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Ames School of Art & Design

Admission Guidelines

Portfolio Review

  • A portfolio review is required for admission into the Illinois Wesleyan School of Art & Design BFA degree program and/or to qualify for art scholarships.
  • Transfer students into the BFA or BA program are required to submit a portfolio.
  • To create a digital portfolio, we suggest using a high-quality digital camera to photograph artwork against a neutral background. The resolution should be sufficiently high to identify the smallest details of the original work of art. The portfolio should consist of a minimum of ten examples of your best and most recent work. 
  • Digital portfolios may be uploaded as part of the admission application.Student artist pointing at art print in front of Joyce Eichhorn Ames School of Art and Design sign
  • Students may also present their work in person. To arrange an in-person portfolio review with the Director of the School of Art & Design, call 309-556-3077 or email Amy Burk (aburk@iwu.edu).
    The Joyce Eichhorn Ames School of Art & Design, 
    Illinois Wesleyan University, 6 Ames Plaza West, Bloomington, IL 61701
  • Students applying for a Bachelor of Arts degree in art are not required to submit a portfolio, but it is an option for talent scholarship consideration.
  • Visit the Admissions site for Application Guidelines. 

 

Scholarships and Financial Aid

  • We offer Alumni Talent Scholarships in Art to deserving students. These renewable scholarships are awarded on the basis of a portfolio review and academic background. With a few rare exceptions, these scholarships range from $15,000 to $32,000.Art student chiseling limestone at Illinois Wesleyan University
  • Over 90% of incoming students from all backgrounds qualify for scholarship or grant assistance. Over half of tuition, on average, is covered by scholarships and grants for incoming Illinois Wesleyan students.
  • Apply for the McLean County Scholarship.
  • In addition, Illinois Wesleyan University helps students obtain grants, campus employment and loans based on financial need. Families must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FASFA) and an Illinois Wesleyan University Financial Aid Application or CSS Profile.
  • Learn more about financial aid at IWU. 

Julie Johnson - Director of the Ames School of Art and Design

Department - School Of Art

(309) 556-3134