City, 2 hours from Buffalo and 1 1/4 hours from Rochester, is easily accessible by car or bus from all directions and is located just five miles south of Interstate 86. The nearest major airport is the Rochester International Airport (about 65 miles north). Transportation to and from the airport can be provided for an additional charge if we receive your request by the due date indicated in your acceptance letter. After that date the student should make his/her own arrangements with an airport limo service.

Program Cancellation: The University may cancel any course or activity because of insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. If a program is canceled or postponed, the University will refund registration fees, but cannot be held responsible for other costs, charges, or expenses, including cancellation/change charges assessed by airlines or travel agencies.

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