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Portfolio

50% of your Stamps admissions decision is based on your portfolio.

In this video, learn inside information on the kinds of work we like to see and tips on how to make your portfolio stand out.

Your portfolio should include 12 – 15 pieces of your best and most recent work. When thinking about your portfolio, keep these goals in mind:

  • Emphasize experimentation, concept, and a range of media
  • Include class assignments and self-directed work
  • Answer the question, Why did I create this?” for each work’s description

Your application will be considered complete only after you have submitted your portfolio.

National Portfolio Days

Explore the nation’s best col­leges of art and design and meet with Stamps Admissions rep­re­sen­ta­tives, who can pro­vide informal port­fo­lio reviews, dis­cuss our unique cur­ricu­lum, and answer ques­tions about pro­fes­sional careers in art. Show­ing your work early can help you acquire impor­tant infor­ma­tion about orga­niz­ing and pre­sent­ing your port­fo­lio for future admis­sion con­sid­er­a­tion. High school stu­dents, par­ents, teach­ers, guid­ance coun­selors, and col­lege trans­fer stu­dents are encour­aged to attend. All National Portfolio Day events are free and open to the public.

Upcoming NPD Events

Join us for an online NPD event on May 6, 2023, 12 — 4pm EDT: Learn more and register at nation​al​port​fo​lio​day​.org

Prep Your Portfolio for NPD

Your portfolio should showcase the best work you are making now, and can include finished pieces, work in progress, and sketchbooks. Make sure to photograph your work with intention and have your files ready to share with us digitally.

Submitting Your Portfolio

Early Action deadline : November 1
Regular deadline : February 1

Portfolios are submitted through SlideRoom. You will receive a link to SlideRoom through your Common Application; if you have trouble accessing this link, email stamps-​admissions@​umich.​edu.

There is a $10 transaction fee to submit your portfolio. Students who receive a Common Application fee waiver will automatically receive a SlideRoom fee waiver.

For technical assistance with SlideRoom, visit sup​port​.slid​e​room​.com.