APC Guide to Application

An Advanced Professional Certification Program
application for admission should include the following:

• signed application form and $40 application fee
• personal essay
• separate resume (optional) listing your accomplishments: awards, exhibits, leadership roles, community service, and other interests outside of art
• official academic transcripts from college(s) attended (bachelor's degree required)
• portfolio review/interview (in person or by telephone)
• slides or digital portfolio of 12-20 pieces of artwork
• 1-3 letters of recommendation (optional)

After all required documents are received, and your portfolio review completed, we will assess your application. You should expect notification of a decision within 1-2 weeks of completing the process.  If accepted to the college, a $300 tuition deposit must be submitted to secure a space.

Application and Application Fee

We prefer that you send all of your application materials together in one packet. Otherwise, please begin your application process by sending a completed, signed application form, $40 application fee, personal essay, and resume.

Personal Essay and Resume

For your personal essay, please choose a piece of artwork from your portfolio and write a 1-2 page typed description of its inspiration, your creative process, and the work's meaning and significance to you.

Include a resume listing your accomplishments and co-curricular activities, including: awards, exhibits, leadership roles, community service, and other interests outside of art.

Portfolio Review/Interview

The portfolio review and interview are integral parts of your application.  All applicants are required to have a portfolio review and submit slides or a digital portfolio.  Your portfolio is a selection of 12 to 20 pieces representative of your artwork.  For help selecting work for your portfolio, refer to the portfolio guide, or contact one of our Admissions Counselors.

To meet the portfolio review/interview requirement, you may:

• call the Office of Admissions to schedule an appointment with an Admissions Counselor at the AIB campus; we strongly encourage a college visit, which will allow you to tour our facilities and present your portfolio in person.
• show your portfolio to an AIB representative at an AIB Open House.
• show your portfolio to an AIB representative at a National Portfolio Day event.

If you are unable to schedule a portfolio review in person, submit your slide sheet or digital files with your application and we will contact you to request a phone interview.

The personal interview is a comprehensive, informal discussion that takes place during your portfolio review.

Slides or Digital Portfolio

All applicants are required to submit a slide sheet of 12-20 slides or a digital portfolio of 12-20 digital scans of their artwork.

SAT/ACT Scores

SAT or ACT scores are not required of Advanced Professional Certificate applicants.

Letters of Recommendation (optional)

Letters of recommendation are optional.  We suggest you include 1-3 letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or professionals to support your application.

Prerequisite Requirements

Those wishing to qualify for prerequisite exemptions must submit a slide portfolio demonstrating foundation study and their most advanced level of work in their intended major. The quality of the portfolio, along with college credits earned and relevant life or work experience in the visual arts will determine the level at which you are placed.

Part-time Applicants

Application requirements for part-time students are the same as those for full-time students.

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