Visit and Events

Best Grad Schools US News and World Reports

We are very proud to have been ranked as the #2 fine arts graduate program in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. 

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Office of Undergraduate Admissions
36 S. Wabash Ave., suite 1201
Chicago, IL 60603 
Phone: 800.232.7242 or 312.629.6100
Email: admiss@saic.edu

Summer at SAIC: Saturday, July 29

Join us on campus to learn more about applying to art school, take a campus tour, get feedback on your work, and more!
RSVP

 

We are excited to see the work you make, and help you prepare a scholarship-winning application and portfolio!

The events we’ve prepared below are designed to help you learn about us, and prepare a portfolio that best represents you and your unique artistic vision. We can't wait to help you prepare for your creative future!

Request Information!

Summer at SAIC

Saturday, July 29, 2023
10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. CT
(check-in begins at 10 a.m.)

SAIC MacLean Ballroom
112 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603

WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US ON CAMPUS FOR AN INFORMATIVE AND FUN DAY FEATURING:

  • Our Art School 101 presentation covering everything you need to know about applying to and attending an art and design school.
  • One-on-one meetings with our faculty and admissions counselors to get feedback on your portfolio.
  • A guided tour of our state-of-the-art campus and our loft-style residence halls.
  • A Chicago-style lunch for you and your guests.

We are delighted to offer this opportunity to join us on campus as you begin your college selection process!

SAIC Days and One-On-One Meetings

SAIC Days are special 3-hour events that take place in select cities from September - November. These events are perfect opportunities to get one-on-one feedback on your portfolio, meet with SAIC faculty and staff, and learn more about our interdisciplinary curriculum.

One-on-one meetings give you individual time with an admissions counselor to get feedback on your portfolio, or just ask any questions you may have!

Check back this summer to see the fall 2023 schedule.

Date and Time City Address RSVP Link
Wednesday, September 14, 2022
5 - 8 p.m. (ET)		 Orlando, FL
One-on-one meetings		 Mills Gallery
1650 N. Mills Ave.
Orlando, FL 32789		 event passed
Saturday, September 17, 2022
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (PT)		 Los Angeles, CA
SAIC Day		 Japanese American National Museum
100 N. Central Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012		 event passed
Saturday, September 17, 2022
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (ET)		 Miami, FL
​SAIC Day		 HistoryMiami Museum
101 W. Flagler St.
Miami, FL 33130		 event passed
Sunday, September 18, 2022
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (PT)		 San Francisco, CA
​SAIC Day		 Century Club of California
1355 Franklin St. 
San Francisco, CA 94109		 event passed
Saturday, September 24, 2022
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (ET)		 Washington, D.C.
​SAIC Day		 District Architecture Center
421 7th St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20004		 event passed
Sunday, September 25, 2022
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (ET)		 Boston, MA
​SAIC Day		 Hampshire House
84 Beacon St.
Boston, MA 02108		 event passed
Saturday, October 1, 2022
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.  (PT)		 Seattle, WA
​SAIC Day		 The Burke Museum of Natural History
4300 15th Ave., N.E.
Seattle, WA 98105		 event passed
Sunday, October 2, 2022
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (PT)		 Portland, OR
One-on-one meetings		 Ford Building
2505 SE 11th Ave., suite 255
Portland, OR 97202		 event passed
Tuesday, October 4
+
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
5 - 8 p.m. (ET)		 Ann Arbor, MI
One-on-one meetings		 WSG Gallery
111 E. Ann St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104		 event passed
Saturday, October 8, 2022
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.  (ET)		 New York, NY
​SAIC Day		 DuMont Building
515 Madison Ave., 10th Floor
New York, NY 10022		 event passed
Sunday, October 9, 2022
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (ET)		 Philadelphia, PA
​SAIC Day		 Center for Architecture and Design
1218 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107		 event passed
Sunday, October 9, 2022
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (MT)		 Phoenix, AZ
One-on-one meetings		 CO+HOOTS Coworking Space
221 E. Indianola Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85012		 event passed
Tuesday, October 11, 2022
5 - 8 p.m. (PT)		 San Diego
One-on-one meetings		 iQ Smart Center
655 W. Broadway, 1st Fl.
San Diego, CA 92101		 event passed
Saturday, October 22, 2022
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.  (ET)		 Raleigh, NC
​SAIC Day		 NC Museum of Art (NCMA)
SECU Lobby & Auditorium
2110 Blue Ridge Rd., East Building A 
Raleigh, NC 27607		 event passed
Saturday, October 22, 2022
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.  (ET)		 Indianapolis, IN
One-on-one meetings		 Harrison Center for the Arts
1505 N. Delaware St.
Indianapolis, IN 46202		 event passed
Sunday, October 23, 2022
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (ET)		 Atlanta, GA
​SAIC Day		 the MODA (Museum of Design Atlanta)
1315 Peachtree St., NE
Atlanta, GA 30309		 event passed
Sunday, October 23, 2022
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (ET)		 Columbus, OH
​SAIC Day		 Columbus Museum of Art
480 E. Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43215		 event passed
Wednesday, November 2, 2022
5 p.m. - 8 p.m. (ET)		 Pittsburgh, PA
One-on-one meetings		 Heinz History Center
6th floor Library
1212 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222		 event passed
Wednesday, November 2, 2022
5 p.m. - 8 p.m. (CT)		 Minneapolis, MN
One-on-one meetings		 Open Book
1011 S. Washington Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55415		 event passed
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
5 p.m. - 8 p.m. (CT)		 Madison, WI
One-on-one meetings		 Overture Center for the Arts
201 State St.
Madison, WI 53703		 event passed
Saturday, November 12, 2022
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. . (MT)		 Denver, CO
​SAIC Day		 Denver Art Museum
Sturm South Pavilion
100 W 14 Ave. Pkwy.
Denver, CO 80204		 event passed
Saturday, November 12, 2022
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.  (CT)		 Dallas, TX
​SAIC Day		 Sammons Center for the Arts
3630 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75219		 event passed
Sunday, November 13, 2022
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.  (CT)		 Houston, TX
​SAIC Day		 Glassell School of Art
Favrot Auditorium
5101 Montrose Blvd.
Houston, TX 77006		 event passed
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
5 p.m. - 8 p.m. (MT)		 Salt Lake City, UT
One-on-one meetings		 Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Brady-Hansen Boardroom
410 Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112		 event passed
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
5 p.m. - 8 p.m. (CT)		 St. Louis, MO
One-on-one meetings		 The Kranzberg Arts Center
501 N Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63103		 event passed

