Study Art in the USA — A Parent's Guide to Top Art School Admission
The good news: US art colleges do not use one big drawing exam. They read a portfolio. RISD, Parsons, Pratt, SVA, SAIC, MICA and other top schools look at your child's artwork, ideas and process.
Many families dream of studying art in the USA. UNAA ART has taught art in New York since 2018 and has focused on art portfolio training since 2019. Since then, 200+ of our students have been admitted to art schools with scholarships.
Section 1 · AdmissionHow US art schools choose students
No single exam. Each school reads the whole portfolio — skill, idea and process together.
- A portfolio of about 12–20 works (at UNAA we plan 15–20).
- Observational drawing and color that show real skill.
- A personal theme or series — this is where students stand out.
- Process: sketchbooks and studies that show how you think.
- An artist statement, school grades and, for international students, an English test.
A simple timeline
Build drawing, color and design basics; start a sketchbook.
Choose a theme, start the series, plan 15–20 pieces.
Intensive studio time to finish key pieces (our Rhode Island program runs 8 hours a day).
Photograph the work, write the statement, submit (Early Decision deadlines are often in November).
Planning a summer intensive? See summer programs.
Common mistakes
- Only copying photos or anime — schools want observation and original ideas.
- Twenty unrelated pieces with no theme.
- Starting too late and rushing the best work.
- Poor photos of good artwork.
- Choosing a major without seeing what that major's portfolio needs.
What about the I-20?
International students get the I-20 (the form for an F-1 student visa) from the US college that admits them, after admission and proof of funds.
UNAA ART is a portfolio training school; we help students build the portfolio that wins the admission offer. We do not issue I-20s.
How UNAA ART helps
Top-school mentor team
Including a former RISD admissions officer (David Paolino) and a RISD professor (John Hames).
Weekend classes
In Flushing and Manhattan (ages 4 to adult) for steady skill building.
Rhode Island intensive
In Providence, steps from RISD, during summer and school breaks.
Online classes
Portfolio classes for students anywhere.
Territory Painting
The signature course created by founder Chengju Li — see chengjuli.com.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an art exam to study art in the USA?
No. Most US art colleges admit through the portfolio, grades and statement.
When should my child start?
Ideally 1.5–2 years before applying, but a strong plan can still help later.
Can my child prepare online?
Yes. We offer online portfolio classes and in-person classes in New York and Rhode Island.
Do you guarantee admission?
No school can honestly guarantee admission. We help students build their strongest possible portfolio.
See real student work on our Portfolio page and offers on our Results page. Still deciding? Talk to an advisor →