We are excited to see the work you make, and to talk to you about your ideas and goals! The virtual events we’ve prepared below are designed to help you learn about us, and prepare an application that best represents you and your hopes for a creative educational future.
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.
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 30-45 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.
Take a live, virtual tour of our campus and residence halls with our current students, and ask any questions you have live!
- Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 4 pm CT
Monday virtual tours will include our entire campus.
Wednesday virtual tours will include:
- Architecture, Interior Architecture, Designed Objects (AIADO)
- Contemporary Practices (First Year Program)
- Fashion
- Fiber & Material Studies
- Residence Halls
- SAIC Galleries
- Student Center
- Visual Communication Design (Graphic Design)
Friday virtual tours will include:
- Art & Technology
- Ceramics
- Film, Video, New Media, and Animation
- Liberal Arts
- New Arts Journalism
- Painting & Drawing
- Performance
- Photography
- Printmedia
- Sculpture
- Sound
- Visual & Critical Studies
- Residence Halls
See all Admitted Student Events
Transfer Friday
Friday, January 29, 12:00 p.m. (CT)
RSVP
Join us every First Friday of the month to learn more about transferring to SAIC and have your questions answered by our transfer Admissions Counselor, Sioban Lombardi. Participants will also be able to schedule a portfolio review after the webinar.
Understanding your Financial Aid Award and Cost
Tuesday, February 9, 2021, 6:30 p.m. (CT)
RSVP
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.
Watch Past Sessions:
Portfolio Tip Tuesday: What to Include in Your Portfolio
Tuesday, September 22
Watch the Recording
Portfolio Tips Tuesdays are a great way to learn about the different aspects that go into submitting a portfolio. Each Tuesday we will cover a different topic regarding portfolio preparation for your SAIC application. This week, our admissions team will be going over what you should include in your portfolio.
Life at SAIC: Alumni "Ask Me Anything"
Thursday, September 24
Watch the Recording
In this session, you'll virtually meet with SAIC alumni for an "Ask Me Anything" session to learn what their art school education and campus life experience was like at SAIC!
Portfolio Tip Tuesday: Behind the Scenes of Your SlideRoom Portfolio Review
Tuesday, September 29
Watch the Recording
Portfolio Tips Tuesdays are a great way to learn about the different aspects that go into submitting a portfolio. Each Tuesday we will cover a different topic regarding portfolio preparation for your SAIC application. This week, our admissions team will be going over what happens behind the scenes when they review your SlideRoom portfolio.
Portfolio Tip Tuesday: Curating Your Portfolio
Tuesday, October 6
Watch the Recording
Portfolio Tips Tuesdays are a great way to learn about the different aspects that go into submitting a portfolio. Each Tuesday we will cover a different topic regarding portfolio preparation for your SAIC application. This week, our admissions team will be going over how to refine, edit, and curate your portfolio in preparation for submission.
How to Apply for Financial Aid using the FAFSA
Wednesday, October 7
Watch the Recording
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is hosting an online information session to assist you in filling 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: Writer's Block - How to Finalize your Artist Statement
Tuesday, October 13
Watch the Recording
Portfolio Tip Tuesdays are a great way to learn about the different aspects that go into submitting a portfolio. Each Tuesday we will cover a different topic regarding portfolio preparation for your SAIC application. This week, our admissions team will be going over how to finalize your artist statement.
What is an Interdisciplinary Curriculum?
Thursday, October 15
Watch the Recording
At SAIC, you won’t declare a major or have to choose a department to work in- you will start with an idea and choose from a range of media to fulfill your vision. You can combine sculpture, ceramics, and film for example, or concentrate on painting only. Join us to learn more about our unique curriculum and what it means to be "interdisciplinary." We'll also go over what your first year will look like, including your art history options, seminar topics, and studio electives.
National Transfer Week: October 19-23
Monday, October 19: How to Transfer to SAIC - Watch the recording!
Tuesday, October 20: Preparing Your Portfolio - Watch the recording!
Wednesday, October 21: Writing Your Artist Statement - Watch the recording!