National Portfolio Days

National Portfolio Days (NPDs) take place throughout the year, and SAIC participates in all of them. Representatives from SAIC are ALWAYS available to provide 10-15 minute portfolio reviews of prospective students' work, give you valuable feedback and guidance on your portfolio before you submit it as part of your application, and to speak about SAIC's curriculum.

Date and Time City Address RSVP Link
Sunday, September 18, 2022
12-4 p.m. ET		 Atlanta, GA Georgia World Congress Center
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW.
Atlanta, GA 30313
Hosted by Columbus College of Art and Design		 event passed
Saturday, September 24, 2022
1-5 p.m. ET		 Indianapolis, IN Herron School of Art and Design
735 W. New York St.
Indianapolis, IN 46202		 event passed
Saturday, September 24, 2022
10 a.m. -2 p.m. CT		 Austin, TX Austin Convention Center
500 E. Cesar Chavez St.
Austin, TX 78701
Hosted by Ringling College of Art and Design		 event passed
Sunday, September 25, 2022
12-4 p.m. ET		 Cincinnati, OH Art Academy of Cincinnati
1212 Jackson St. 
Cincinnati, OH 45202		 event passed
Sunday, September 25, 2022
12-4 p.m. CT		 Dallas, TX Hilton Anatole
2201 Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, TX 75207
Hosted by School of Visual Arts		 event passed
Saturday, October 1, 2022
12 - 4 p.m. ET		 Toronto, ON York University
86 Fine Arts Rd.
North York, ON M3J 3M6		 event passed
Saturday, October 1, 2022
12-4 p.m. CT		 Kansas City, MO Kansas City Art Institute
4415 Warwick Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64111		 event passed
Sunday, October 2, 2022
12-4 p.m. CT		 St. Louis, MO Washington University, Sam Fox School of Design
Weil Hall
1 Wrighton Way
St. Louis, MO 63105 		 event passed
Sunday, October 2, 2022
12-4 p.m. ET		 Rochester, NY Rochester Institute of Technology
Gordon Field House
1 Lomb Memorial Dr.
Rochester, NY 14623		 event passed
Saturday, October 8, 2022
12 - 4 p.m. MT		 Denver, CO Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
1600 Pierce St.
Denver, CO 80214		 event passed
Saturday, October 8, 2022
1 - 5 p.m. ET		 Richmond, VA Virginia Commonwealth University
1000 W. Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23284		 event passed
Sunday, October 9, 2022
1-5 p.m. CT		 Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis College of Art and Design
2501 Stevens Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55404		 event passed
Sunday, October 9, 2022
12 - 4 p.m. ET		 Charlotte, NC Hilton Charlotte University Place
8629 JM Keynes Dr.
Charlotte, NC 28262		 event passed
Saturday, October 15 2022
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. CT		 Milwaukee, WI Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design
273 Erie St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202		 event passed
Sunday, October 16, 2022
12-4 p.m. CT		 Chicago, IL School of the Art Institute of Chicago
280 S. Columbus Dr.
Chicago, IL 60603
See participating schools

