Columbus Day
Monday, October 14
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (check-in begins at 9:30 a.m.)
SAIC Ballroom
112 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603
RSVP
This is the perfect opportunity for students to have a portfolio review prior to our November 15 Early Action and Priority Merit Scholarship Deadline. Students who do not wish to have a review are also welcome.
The day includes:
- Learning more about SAIC's interdisciplinary curriculum
- Touring our state-of-the-art facilities
- Receiving an optional portfolio review from an Admissions counselor
- Learning more about financial aid
Saturday with SAIC
Saturday, October 19
3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early for check-in
280 S. Columbus Dr.
Chicago, IL 60603
RSVP
This event occurs the evening before we host our National Portfolio Day, which is on Sunday, October 20, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. National Portfolio Day brings over 60 art and design schools to campus to provide valuable feedback and guidance on your portfolio.
The evening includes:
- Tips to help you make the most of your National Portfolio Day experience, should you plan on attending Sunday, October 20, 2019, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
- Information about how to prepare your work for admission and merit scholarship review
- A tour of our state-of-the-art facilities
- Current students, faculty and staff will be available to answer your questions
Find out more about SAIC’s National Portfolio Day, which will be held Sunday, October 20, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
SAIC National Portfolio Day
Sunday, October 20
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
280 S. Columbus Dr.
Chicago, IL 60603
RSVP
SAIC sponsors one of the nation’s largest portfolio days each year. Representatives from more than 60 art schools and universities will be present to discuss your work and assist you in pursuing an education in the visual arts. This is an opportunity for you to meet with counselors and faculty from institutions offering nationally accredited programs.
We look forward to meeting you and seeing what you do! If you have any questions, please call us at 800.232.7242 or 312.629.6100, or email ugadmiss@saic.edu.
Want to learn the best tips to make the most of your National Portfolio Day Experience?
Attend our Saturday with SAIC on October 19, from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
RSVP
Previous Attendees
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Alfred University, School of Art
Arcadia University
Art Academy of Cincinnati
Art Center College of Design
Ball State University
Bradley University
CalArts (California Institute of the Arts)
California College of the Arts
Cleveland Institute of Art
College for Creative Studies
Columbus College of Art & Design
The Cooper Union School of Art
Cornish College of the Arts
Drexel University, Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
Fashion Institute of Technology
FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
Grand Valley State University
Herron School of Art and Design
Illinois State University
Iowa State University, College of Design
Kansas City Art Institute
Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University
Laguna College of Art + Design
Lawrence Technological University
Maine College of Art
Maryland Institute College of Art
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Miami University
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
Minneapolis College of Art and Design
Montserrat College of Art
Moore College of Art & Design
New Hampshire Institute of Art
New York School of Interior Design
Northern Illinois University School of Art & Design
OCAD University
Oregon College of Art and Craft
Otis College of Art and Design
Pacific Northwest College of Art
Parsons The New School for Design
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Pratt Institute
Pratt MWP College of Art and Design
Rhode Island School of Design
Ringling College of Art and Design
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design
San Francisco Art Institute
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
School of Visual Arts
Sheridan College of Art
SMFA at Tufts University
Syracuse University, College of Visual & Performing Arts
Tyler School of Art, Temple University
University of the Arts
University of Illinois at Urbana—Champaign
University of Kansas Departments of Design & Visual Art
University of Michigan Stamps School of Art & Design
University of Saint Francis, School of Creative Arts
University of Texas at Austin
Vincennes University
Virginia Commonwealth University, School of the Arts
Washington University in Saint Louis
Watkins College of Art, Design & Film
Western Michigan University, Frostic School of Art
Veterans Day at SAIC
Monday, November 11
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (check-in begins at 9:30 a.m.)
SAIC Ballroom
112 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603
RSVP
This is the perfect opportunity for students to have a portfolio review prior to our November 15 Early Action and Priority Merit Scholarship Deadline. Students who do not wish to have a review are also welcome.
The day includes:
- Learning more about SAIC's interdisciplinary curriculum
- Touring our state-of-the-art facilities
- Receiving an optional portfolio review from an Admissions counselor
- Learning more about financial aid
You will receive an individualized schedule for the day when you check in.
Presidents' Day at SAIC
Monday, February 17, 2020, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
280 S. Columbus Drive
Chicago, IL 60603
The day includes:
- Learning more about SAIC's interdisciplinary curriculum
- Touring our state-of-the-art facilities
- Receiving an optional portfolio review from an Admissions counselor
- Learning more about financial aid
You will receive an individualized schedule for the day when you check in.