Thursday, October 22: Undergraduate Degrees and Transferring Your Credits- Watch the recording!
Join us to learn more about transferring to SAIC and have your questions answered by our transfer Admissions Counselor, Sioban Lombardi.
Portfolio Tip Tuesday: Portfolio Documentation
Tuesday, October 27, 5:00 p.m. (CT)
Watch the recording
Portfolio Tip Tuesdays are a great way to learn about the different aspects that go into submitting a portfolio. Each Tuesday we will cover a different topic regarding portfolio preparation for your SAIC application. This week, our admissions team will be going over best practices for documenting your portfolio.
India SAIC Day
Friday, October 30
Watch the recording
At SAIC, you won’t declare a major or have to choose a department to work in- you will start with an idea and choose from a range of media to fulfill your vision. You can combine sculpture, ceramics, and film for example, or concentrate on painting only. We know the experiences of international students and the transition for you is especially unique. Join us to hear from our Indian student community as they share their experiences on deciding to attend SAIC and what they considered before applying. You’ll also learn more about our distinct curriculum and what it means to be "interdisciplinary" from our esteemed faculty who will share their insights and more on the critique and studio environment of SAIC.
South Korea SAIC Day
Sunday, November 1
Watch the recording
At SAIC, you won’t declare a major or have to choose a department to work in- you will start with an idea and choose from a range of media to fulfill your vision. You can combine sculpture, ceramics, and film for example, or concentrate on painting only. We know the experiences of international students and the transition for you is especially unique. Join us to hear from our Korean student community and alumni as they share their experiences on deciding to attend SAIC and what they considered before applying. You’ll also learn more about our distinct curriculum and what it means to be "interdisciplinary" and more on the critique and studio environment of SAIC.
China SAIC Day
Monday, November 2
Watch the recording
At SAIC, you won’t declare a major or have to choose a department to work in- you will start with an idea and choose from a range of media to fulfill your vision. You can combine sculpture, ceramics, and film for example, or concentrate on painting only. We know the experiences of international students and the transition for you is especially unique. Join us to learn more about the SAIC experience as our current students share why they decided to attend SAIC and what to consider before applying. You’ll also learn more about our distinct curriculum and what it means to be "interdisciplinary" from our esteemed faculty who will share their insights and more on the critique and studio environment of SAIC.
Portfolio Tip Tuesday: How to Apply and Submit Your Portfolio
Tuesday, November 3
Watch the recording
Portfolio Tip Tuesdays are a great way to learn about the different aspects that go into submitting a portfolio. Each Tuesday we will cover a different topic regarding portfolio preparation for your SAIC application. This week, our admissions team will be going over how to apply and submit your portfolio in the Common App and SlideRoom!
Transfer Friday
Friday, November 6
Watch the recording
Join us every First Friday of the month to learn more about transferring to SAIC and have your questions answered by our transfer Admissions Counselor, Sioban Lombardi. Participants will also be able to schedule a portfolio review after the webinar.
Portfolio Tip Tuesday: Q and A before the 11/15 Deadline!
Tuesday, November 10
Watch the recording
Portfolio Tip Tuesdays are a great way to learn about the different aspects that go into submitting a portfolio. Each Tuesday we will cover a different topic regarding portfolio preparation for your SAIC application. This week, our admissions team will be available for you to ask any last minute questions about your application and portfolio before our Priority Merit Scholarship deadline on November 15!
First Year Experience & Faculty Q and A
Monday, November 23rd
Watch the Recording
Join us to learn about the first-year experience at SAIC. You'll be able to ask questions and engage with Contemporary Practices, art history, and liberal arts first-year faculty. Whether you are taking modified in-person or fully online courses, this forum will allow you the chance to meet and chat with the very faculty you'll be learning from during your first year at SAIC.
*We'll also discuss a special opportunity to register for a Winter 2021 online Contemporary Practices Research Studio session.
Portfolio Tip Tuesday: How to Apply and Submit your Portfolio
Tuesday, November 24th
Watch the Recording
Portfolio Tips Tuesdays are a great way to learn about the different aspects that go into submitting a portfolio. Each Tuesday we will cover a different topic regarding portfolio preparation for your SAIC application. This week, our admissions team will be going over how to submit your application and portfolio.