Attend a pre-NPD online info session "Saturday with SAIC" on 10/15 to help you prepare for the NPD! 

 event passed
Saturday, October 22 2022
12-4 p.m. ET		 Hartford, CT Hartford Art School
200 Bloomfield Ave.
West Hartford, CT 06117		 event passed
Saturday, October 22 2022
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. MT		 Mesa, AZ Mesa Community College
1833 W Southern Ave.
Mesa, AZ 85202
Hosted by University of Arizona		 event passed
Sunday, October 23, 2022
12-4 p.m. ET		 Boston, MA John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center
900 Boylston St. 
Boston, MA 02115
Hosted by School of the Museum of Fine Arts -Tufts		 event passed
Sunday, October 23, 2022
12-4 p.m. MT		 Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North Hotel
5151 San Francisco Rd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109		 event passed
Saturday, October 29, 2022
1-5 p.m. ET		 Detroit, MI College for Creative Studies
Taubman Center
460 Baltimore Ave. 
Detroit, MI 48202		 event passed
Sunday, October 30, 2022
1 - 5 p.m. ET		 Baltimore, MD Maryland Institute College of Art
1300 W. Mount Royal Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21217		 event passed
Sunday, October 30, 2022
12-4 p.m. ET		 Cleveland, OH Cleveland Institute of Art
11610 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44106		 event passed
Saturday, November 5, 2022
11 a.m.-3 p.m. ET		 New York, NY Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 1A
655 W. 34th St.
New York, NY 10001
Hosted by SAIC and New York Academy of Art		 event passed
Saturday, November 5, 2022
11 a.m. -3 p.m. PT		 Vancouver, CAN Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Wilson School of Design
5600 Kwantlen St. 
Richmond, BC V6x 3V8		 event passed
Sunday, November 6, 2022
12 - 4 p.m. ET		 Philadelphia, PA Moore College of Art and Design
1916 Race St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103		 event passed
Sunday, November 6, 2022
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. PT		 Seattle, WA Cornish College of the Arts
1000 Lenora St.
Seattle, WA 98121		 event passed
Saturday, November 12, 2022
12 - 4 p.m. PT		 Portland, OR Pacific Northwest College of Art
511 NW. Broadway
Portland, OR 97209		 event passed
Sunday, November 13, 2022
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. PT		 San Francisco, CA California College of the Arts
1111 8th St.
San Francisco, CA, 94107		 event passed
Saturday, November 19, 2022
12-4 p.m. PT		 San Diego, CA Westin San Diego - Downtown
400 West Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101
Hosted by Laguna College of Art and Design		 event passed
Sunday, November 20, 2022
12-4 p.m. PT		 Los Angeles, CA Glendale Civic Auditorium
1401 N. Verdugo Rd.
Glendale, CA 91208
Hosted by Laguna College of Art and Design		 event passed
Saturday, January 21, 2023
12-4 p.m. ET		 Miami, FL New World School of the Arts
Chapman Conference Center
300 NE 2nd Ave, Rm 3210
Miami, FL 33132		 event passed
Sunday, January 22, 2023
12-4 p.m ET		 Sarasota, FL Ringling College of Art & Design
2700 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34234		 event passed

Online National Portfolio Days

Date and Time Address RSVP Link
Saturday, September 17, 2022
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. CT		 Online event passed
Friday, October 14, 2022
6 - 10 p.m. CT		 Online event passed
Sunday, December 4, 2022
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. CT		 Online event passed
Sunday, January 8, 2023
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. CT		 Online event passed

See all events for admitted students at saic.edu/ugnext.

Portfolio Tip Tuesday: What is a Portfolio & Where to Start?