We want to meet with you and assist you through the admissions process. We invite you to attend our SAIC Days, National Portfolio Days, and to visit us on campus. 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.
SAIC Days
SAIC Days are conducted in cities across the U.S. from September through November. These events are designed to provide information about our curriculum, scholarship opportunities, life on campus, and career development, as well as time for an in-depth review of your portfolio from one of our representatives.
National Portfolio Days
National Portfolio Days (NPD) take place from September to January in locations across North America, and SAIC participates in all of them. Representatives from SAIC are ALWAYS available to provide 10-15 minute portfolio reviews of prospective students' work, and to speak about SAIC's curriculum.
Learn more about:
Tuesday, November 12
6:30 p.m. (CT)
Watch the recording
This online information session is specifically for students wishing to transfer to SAIC. We will be covering topics including how to prepare your portfolio for admission and merit scholarship, submitting your application, and specifics about our transfer credit policy.
There will be ample time during and after the presentation for you to ask us your specific questions.
Wednesday, December 4
6:30 p.m. (CT)
Watch the recording
SAIC's Student Financial Services office 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.
Wednesday, January 8
6:30 p.m. (CT)
Watch the recording
SAIC is hosting an online information session to assist you in preparing your portfolio for admission and merit scholarship consideration. We will be discussing the admission process and providing examples of past merit portfolios. We'll also cover how to complete the Common Application.
Topics will include:
Accessing and completing the Common Application
Uploading your portfolio
Submitting test scores, transcripts and letters of recommendation
Writing and submitting your Artist's Statement
There will also be time for your questions during and following the presentation.
Tuesday, February 11
6:30 p.m. (CT)
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.
Wednesday, February 12
6:30 p.m. (CT)
Watch the Recording
SAIC is hosting an online presentation to provide you with information about what it's like to live on campus in one of our residence halls, how to apply for housing, and more. There will be time during and after the presentation for your questions.
Thursday, March 5
6:30 p.m. (CT)
RSVP
This online information session is specifically for students wishing to transfer to SAIC. We will be covering topics including how to prepare your portfolio for admission and merit scholarship, submitting your application, and specifics about our transfer credit policy.
There will be ample time during and after the presentation for you to ask us your specific questions.
Thursday, March 12
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.
Thursday, March 12, 5:00 a.m. (CT) (Chinese students)
RSVP
Friday, March 13, 10:00 p.m. (CT) (Chinese students)
RSVP
Tuesday, March 31, 6:00 a.m. (CT) (China, Southeast + Central Asia, India)
RSVP
Join this online information session to learn about our distinguishing features, first year curriculum, life on campus, and careers and alumni. We will also be discussing next steps you will need to take before joining us in the fall. This session is designed both for students who have already made their decisions, and those who are still undecided. There will be time after the presentation to ask any questions you may have.
Visit SAIC
Schedule an Undergraduate Tour
Student-led campus tours take place Monday through Friday, as well as select Saturdays. We offer you the opportunity to meet with an admission counselor before or after our tours to have your portfolio reviewed, or just get more information about SAIC.
Arrive at the LeRoy Neiman Center at 37 South Wabash, Chicago, IL, 60603 no later than 11:30 a.m. for tours which leave at 11:45 a.m. Tours typically last about two hours with an optional residence hall tour that begins after the school tour.
Our tours include the following
- Campus buildings and facilities
- Our downtown Chicago loft apartment-style residence halls
- An appointment with an Admissions counselor, should you desire one
- Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago museum
- Introduction to our downtown campus—wear comfortable shoes
For those with appointments for a review after the tour, portfolios may be brought to the Admissions office on the 12th floor of the Sullivan Center at 36 South Wabash Avenue prior to the tour.
Saturday Tour Dates
- February 22
- March 7, 21, 28
- April 11, 18, 25
- May 16
Group Tours—High School, Colleges, and Organizations
- Group tours are offered Monday - Thursday between 9:00-10:30 a.m. or 2:30- 4:00 p.m.
- Requests may be made for up to 35 students and 3-5 chaperones
- SAIC campus tours are designed for high school groups, colleges, or organizations that support studying visual art and design at the college level
To request a group tour, please complete the group tour request form. You will receive an individual follow-up to your request.
For any questions, please call 800.232.7242.
Parking, Campus Map, Directions, and Where to Stay
For information about parking, directions to SAIC, where to stay, and to download a campus map, please see the Campus Tours page.
Can't visit our campus?
Check out our virtual tour.
