Undergraduate Transfer Applicants

Transfer students must include three observational pieces and at least seven or more submissions that are applicable to their intended major. Your portfolio must not exceed 15 total submissions, including the observational pieces.

Examples of submissions that are applicable to the intended major:

• Animated Arts: Transfer applicants should include some basic experience with storytelling, character development, and sequential imagery.
• Creative Writing: Transfer applicants are required to include a visual portfolio of 10-15 images following the general portfolio guidelines. If you are considering Creative Writing as a major, you will submit writing samples in PDF format in addition to your visual arts portfolio. Samples may be in any type of writing genre (fiction, non-fiction narrative, plays, scripts, poems, etc.), and can be an excerpt from a longer work, or multiple shorter stories/poems, etc. Samples should be no longer than 10 pages, double-spaced, single-sided, with a 10 pt font and 1.25” margins. Please include your full name at the beginning of the sample.
• General Fine Arts: Transfer applicants should include a variety of studio and fine art-based work. Some examples include paintings,  sculptures, installations, drawings, etc.
• Graphic Design: Transfer applicants should be able to demonstrate how they think about design through traditional and digital methods. Work can include logos, branding, typography, UX/UI, motion graphics, product design, etc. Showing your process is recommended.
• Illustration: Transfer applicants should include a variety of imagery that demonstrates their abilities with storytelling and narrative-driven work. Some examples include digital or traditional character or concept design, backgrounds and environments, patterns, picture books and/or comics, toy design, etc.
• Intermedia: Transfer applicants should include a wide range of work with a conceptual focus. This can include anything from installations,  documentation of performance art, mixed media and/or new media, etc.
• Painting: Transfer applicants should include a variety of paintings and drawings. Observational drawing/painting, figure drawing/painting, and abstract drawing/painting are all encouraged. All mediums are acceptable including oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, charcoal, pencil, marker, mixed media, etc.
• Photography: Transfer applicants should include a variety of subject matter using traditional film or digital photography. This can include documentary/photojournalism, alternative and experimental processes, portraiture, landscape, etc.
• Printmaking: Transfer applicants should include printmaking techniques such as relief, etching, monotype, screen printing, lithography, etc. or other forms of traditional media.
• Sculpture: Transfer applicants should include examples of 3D work that is well documented. This can include traditional sculpture with clay materials, ceramics, wood, metal, mixed media, fabric/soft sculpture, etc.

Examples of observational pieces:

• Figure drawing from life
• Portrait drawing from life
• Landscape drawing from observation
• Still life drawing from observation

If you have any questions about what to include, contact us in the Admissions Office at 503-821-8972 or pncaadmissions@willamette.edu. Please don't submit original works directly to the Admissions Office.

For each piece you will upload to your portfolio on our application page, you will need

• Title
• Medium
• Dimensions (2D/3D artwork) / Length (Time-based work)

File format guidelines:

Fill out your application and upload your remaining required and optional application materials:

Required:

• Artist Statement
  • The artist statement is an opportunity for you to distinguish yourself from other applicants and to share aspects of your work that are not reflected in your portfolio. We would like to hear about your interests and concerns and how they shape the art you make as well as your goals and ambitions as a student at PNCA.
  • Minimum 250 words, maximum 500 words
  • Please be aware, while PNCA at Willamette understands the use of AI programs like ChatGPT are tools that can be helpful in the writing process, an applicant should not submit an essay in which any portion of the writing has not been generated by the individual applicant. 
• Transcripts
  • Transfer students with less than 60 semester or 72 quarter credits must also submit their official high school and college transcript. For transfer students with more than 60 semester or 72 college credits, please submit official transcripts from all colleges attended. They can be in-progress if currently enrolled, but must be official for application review. If this is not possible, please contact your PNCA admissions counselor for next steps. 
  • Please send all transcripts to the PNCA Admissions Office either via mail or email. If sending via email, they must come from a certified transcript service. Send transcripts to: pncaadmissions@willamette.edu or mail transcripts to:

PNCA Admissions Office 511 NW Broadway Portland, OR 97209

• PNCA reserves the right to rescind the admission and/or scholarships of any student should their credentials vary too greatly from the ones reported on their unofficial transcript. Please make sure that these transcripts include your full name, the name of your school, your birthday, and graduation date.

Optional:

• AP Scores
  • PNCA grants credit for specific course requirements based on Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations of the College Board. Scores must be submitted to PNCA by the testing service. Credit is available in Art History, Literature, Natural Science, Mathematics, and Social Science.
• Letters of Recommendation
  • If you choose to include a letter, we suggest that it be from a current teacher, guidance counselor, or mentor. Your recommendation letter may also be from an employer or professional reference. Do not request a letter from a family member. 
  • The letter of recommendation must be emailed or mailed to the PNCA Admissions office directly from the person writing the recommendation letter. When you apply, there will be instructions on how your recommender can submit the letter of recommendation.

Special Circumstances:

• GED
  • If you did not complete high school, you will submit your General Education Development (GED) scores. For the purposes of the application process, unofficial copies of your scores will be accepted. If you are accepted by PNCA, you will be required to have official copies of your scores mailed directly to our Admissions Office before you begin classes.
• Homeschooled Students
  • In addition to the application form and portfolio homeschooled applicants must submit one of the following:
    • Official Copy of your GED or state authorized examination that is recognized as the equivalent of a high school diploma (i.e. CHSE)
    • State issued Secondary School Completion Credential (if available)
    • Diploma or Certificate from a Recognized Home School Association

The Admissions Office reviews applications once we have received all required materials from the applicant. You will receive your admission decision by mail and email.