Tufts Blogs

I was absolutely terrified before my first portfolio review. 

During my junior year of high school, I attended National Portfolio Day in Sarasota, Florida, unsure about what to expect. The first school I visited was my favorite at the time, and I still vividly remember being incredibly nervous about getting feedback. I was worried about including unfinished work, whether my portfolio was diverse enough, and whether my technical skills were on par with those of other students my age.

Ultimately, I didn't have anything to fear. The portfolio reviews were simply conversations about my work, what I was doing, and what I was passionate about, with recommendations on where to improve and take my practice for the remainder of my junior year. 

Hilariously, I never actually planned to get a portfolio review from SMFA and didn't know much about Tufts. I had met with all the schools I was interested in and still had a bit of extra time. Since my mom drove seven hours to Sarasota, she argued that rather than leaving early, I should wait in line for a review with SMFA. 

I had many great conversations that day, but no one took as much time to listen to me and ask questions about my work as the admissions counselor from SMFA. I got amazing feedback that really transformed how I thought about art-making. It was a catalyst for stepping out of my comfort zone in my art practice, experimenting with new mediums, and exploring my work more conceptually. 

I spent my junior year integrating the feedback I received into my artwork and keeping in touch with the admissions counselors from my favorite schools. The best part of doing my first portfolio reviews early was that by the start of my senior year, I was confident in my portfolio pieces and the review process. I emailed many of my reviewers from National Portfolio Day and scheduled virtual reviews with them prior to submitting my application.

The second cycle of portfolio reviews was extremely helpful because it allowed me to focus less on making great additions/changes to my body of work and instead tailoring it for the portfolio submission. Plus, I got to chat with some familiar faces and ask questions about the respective programs. 

My SMFA admissions counselor was always quick and kind when answering my many questions and insightful with my portfolio reviews. It made the application process much clearer and less intimidating. 

So, the moral of the story: Do a portfolio review! I wouldn't be at Tufts without attending National Portfolio Day in Sarasota, and I certainly wouldn't be the artist I am today.