Step by Step Art Admission Process

Download the brochure here.

STEP 1 - University Application

Apply online at discover.ulethbridge.ca

Fall Semester deadlines
Extra Scholarships: December 15
Early Admission: March 1
Fall Deadline: EXTENDED to August 15

Spring Semester deadline: November 1

Note: Off-shore International applicants must apply by May 15 for Fall Admission or by September 15 for Spring Admission.

Note: Portfolios must be submitted by March 1 to be considered for early admission.  August 20 is the final date portfolios are accepted for the Fall semester.

Tip: Don’t wait until the deadline – the earlier you apply, submit all documents, and portfolio, the sooner you will know whether you are accepted. Your application cannot be processed by the Registrar’s Office until your portfolio, if necessary, is received.

STEP 2 - University Requirements

Fall Semester documents deadline: EXTENDED to August 20
Spring Semester documents deadline: November 15

Transcripts must be forwarded directly to the U of L from all high schools and post-secondary institutions you have attended. If you are still enrolled in classes, submitting interim transcripts may lead to early admission. It is in your best interest to arrange for interim transcripts to be sent immediately and final transcripts to be sent after you receive your final grades.

If English is not your first language you will be required to meet the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement.

High School requirements: To qualify, applicants must have a combined average of 65% in English 30-1 (or equivalent), three 30 level academic classes (or equivalent) and a fifth academic or non-academic course.

Transfer students must have a 2.0 GPA.
Post-Diploma students must have a 2.5 GPA.

STEP 3 - Art Requirements

Portfolio Required for B.F.A. (Art) and pre-B.F.A. (Art)/B.Ed.
Portfolio NOT required for B.F.A. (Art) with a major in Art History/Museum Studies

Portfolio Deadlines

Fall Semester: EXTENDED to August 20
Spring Semester: November 15

Portfolio Content

Compiling a portfolio of artwork is an important stage in the experience of an art student.  The portfolio informs the Art Department about prospective students' creative interests, experience, skills and direction.  When developing a portfolio applicants should choose their best work and present it as professionally as possible.

Personal Statement + Examples of artwork = Portfolio

I. Personal Statement

The personal statement (or letter of intent) provides insight to the Art Department about the background and experience, inspirations, and goals of students applying to study in Art programs.  In a typed statement of approximately 500 words, applicants should explain their reasons for wishing to enter studies in Art.  Applicants should include references to their artistic interests, specific influences, and any educational background in the arts, and include this statement with their portfolio.

II. Example of Artwork

The portfolio should consist of 10-20 digital images or videos of artworks by the applicant that provide a good representation of their range of art interests and skills.  Works may be created inside or outside of a formal class environment.  Please do not send original works.  Applicants may submit more than one image of a single artwork if the work is large or complex. 

Applicants are encouraged to submit documentation of work in a range of materials and media:

- Drawings, prints, paintings, or murals
- Photography (analogue or digital), collage, or other mixed media works
- Video, performance, animation, or audio based work
- Sculpture, fibre or ceramic work
- Website, graphic novel, and zine productions
- Sketchbook and journal examples

Image/Media List

The portfolio must include a typed, numbered list of all images and/or media submitted, with titles, materials, dimensions, dates, and descriptions, along with the applicant's name and contact information.  This information can be included in the description boxes on slideroom.com. 

Portfolio Development

Applicants requiring assistance in building a portfolio are encouraged to complete one or more of the following thematic projects.  Applicants must include images of the completed project(s) in the portfolio, indicating which theme was followed.

  1. "The Storm." Using only materials cut from magazines, newspapers, and advertisements, make a collage on the subject of the storm.
  2. Create a 90 second video (DVD or VHS) that investigates the idea of stillness.
  3. In written form, describe an event in which visual and sensory information were of primary significance to you.
  4. "This container isn't big enough."  Look at this theme photographically using a variety of subjects.
  5. Draw one or two hands in the form and relationship they would have if they were holding something real.
  6. What is your favourite tool?  Produce a mixed media work (combination of collage, drawing, print and/or painting) that explores and reveals your fascination with this tool.

Online Portfolio Submissions

Upload and Submit Your Portfolio Online at ulethbridge.slideroom.com
For your convenience you can now submit your portfolio online. However, before you submit a portfolio, be sure to have completed your application for admission to the University via discover.ulethbridge.ca
 
You have until August 20, 2013 to submit your portfolio and/or other required documents.  You may upload images (jpg), video (mov, wmv, flv), music (mp3) and one PDF document file with a maximum 6 pages.  Slideroom is now linking directly to Vimeo, YouTube and SoundCloud. 
 
For best image quality and fast upload, image files should be about 1024 x 768px @ 72 dpi. Please keep video files under 60MB and limited to 2 - 3 minute clips. Our SlideRoom portal offers additional instruction for submitting your work.  For technical assistance, contact support@slideroom.com
 
At SlideRoom you can login and edit your portfolio as often as you like; however, once you have submitted it, no changes can be made. A $5 to $10 USD fee is charged at the time of submission.


Contact

Nicole Hembroff, Admission and Portfolio Advisor
Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Lethbridge
Office: W670 (University Centre for the Arts)
Phone: (403) 380-1864
Fax: (403) 382-7127
Email: finearts.admissions@uleth.ca