Tuesday, June 13, 2023, 5 p.m. CT
RSVP

Applying to art school usually means providing images of your artwork in the form of a portfolio. But how do you get started? How do you know what to include and what to leave out? And how do artists use this important tool in their professional lives? Join us to find out!

Portfolio Tip Tuesday: Sketchbook Deep Dive & Intro to Journaling

Tuesday, June 27, 2023, 5 p.m. CT
RSVP

Sketchbooks and journals are essential companions for artists. Together, we'll look at interesting ways to use them and how they can help you build a strong portfolio.

 

See events for admitted students at saic.edu/ugnext.

Watch Past Virtual Events

Date and Time Event Title Description RSVP Link
Wednesday, August 17, 2022 SAIC Presents: Art School 101 Join the International Admissions Team for an overview on understanding the benefits of attending an art school over a traditional college. Watch Recording
Wednesday, August 24, 2022 SAIC Presents: SAIC Overview Join the International Admissions Team for an overview of the school, the programs and many more reasons why the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is regarded as “the most influential art college in the United States." Watch Recording
Sunday, September 25, 2022 Virtual Portfolio Day: China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan Meet with SAIC International Admissions and get optional feedback on your portfolio for both admission and merit scholarship consideration.  Watch Recording
 

 

If you would like to meet with us or have us review your portfolio virtually, you may schedule an appointment online or contact us at ugadmiss@saic.edu or 1.312.629.6100. All appointments are in central time, please schedule accordingly.

During these 20-30 minute virtual sessions, faculty, alumni and admissions counselors will provide valuable feedback on your work for both admission and merit scholarship consideration. Have sketchbooks, finished pieces, and your questions prepared.

You will present images of your work live via screen-share. You can also share links with the reviewer utilizing the Zoom chat box. You don't need to upload anything in advance.

Take a live tour of our campus and residence halls with our current students, and ask any questions you have!

Virtual: 
Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m. CT

On-Campus: Daily, Monday - Friday and select Saturdays (Please plan to arrive 15 minutes in advance for check-in.)

A maximum of 3 people are allowed per party, including the prospective student.
Advance registration is required.

Schedule a Virtual or In-Person Tour
Take an on-demand tour of our Residence Halls

We offer you the opportunity to meet with an admission counselor before or after our on-campus tours to have your portfolio reviewed, or just get more information about SAIC. Reservations are required due to a strict capacity limit. All guests must wear a mask throughout the duration of the tour.

Tour guests should arrive at the LeRoy Neiman Center at 37 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL, 60603 15 minutes in advance of the scheduled tour time. Tours typically last 90 minutes.

Our tours include the following:

  • A brief presentation providing an overview of SAIC’s campus and curriculum
  • A look inside our campus buildings (2) and facilities, including our Contemporary Practices department
  • Visiting one of our residence halls
  • Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago museum
  • Introduction to our downtown campus—wear comfortable shoes!

Can't attend our live tour?

Check out our self-guided virtual tour.

Our admissions counselors are happy to meet with you and assist you through the admissions process. Engage with our representatives about SAIC, your work, our curriculum, and get a better sense of what it is like to be a student at SAIC. Call us any time M-F, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (CT) at 1.312.629.6100 or 1.800.232.7242.

Meet Your Admissions Counselor

 

 

Sign up for our Educator Newsletter

SAVE THE DATE: 2023 Teacher Toolbox Workshop and Luncheon

Friday, September 22, 2023

9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. CT (check in begins at 8:45 a.m.) 
Optional Campus Tours: 2:30–3:30 p.m. CT

SAIC MacLean Ballroom
112 S. Michigan Ave. 
Chicago, IL 60603

RSVP link and more info coming soon.

Illinois educators who attend this workshop are eligible for CPDU credit.

Contact us at 312.629.6100 or ugadmiss@saic.edu with any questions you may have.

 

 

Admitted Students: Understanding Your Financial Aid Award and Cost

Thursday, March 23, 2023
Watch Recording

Representatives from SAIC's Student Financial Services department will discuss SAIC award packages, completing the budgeting worksheet, and outside scholarships. There will be time during and after the presentation to ask questions.

Transfer Day

Friday, January 6, 2023
Watch Recording

Join us to learn more about transferring to SAIC, and get an optional portfolio review with an admissions counselor to get valuable feedback on your work.

