Meet SAIC

Friday, July 24, 2026
Info Session: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Open Studios: 4:30-8 p.m. 
RSVP

Join us for Low-Residency MFA Open Studios. You will have the opportunity to see works in progress and finished pieces in the studios, as well as check out the 2026 Low-Residency MFA Show.

Low-Res MFA Director Aliza Shvarts will also hold an Info Session for prospective students and answer questions about the program. You are invited to learn more about what the Low-Residency experience entails.

Thursday, October 15, 2026
MacLean Ballroom 
112 S. Michigan 
Chicago, IL 60603 

RSVP

Join us for an informal reception with SAIC Graduate Admissions. You'll have the opportunity to meet the admissions counselor for your specific program of interest, speak with current SAIC graduate students, and visit the Art Institute of Chicago.

Graduate National Portfolio Days are events for prospective students who would like to get feedback on their portfolio, as well as have the opportunity to learn more about the curricula, faculty, and application procedures from a number of colleges.

Events in the U.S.A.

International Portfolio Days

Graduate Admissions counselors will be traveling to multiple cities this fall to meet with prospective students. Learn more about our graduate programs, ask questions about applying, and get feedback on your work as you prepare your application.

Check back soon for the 2026 schedule.

Saturday, December 5, 2026
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. 
SAIC Ballroom 
112 S. Michigan 
Chicago, IL 60603 

Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m.

RSVP

Engage with key faculty members from our graduate departments, meet current graduate students, learn about our curricula and facilities, and inquire about admissions and financial aid. While not required, you may wish to bring your portfolio for review. 

Graduate campus tours will also be offered.

 

Deep Dive: MFA Programs

Tuesday, August 11, 12:00 p.m.
RSVP

Meet with admissions to review the portfolio requirements for graduate programs at SAIC. We'll cover best practices and help you prepare for the upcoming application season. This session will focus specifically on our MFA in Studio and MFA Writing programs.

Deep Dive: Architecture & Design Programs 

Tuesday, August 25, 12:00 p.m.
RSVP

Review the portfolio requirements for the Architecture, Interior Architecture Track, Designed Objects, Visual Communication Design, Historic Preservation, and Design for Emerging Technologies degrees at SAIC. We'll cover best practices and help you prepare for the upcoming application season.

Deep Dive: Low-Residency MFA 

Tuesday, August 25, 6:00 p.m.
RSVP

SAIC's Low-Residency MFA program is open to artists, writers, educators, curators, and historians. Join us to learn more about the program curriculum, pedagogy and admissions requirements.
Following the presentation, there will be time for questions.

Deep Dive: MA Programs

Tuesday, September 1, 12:00 p.m.
RSVP

Meet with admissions to review the portfolio requirements for graduate programs at SAIC. We'll cover best practices and help you prepare for the upcoming application season. This session will focus specifically on our Arts Administration & Policy, Modern and Contemporary Art History, Dual Degree, Art Education, Teaching, and Visual and Critical Studies programs.

App Prep Series: Statement of Intent

Tuesday, September 15, 12:00 p.m.
RSVP

The statement of intent is a key component of your application to SAIC and your opportunity to speak to the faculty review committee. Meet with admissions to talk about preparing a strong statement of intent.

App Prep Series: Portfolio Overview

Tuesday, September 22, 12:00 p.m.
RSVP

Meet with admissions to review the portfolio requirements for graduate programs at SAIC.

App Prep Series: Application Process & Submitting via SlideRoom

Tuesday, September 29, 12:00 p.m.
RSVP

Meet with admissions to review the portfolio requirements for graduate programs at SAIC. We'll cover best practices and help you prepare for your upcoming submission with special attention on how best to present your work for viewing in the SlideRoom environment.


 

In addition to in-person Graduate National Portfolio Days, GPDs are also offered virtually for prospective students who would like to get feedback on their portfolio, as well as have the opportunity to learn more about the curricula, faculty, and application procedures from a number of colleges.

Thursday, January 15, 2026
Watch Recording

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) 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.

Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Watch Recording
Meet with admissions to review the portfolio requirements for graduate programs at SAIC. We'll cover best practices and help you prepare for your upcoming submission with special attention on how best to present your work for viewing in the SlideRoom environment.

Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Watch Recording
 
Meet with admissions to review the portfolio requirements for graduate programs at SAIC.

Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Watch Recording

The statement of intent is a key component of your application to SAIC and your opportunity to speak to the faculty review committee. Meet with admissions to talk about preparing a strong statement of intent. 

Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Watch Recording
SAIC's Low-Residency MFA program is open to artists, writers, educators, curators, and historians. Join us to learn more about the program curriculum, pedagogy and admissions requirements.
 

Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Watch Recording
The selection and timing of your references has the potential to greatly impact your application. Meet with admissions to talk about who to select, how to contact them, and when to start the process.

Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Watch Recording

Meet with admissions to review the portfolio requirements for graduate programs at SAIC. We'll cover best practices and help you prepare for the upcoming application season. This session will focus specifically on our Arts Administration & Policy, Modern and Contemporary Art History, Dual Degree, Art Education, Teaching, and Visual and Critical Studies programs.

Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Watch Recording
Review the portfolio requirements for the Architecture, Interior Architecture Track, Designed Objects, Visual Communication Design, Historic Preservation, and Design for Emerging Technologies degrees at SAIC. We'll cover best practices and help you prepare for the upcoming application season.

Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Watch Recording
Meet with admissions to review the portfolio requirements for graduate programs at SAIC. We'll cover best practices and help you prepare for the upcoming application season. This session will focus specifically on our MFA in Studio and MFA Writing programs.

International SAIC Day

Friday, November 7, 2025

Watch Recording
Our International Graduate SAIC Day is an opportunity for international students to receive feedback on your work and portfolio, ask questions about international application requirements, and learn more about graduate study at SAIC as an international student during program-specific breakout sessions.

Tuesday, October 10, 2023 
Watch the Recording 

Meet with admissions to review the portfolio requirements for graduate programs at SAIC.

Thursday, March 5, 2026
Watch the 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.