• Pursuing a virtual arts course in college requires the submission of a portfolio. In addition to the usual requirements, such as SAT scores and school transcripts, portfolios are required from applicants who are applying for courses in the visual arts. The portfolio serves to help school admission personnel in evaluating a college application. Each art school provides specific requirements for a portfolio. However, there are general requirements for artwork portfolios.
  
  

Original and Recent Art

• An applicant's portfolio should contain original art. Submit the most recent works. If possible, limit submissions to those done in the past 12 months. Make sure that all works submitted are complete. Do not submit unfinished projects or those in progress. Make sure you submit works that are well-rendered. Original works for submission must be in good condition. Do not submit wrinkled or torn works.
  
  

Observational and Personal Art

• Observational and personal art are two categories most commonly required by visual art schools. A college art portfolio should contain observational art, which requires drawing or painting a still life, figure model, portrait or landscape. The artist must render the subject for this type as accurately as possible. Chosen subject matter should be real objects. The most commonly used media is pencil or charcoal for this type of art.
  
  Personal art is any work done by the applicant using any media. It may be in the form of drawing, painting, photography, digital, film or sculpture. Essentially, any media may be used. What is important is that the applicant should do personal art outside of a classroom setting. It should reflect the applicant's preferred media, subject and concept.
  
  

Slides or CD

• Colleges generally require 35mm slides or CD format for college portfolio submissions. Take pictures using the camera's manual setting. This allows you to adjust lighting and take the best photos of your works. Ensure that shadows work to your advantage. Shadows may be good for certain subjects. Make sure that you submit well-focused slides. Label the slides properly. Each slide should contain your full name, date, work title, medium used and dimensions of the work. You may want to include a list of all the slides submitted for reference.
  
  When submitting a CD, make sure that the CD will be readable by both Windows and Macintosh computers. If possible, check with the college you are applying to and inquire about preferred CD formats. This ensures that the portfolio is acceptable. In addition, take time to check the school's requirements and limitations on videos or presentations.