Student Financial Services: How to Apply For Financial Aid Using the FAFSA

Thursday, December 1, 2022
Watch Recording

SAIC's Student Financial Services office is hosting an online information session to assist you in filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), applying for scholarships and identifying other sources of funding, and understanding your award. There will be time after the presentation to ask any questions you may have.

Transfer Friday

Friday, November 11, 2022
Watch Recording

Join us online to learn more about transferring to SAIC, and get an optional portfolio review with an admissions counselor to get valuable feedback on your work.

Portfolio Tip Tuesday: Don't Panic! Moral Support Before You Hit Submit

Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Watch Recording

SAIC Admissions is here to help with any questions you have leading up to our Early Action deadline on November 15th. Don't panic - we're hosting this live Q+A session to help you hit the "Submit" button with confidence.

Portfolio Tip Tuesday: What to Include and NOT Include in Your Portfolio, Editing Your Final Portfolio

Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Watch Recording

How do you know what different schools are looking for in a portfolio? Is it the same for every degree program? Join us to learn how to research and follow portfolio requirements. We will review specific requirements for SAIC's 5 different degree programs.

National Transfer Week: SAIC Curriculum and Faculty

Thursday, October 20, 2022
Watch Recording

Meet with faculty and learn more about what it means to study within an interdisciplinary curriculum.

National Transfer Week: Transfer Process and Credit Transfer Info

Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Watch Recording

Join us online to learn more about transferring to SAIC, and get detailed information on how your credits will transfer.

Student Financial Services: How to Apply for Financial Aid Using the FAFSA

Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Watch Recording

SAIC's Student Financial Services office is hosting an online information session to assist you in filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), applying for scholarships and identifying other sources of funding, and understanding your award. There will be time after the presentation to ask any questions you may have.

Portfolio Tip Tuesday: Artist Statement A to Z

Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Watch Recording

Have you run into a case of writer's block? You've made some awesome artwork, but how do you write about it? Join us to learn everything you need to know about constructing an artist statement. We will explain the purpose of an artist statement and offer tips for getting started and editing your statement.

Transfer Friday

Friday, October 7, 2022
Watch Recording

Join us online to learn more about transferring to SAIC, and get an optional portfolio review with an admissions counselor to get valuable feedback on your work.

Portfolio Tip Tuesday: How to Apply and Submit Your Portfolio

Tuesday, September 27, 2022
Watch Recording

You've created artwork, documented it, and made your final selections. Now, it's time to apply! We'll show you how to access the Common Application and walk you through the steps to complete and submit your application and SlideRoom portfolio.

Portfolio Tip Tuesday: Making Assignments Work for You

Tuesday, September 13, 2022
Watch Recording

How can you go beyond what's expected when working on an assignment? How have artists previously incorporated assignments and prompts into their creative practices? SAIC Admissions Counselors give you the inside scoop on how to approach assignment-based work so you can include it in your portfolio.

Portfolio Tip Tuesday: What is a Portfolio & Where to Start?

Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Watch Recording

Applying to art school usually means providing images of your artwork in the form of a portfolio. But how do you get started? How do you know what to include and what to leave out? And how do artists use this important tool in their professional lives? Join us to find out!

Portfolio Tip Tuesday: Pro Tips for Documenting Your Work at Home

Tuesday, August 2, 2022
Watch Recording

Taking great photos of your work is just as important as making it! In this hour long workshop, SAIC faculty will walk you through how to capture and edit high quality photos for your application. We'll also cover tips for using household materials and a smart phone in this process.

Portfolio Tip Tuesday: Making Anime / Fan Art / Comics Your Own

Tuesday, July 12, 2022
Watch Recording

Are you currently contemplating the age old question of "Is it okay to submit anime, fan art, or comics in a portfolio for art school?" We'll do a deep dive exploring the topics of authorship, originality, and appropriation in art to help you decide how to move forward if you have an interest in this style of work.

Portfolio Tip Tuesday: Sketchbook Deep Dive & Intro to Journaling

Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Watch Recording

Sketchbooks and journals are essential companions for artists. Together, we'll look at interesting ways to use them and how they can help you build a strong portfolio.

Transfer Days

June 8, 2022: Admissions Info
Watch Now

Join us to learn how to prepare your application and portfolio for admission and merit scholarship, and take a deep dive into the specifics about our transfer credit policy with a representative from the Office of the Registrar. 

June 9, 2022: Faculty and Interdisciplinary Curriculum
Watch Now

Faculty representatives will discuss SAIC's interdisciplinary curriculum and how it informs the creative process as they practice it and as they teach it.