Art & Design Frequently Asked Questions

What will I gain by joining this program?

Exposure to students of similar artistic ability and motivation, an excellent "hands on" faculty willing to spend time critiquing artwork as well as offering extra help students and an array of interesting studios to chose from.

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What makes Carnegie Mellon more unique than other Pre-College Art & Design programs?

Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Art & Design program not only teaches technical skills, but at times introduces a conceptual approach to subject matter. Carnegie Mellon is located in an urban setting with museums, galleries, libraries, shops and theatres close by within a park-like campus setting. Art students are issued keys to most classroom studios for work during the evenings.

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How many students are in the Art & Design program?

2012 Applied Admitted Enrolled
Art & Design 139 99 64

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On average, how many hours of work are assigned outside of the classroom each week?

Four to eight hours depending on the project, instructor and assignment.

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How much time is spent on portfolio development?

This depends on the individual student. If a student uses class assignments for portfolio pieces there is in-class criticism. If a student develops artwork independently he/she can seek criticism and extra assignments from a faculty member.

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Are there seminars on portfolio preparation within the program?

Extra-help Portfolio Seminars are offered throughout the summer. Model sessions are held weekly in the evenings. Here Pre-College students can accumulate figure drawings for their portfolio.

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How much artwork can I complete over the summer or how many pieces of artwork could I end up with?

Naturally that depends on the individual but former students have collected up to eight to ten pieces of artwork.

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Can I sign-up for a portfolio critique held this summer?

The Carnegie Mellon School of Art offers a portfolio critique to all Pre-College Summer students.

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What is the difference between a portfolio review and a portfolio critique?

A Portfolio Critique is advice and suggestion about a student's artwork from a School of Art professor in the student's presence. A Portfolio Review is when a student presents a collection of twelve to fifteen pieces of artwork for review to gain acceptance to the School of Art. The student is not present. Reviews for admission are offered by the School of Art at scheduled times during the Fall/Winter semesters.

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What level of artistic experience do I need to have to apply to the Pre-College Art & Design Program?

Most students have taken high school art classes or special art programs held within their communities. However, some students are successful with little experience and lots of interest and motivation.

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Does the Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Art Design Program offer crafts?

The School of Art does not offer craft studios such as metal crafts, pottery, glassblowing or weaving.

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How many studios will I take?

All full-time art students are enrolled in four Core and two Mini Studios. Students choose between: drawing and photography, electronic media and sculpture, ceramic sculpture or printmaking, and painting or drawing and anatomy. The Mini Studios are Arts in the City and Collaborative Installation Extravaganza.

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Should I bring most of my personal art supplies?

All full-time art students receive pre-paid art supply kits from the Carnegie Mellon Art Store for each studio. Commuters pay a materials fee for both Core ($80) and Mini ($80) Studios. Students may also bring art materials from home.

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Are there outside activities in the Art & Design Program?

Faculty Lectures are held Tuesday evenings. Pre-College student trips are arranged to visit galleries, museums and artists studios as a part of the Mini Studio "Arts in the City."

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