Ottawa School of Art - Advice: Your Portfolio Presentation
*Verify the Art School
application details and make sure the information is up-to-date --- such
things as: the application deadline date, their current mailing address,
the name of responsible admissions person, the program name, program code,
application fee, list of admission 
application documents required, program application requirements, list
of required portfolio items, all documents they need from you, any test
results you need to include, etc.
*Show only your very
finest work, do not include artwork which does not show you at your best
*Make sure the paper
is not crumpled or messy --- it should be in the best condition possible
*Place your best work
first in your portfolio
*Leave out work which
you know has mistakes or is poor or is not recent
*Put your name and
date on every piece of artwork, on every slide & on the portfolio
spine/front
*Include only those
pieces requested by the art school
*Remember, if slides,
photographs or photocopies of artwork are requested, do not send
original artwork because the portfolio will likely not be returned to
you
*Make your application
stand out: think of it as a work of art; make sure it impresses the program
coordinators at the Art Schools
*If you are asked
for a specific list of items, make sure you include everything on the
list;
at some schools, if just one requested item is missing, the Admissions
Office will not pass your application on to the program Coordinator
*Unless the art school
application insists on paper copies only, place your paper copies in a
plastic presentation portfolio (available at most stationers and art stores);
staple all application items
*Include a list of
references, making sure the referees agree to be on the list and that
they know where you are applying and to which program you are applying
*write a cover letter
and short (one-page) resume with your goals and valid / thoughtful reasons
for wanting to study in the program; include your mailing address, phone
# and student number
*make sure the required
documents are included at the time of your application, e.g. transcripts,
proof of citizenship, Social Insurance Number, photo ID, birth certificate,
the student application number they allocated to you, etc.; and, if you
are an international student, other documents such as Visa, proof of TOEFEL
scores, etc.
*make sure the mailing
address is correct, that you send your application to the appropriate
department or individual by the deadline date the school specifies; if
a fee is requested include the correct payment in the format they require
* Art schools are
looking for creative applicants
* So find a way to
make your portfolio presentation look unique and memorable
* Reflect your creativity
* Show 'you' at your best