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!
See events for admitted students at saic.edu/ugnext.
Transfer Day
Saturday, June 3, 2023
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. CT
Sharp Building, 37 S. Wabash, room 327
RSVP
We are hosting an on-campus event to help you through the transfer process! Join us for:
• Portfolio advice for admission and merit scholarship
• A detailed transfer credit policy deep dive
• Academic Resources and Next Steps review
•A tour of our campus and our residence halls
and more!
*We recommend you start your Common Application before attending on this day, in case you have any questions. Apply here.
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 a perfect opportunity 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.
View school-wide online and in-person events at saic.edu/events!
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.