ACADEMIC YEAR / PORTFOLIO REVIEW

Although some schools of architecture require portfolios for admission into a degree course, or the undergraduate programme, it is more likely that preparing for a portfolio review will probably be the first time you will need to make a portfolio.

Applying For Undergraduate Programme Or Degree Course

If you are applying to an undergraduate programme or degree course that requires a portfolio. The main difference will be that your portfolio will most likely have work from your art or drafting class, or visual and constructed work you have made in your free time.

Schools That Ask For Portfolio

Schools that ask for a portfolio for admission to the first or freshman year are usually pretty clear about the format, so make sure you ask exactly what they are looking for. The rules for passing the academic year vary from school to school and can appear more, or less, mysterious depending on the school.

In Most Schools Of Architecture

 In most schools of architecture, passing the academic year is based on some form of portfolio review, but the format is not always specified, and you may or may not be present at the review. In schools you may pass your individual courses, including the design studio, based on grades given by each of your professors, but may also need to go through a portfolio review to get feedback on your overall progress or even to be admitted to higher level classes.

Edit Out Material

You should edit out material that does not show your strengths. Focus on communicating your successes, but also make sure that you have a breadth of work, as most architecture schools are looking for signs of continuing improvement in integrating different information within design projects. Choose work that shows your ideas and skills, and your ability to combine complex issues into a coherent whole, thus making your design as easy to understand as possible.

Use Text Wisely

Use text clearly and minimally for maximum impact. The most important thing to remember about the portfolio review process is that the focus is on showing your design skills and the development of your work over the relevant period of time. The people who will be looking at your portfolio will be professors or design tutors, who are interested in your development as a student.

Make Seniors Your Friend

If you can, make friends with students in senior years, and look at their portfolios. If your school keeps work for validation or accreditation, or has a Year-End-Show, or keeps portfolio examples, make sure you see this and understand why the good work is good. Do not be afraid to ask your professors and older students for advice.