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Admissions

Admissions . Apply . Submitting Your Portfolio 

Submitting Your Portfolio

Your portfolio is the cornerstone of your application to the Cleveland Institute of Art, and it is a significant part of the admission decision. The following guidelines will help you to create a portfolio that best reflects your work.

Portfolio Review

Our Admissions Committee evaluates your portfolio to assess your technical abilities, conceptual problem-solving skills, and your use of chosen mediums.

Prior to that review we recommend that you schedule an appointment with one of our admissions counselors for a preliminary portfolio review. We can provide feedback on your current work and guide you as you work towards your best possible portfolio while you visit our campus. Upon completion of your application for admission, our admissions counselors and faculty are available to assist you in making final choices for your portfolio prior to submission. We encourage you to meet with them during Portfolio Day, our visit to your high school, or your visit to CIA’s campus.

Portfolio Success Stories

Submitting your portfolio of work might sound intimidating, but don't let that prevent you from applying to art school. CIA students Ryan Samples '14, Annelise Sung Eun Brennan '15, and Rob Benigno '14 discuss their portfolios and how they have progressively evolved over their career at Cleveland Institute of Art in the videos below. 

Working on Your Portfolio?

Working on Your Portfolio?

CIA's Portfolio Tips video demonstrates how to photograph your work.

A CIA Education is Within Your Reach

A CIA Education is Within Your Reach

Take these simple steps to learn your options

Ready to Apply? 

Click here to start your online application.

A complete CIA application is much more than the online form—it also includes transcripts, your portfolio, and more. Make sure to review the relevant pages below for important details. Then start your application at the link above!

Application Information

For Freshman Students
For Transfer Students
For International Students
For U.S. Veterans