Application Deadlines 2013–2014

Applications must be post-marked by the following dates:
Applications sent on or close to the deadline should be sent via express mail to ensure a timely receipt.

Spring 2014 Enrollment Priority Deadline:    December 1, 2013, rolling decision thereafter

Application Process

To be considered for admission to the Visiting Student Program, the following items must be submitted with your application:

• Visiting Student Application
• $65 application fee (non-refundable): please use the credit card authorization form
• Statement of Purpose
• Official transcript from home institution (translated into English)
• Portfolio
• Two (2) letters of recommendation
• Test of English as a Foreign Language results (TOEFL)
• Evidence of Financial Ability (Foreign Applicants only)

Description of Application Materials

Application Fee
The application fee is $65, which you may pay by cash, check, or credit card (Mastercard or VISA). If paying by check, please make the check payable to SMFA. If you are applying from outside the United States and paying by check, checks must be drawn from a U.S. bank; as an alternative, you may send an international money order.

Statement of Purpose
We are very interested in why you wish to study at SMFA. Please write a statement that explains why, at this point in your development as an artist, the SMFA is the place for you to be. The statement should be no more than two pages in length and must be in English.

Transcripts
All applicants must supply an official transcript from your current college. International applicants must submit official transcripts as well as translated versions to SMFA. Transcripts must be original and arrive in a sealed envelope. Please note: No photocopies accepted.

Portfolio
Send your portfolio to SMFA with your application. Do not submit portfolio images via e-mail. Please remember to include a portfolio inventory list. Portfolios will not be returned.

• Submit 10–15 originally executed pieces.
• Work may be in any medium or combination of media.
• Submit a portfolio inventory list including the title, medium, dimensions and date completed of each piece.

Preparing Your Electronic Portfolio (still imagery)

• You may submit a CD or DVD showing 10–15 recent examples of your artwork.
• You may submit a website address (URL) with content clearly labeled as your SMFA portfolio.

All images must be submitted as individual JPEGs or in a non-timed PowerPoint. Do not send original work. All JPEGs file names must list your last name, first name, and then a two-digit number that corresponds with your portfolio inventory list (for example: SmithJohn01.jpg). Each image file must be no larger than 2MB and in cross-platform format (both Apple Macintosh and PC compatible). Test your disc before sending and include only those files that you wish to be reviewed.

Preparing a Time-Based Portfolio (video, film, animation, performance, and installation work)

•  We accept DVDs that are finalized in QuickTime (preferred), MPEG, or Flash files and in cross-platform format (both Apple and PC compatible).
• Titles of the piece(s) and your name must be included in the introduction of your work on the DVD.
• Include a brief description of the DVD, what part you took in it, and when it was created in your portfolio inventory list. If a piece is a collaborative work, briefly explain your contribution in your portfolio inventory list.
• Limit time-based presentations to no longer than 10 minutes.

Letters of Recommendation:
Two letters of recommendation (written in English or accompanied by an English translation) should come from instructors or mentors who can attest to your academic, artistic and personal integrity. Recommendations must be received in a sealed and signed envelope that has not previously been opened.

TOEFL/IELTS
Applicants whose first language is not English must forward the official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). For TOEFL, a minimum score of 550 (paper-based) or 79 (internet-based test) is required for admission; for the IELTS, a minimum average score of 6.5 is required for admission.

Evidence of Financial Ability (International Applicants Only)
Applicants from countries other than the United States are required by federal law to submit documentary evidence of sufficient financial resources to satisfy all educational and living expenses for the intended time of study.

Applications and Portfolios should be sent by mail to:

Visiting Student Program
c/o Admissions Office
School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
230 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02115
USA

Notification of Admissions Decisions
You will be notified of receipt of your application by e-mail (preferred) or by post (only if no e-mail is provided). Notification of acceptance will be issued by the Admissions Office no later than one month after the stated deadline. A deposit of $350 must be received within one month of the acceptance date to secure a space in the program. You will be sent information on course selection, housing, orientation and other pertinent materials upon receipt of the deposit. The full balance must be received by no later than six (6) weeks prior to the start of the semester. Letters for student visas will not be issued until the fees have been paid in full.

Questions
If you have questions regarding the Visiting Student Program, please contact the Admissions Office.
admissions@smfa.edu
Telephone: 617-369-3626
Fax: 617-369-4264