As second quarter comes to a close, most seniors are able to breathe a sigh of relief. The start of second semester often marks the end of the dreaded college application process. But for students applying to programs in the arts, including architecture and design, the application process is a highly different experience.

For most colleges, gaining admission into a certain arts program requires applicants to complete application forms and essays. Students must also submit a portfolio including a collection of various drawings, paintings, sculptures, or photos.

“The schools want to know that they aren’t investing in a person who doesn’t have an ‘eye’ for design,” said senior Peter McAuley.

Requirements differ between schools, and portfolios can require anywhere from 1 to 25 pieces. Only certain programs give criteria for a specific type of artwork.

In some cases, a program would provide the students with specific subjects or items to include in a piece of artwork. In these cases, each applicant is creating their own piece from uniform instructions.

“The fact that the admissions officers were looking at drawings of the same thing, trying to find the best ones, made me stress out about how to approach it from a different angle,” said senior Lauren Obermiller.

The process of creating, compiling, and presenting a final and finished portfolio adds time and commitment to the application process as well.

“Most applications take at most a few hours to complete, but the hours I spent on the portfolio outnumbered them all by ten, at least,” said Obermiller.

Because there are often no details about what students can choose to put into their portfolios, it is up to each person to decide which pieces to include.

“I pick the pieces that best represent what I’m interested in or represent me the best. I also pick items that I feel are captivating,” said McAuley.

“Most of my inspiration came from objects from the art room and around my house,” said Obermiller. “The art room and Arts building were my favorite places on campus and I pulled a lot of inspiration from just being in there.”