2023

As the first in my family to be interested in an art-related college major, I had very little frame of reference for what the application process would include. It wasn’t until I met with Carrie that I realized just how much I didn’t know, and she walked me through it every step of the way. Over the first few Zoom sessions, she guided me towards specific majors that she thought would fit based on both the work I had shown her and my own interests. We worked together to create a list of options for good colleges that included those majors, and fell inside my preferences for things like location and size. One of the most helpful parts for me was the portfolio prep. It was extremely valuable to have a professional to ask any questions I needed to about what colleges would be expecting, and how to create a portfolio that met those requirements. And I fortunately live near her art studio, so I was also able to work with her during the summer Portfolio Prep program, which helped me to develop the necessary skills to make the drawings at the quality that I needed to. Through to the end, when I was finalizing the portfolios and submitting my applications, Carrie was always there, ready to help and encourage me. She provided support for everything from finding the right major, to writing the personal essay. Without this program, I don’t know what I would have done to get to the point of applying. And because of it, I’m going to be studying animation at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Overall, this was an invaluable experience for me, and I would highly recommend it!

I worked with Carrie throughout the college admissions process and she was so helpful! Not only did she provide feedback on my work but she gave me exercises I could do to improve and went above and beyond when providing information about schools! She was thorough and encouraging in our correspondence and I would recommend working with her to anyone looking to go to school for art!

And because of (Carrie), I’m going to be studying animation at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

She has the best insight and advice.

It was very helpful to know what should be included in a portfolio, such as a drawing from real life and a few process sketches, because I never would have known that otherwise. From there I was able to create pieces that filled the requirements, inspired me, and showcased my skills. 

Finishing my portfolio early in the summer so I could focus on my other college application materials was extremely helpful. It was nice to know that when the time came to apply, I would be ready to submit my portfolio and it would already be professionally revised and polished.

…this was an invaluable experience for me, and I would highly recommend it!

Doing the drawings from real life increased my confidence as an artist and a creative person. I hadn't drawn from reference or realistically in a very long time, but it increased my confidence to know that I could still do so and that I had actually improved in that area.

Thank you so much for all your support and advice! Your suggestions on what colleges might be best for my interests were extremely helpful.