Need some addvice.....

[DisJosh]

I've been fairly busy with college applications and just getting stuff organized including my portfolio. What I wanted to ask to either any one here whos been through the college apps process or any teachers is when should I start asking teachers for recomendation letters? I mean they've told us everything but leave this out. Is now too early? I would like to get things done and over with but I'm not sure if it's too soon. Thanx for any help!

 

[mightyduck]

Josh-

It is NOT too early--and they will love you for giving them more than a few hours notice (I've actually had students expect me to have the letter done by lunch). Give them envelopes if you are supposed to have them sealed, and make a "brag sheet" outlining all your accomplishments... Don't make anything up, but don't hold back here. List your gpa, interesting electives, all clubs and groups--inside and outside school.... Sorry, we don't count. Include your hobbies and anything else that will help them know you as a person a little better.... Feel free to ask me anything else...

 

[JAY-ROD]

Originally posted by mightyduck
Josh-

It is NOT too early--and they will love you for giving them more than a few hours notice (I've actually had students expect me to have the letter done by lunch). Give them envelopes if you are supposed to have them sealed, and make a "brag sheet" outlining all your accomplishments... Don't make anything up, but don't hold back here. List your gpa, interesting electives, all clubs and groups--inside and outside school.... Sorry, we don't count. Include your hobbies and anything else that will help them know you as a person a little better.... Feel free to ask me anything else...

Gosh there really is a nice side to you. Who would of thought that!

 

[DisneyFreak]

Listen to mightyduck, DJ. She is actually helping me get back into school to finish up my degree. She has been a big help and she knows alot of information and quick ways of doing things. If you follow her lead, you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[mightyduck]

Originally posted by DisneyFreak
Listen to mightyduck, DJ. She is actually helping me get back into school to finish up my degree. She has been a big help and she knows alot of information and quick ways of doing things. If you follow her lead, you shouldn't have any problems.

Thanks, Freak.

And thank you, Jay-Rod...

 

[The Mom]

Josh, my daughter started in June! Make sure the teacher knows you well, which usually means a "core" subject teacher. Don't forget a lot of your classmates will be asking...first come, first served, and you want him/her to have time to write a good one! Also, the more specific, the better! Instead of "Josh is a wonderful student...blah, blah, blah..."the colleges prefer " Josh did an outstanding project consisting of ....." You get the idea.

 

[JAY-ROD]

Originally posted by mightyduck




Thanks, Freak.

And thank you, Jay-Rod...

You know I love u ducky!

 

[mightyduck]

Originally posted by JAY-ROD


You know I love u ducky!

 

[JAY-ROD]

Originally posted by mightyduck

Right back at ya baby and A slip of the tongue too! But I'll be cool about it.

 

[DisJosh]

Originally posted by marciahahn
Josh, my daughter started in June! Make sure the teacher knows you well, which usually means a "core" subject teacher. Don't forget a lot of your classmates will be asking...first come, first served, and you want him/her to have time to write a good one! Also, the more specific, the better! Instead of "Josh is a wonderful student...blah, blah, blah..."the colleges prefer " Josh did an outstanding project consisting of ....." You get the idea.

June?! My summer was just starting!!! Recomendations will be coming from two of my art teachers both of which I have had for 4 years strait......so I would say they know me well. There wont be any early, early sending in of applications b/c I have to squeeze a few more things out for my portfolio. Just after mid terms in January is about when I'll start sending. Thats early considering none of my apps are due until March.......and I have to retake the SAT's in NOV.

 

[mightyduck]

Originally posted by DisJosh


June?! My summer was just starting!!! Recomendations will be coming from two of my art teachers both of which I have had for 4 years strait......so I would say they know me well. There wont be any early, early sending in of applications b/c I have to squeeze a few more things out for my portfolio. Just after mid terms in January is about when I'll start sending. Thats early considering none of my apps are due until March.......and I have to retake the SAT's in NOV.

Josh-

If you are applying for financial aid, double check the deadlines. In addition, anyplace competitive that you really want a shot at should be sent sooner than that.... Better to apply early with less in the portfolio than late with more. You can always send an update later... FWIW.

 

[DisJosh]

Originally posted by mightyduck


Josh-

If you are applying for financial aid, double check the deadlines. In addition, anyplace competitive that you really want a shot at should be sent sooner than that.... Better to apply early with less in the portfolio than late with more. You can always send an update later... FWIW.

My portfolio(besides grade transcripts) is a major factor in my getting into an art school or not. If I send an incomplete portfolio or a portfolio thats filled with old work thats not up to par with my newest stuff then I could be putting my self at a big disadvantage. On top of that I need to send my mid term averages..........so January is my only choice. If I send any earlier than that I have a half portfolio and no mid term grades.

 

[mightyduck]

Josh, I'm not telling you what to do. You asked for advice. I have lots of students in art schools--they worked after school and long hours in the fall to put a portfolio together.

And most colleges expect you to send your midterm grades as an update to your application--not hold your application until then.

But do what you think is best.

 

[DisJosh]

I didnt know that mighty, thanx.

 

[mightyduck]

Anytime. Remember that the earlier you apply, the greater your chances of being accepted--sometimes they put the candidates they aren't sure about aside and reconsider them later over the applications that come in later.

And don't skimp on the admission essays--they have more weight than you think....

 

[DisJosh]

Well I love writing......so the essay should be no problem. In my english class my teacher is having us do an esaay for a school of our choice as an assignment. I've pretty much figured out what I need to do with my essay.

 

[mightyduck]

Originally posted by DisJosh
Well I love writing......so the essay should be no problem. In my english class my teacher is having us do an esaay for a school of our choice as an assignment. I've pretty much figured out what I need to do with my essay.

Ask one of your English teachers to go over the admissions essay with you--or at least look it over. You want to be sure that you are putting the best "Josh" out there, and they may have some valuable insight....

 

[Herbie53]

When I put together my architecture portfolio, my professor warned me that the portfolio itself should be approached with the same design skills as any of the individual works it contains. When it comes right down to it, your portfolio is a graphic design project. The skill with which you put it together can eclipse the skill of the work it contains. You've probably already thought about this, but I thought I'd throw that in. My experience was a little different. I didn't have to submit my portfolio to get into my program, but to keep from getting kicked out at the end of the first year.