How to Apply for Financial Aid using the FAFSA
Wednesday, December 2
Watch the 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.
Portfolio Tip Tuesday: I Submitted my Application- Now What?
Tuesday, December 8, 5:00 p.m. (CT)
Watch the Recording
Portfolio Tips Tuesdays are a great way to learn about the different aspects that go into submitting a portfolio. Each Tuesday we will cover a different topic regarding portfolio preparation for your SAIC application. This week we will be going over what happens after you submit your application.
Mini Class for International Students: Jump Start Your Portfolio with Professor Jason Dunda
Saturday, December 19,
India: 9:30am-11:30am IST
China: 12-2pm CST
Korea & Japan: 1pm-3pm KST/JST
Canada/Mexico: Friday, December 18, 8:00-10:00 p.m. (PT)
Do you need some inspiration and motivation to finish a few more pieces for your portfolio? Are you having creative block and need a little help to think of ideas for new artwork? Would you like to have the inside scoop to make sure you do your best work finishing your SAIC merit scholarship portfolio? Join highly acclaimed SAIC professor and multi-disciplinary artist Jason Dunda. Jason will take you behind the scenes in his and other artists’ studios to reveal how creative professionals use their research to create art. He will also reveal all the secrets of how to successfully showcase process and ideation in a successful portfolio for your SAIC application. Class will be followed by a live Q&A session with Jason and staff from the SAIC International Admissions team! Jason will also provide all participants with an optional research exercise they may complete in their own time.
Portfolio Tip Tuesday- Last Minute Portfolio Prep!
Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 5 p.m. (CT)
Watch the Recording
This week, our admissions team will be available for you to ask any last minute questions about your application and portfolio before our Merit Scholarship deadline on January 15!
National Portfolio Days (NPDs) take place from September to December, and SAIC participates in all of them. Representatives from SAIC are ALWAYS available to provide 10-15 minute virtual 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.
While students from any state may attend any virtual event, the following are suggested dates and times depending on where you are located:
| Date and Time | States | RSVP |
|---|---|---|
|
Sept 19 @ 11 am - 3 pm (CT) |
AL, AR, GA, KY, LA, MS, TN | Event Passed |
|
Sept 26 @ 11 am - 3 pm (CT) |
IN, IA, MO, OK | Event Passed |
|
Oct 3 @ 11 am - 3 pm (CT) |
CO, KS, MN, MT, NE, ND, SD, WY | Event Passed |
|
Oct 4 @ 11 am-3 pm (CT) |
CT, ME, MA, NH, VT | Event Passed |
|
Oct 10 @ 11 am-3 pm (CT) |
AZ, NM, TX, UT | Event Passed |
|
Oct 18 @ 11 am- 3pm (CT) |
IL, WI | Event Passed |
|
Oct 24 @ 11 am- 3pm (CT) |
NJ, NY, PA, RI, Canada | Event Passed |
|
Nov 1 @ 11 am- 3pm (CT) |
DC, DE, MD, NC, SC, VA | Event Passed |
|
Nov 8 @ 11 am- 3pm (CT) |
MI | Event Passed |
|
Nov 15 @ 11 am-3 pm (CT) |
AK, CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, WA, Canada | Event Passed |
|
Nov 21 @ 11 am-3 pm (CT) |
OH, WV | Event Passed |
|
Nov 22 @ 11 am-3 pm (CT) |
International | Event Passed |
|
Dec 5 @ 11 am-3 pm (CT) |
FL | Event Passed |
Parent "Appy" Hour
Check back soon for the next event.
Parent "Appy" Hour is a great opportunity to virtually meet with an Admissions Counselor and other SAIC staff! We are here to help answer your questions about your student applying to SAIC, and other SAIC related topics. Parents of current SAIC students will also be in attendance to talk about their experience.
On-campus tours are currently suspended and will resume as soon as it is safe to do so.
Can't attend our live tour?
Check out our on-demand virtual tour.
View school-wide online and in-person events at saic.edu/events!
