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Admissions

Admissions . Apply . Submitting Your Portfolio . Portfolio Review 

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.

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 look forward to providing feedback on your current work and to guide you as you work towards your best possible portfolio. 

Below are a few examples of actual student portfolios, that demonstrate a variety of skills while presenting their best work as high school students.

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Above: Noor Essakalli, Photography major

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Above: Devin Strother, Illustration major 

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Above: Annie Ratliff, Life Sciences Illustration major

Prepare for college through CIA's Pre-College Program

Prepare for college through CIA's Pre-College Program

Extend your learning and earn college credit this summer in CIA’s Pre-College program.

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