Our application is SELF-MANAGED: assemble the following materials and mail them in a single package. For questions about the application process, please contact the Continuing Education Programs Office at 215-972-7632 or continuinged@pafa.edu.
Registration opens in Fall 2012. Check back for details!
Application Form
Application Fee
Personal Statement
Letter of Recommendation
Official High School Transcript
Portfolio
A two-page application form is required. Application will be available to download here by Fall 2012.
A non-refundable application fee of $50 is required and must accompany your completed application. You may pay your fee by check, money order or credit card. Please indicate the payment method and appropriate information on your application form.
Your personal statement should indicate your interests and/or experience in the visual arts, as well as your reasons for wanting to participate in the program. It should be no more than one page, typed, double-spaced. We are seeking not only talented artists, but those who bring dedication and enthusiasm to the program, to contribute to a great experience for everyone.
One letter of recommendation is required. It should come from an art teacher or guidance counselor who is familiar with you and your artistic ability. Be sure to give the person you have selected enough time to write his/her recommendation well before the deadline. As our application is self-managed, we highly recommend that you have the letter sealed (and signed across the seal) before it is sent to your attention. Include the letter with the rest of your application materials.
All applicants must submit a current official transcript. Only a transcript in a sealed envelope is acceptable. Be sure to contact your school's registrar's/administration office with sufficient time to process your transcript request, so that you may include it with your application materials.
A portfolio of 5–10 images is required for application to the PAFA Italy program. Your portfolio should consist of your strongest, most recent work, indicating your abilities as well as your interests. Include examples of observational drawing (i.e., drawings made while looking at actual objects). These can include figure drawing, portrait, still life, interior space, landscape, etc.
Portfolios may be submitted as digital images, slides, photographs or actual work (accompanying the rest of your application materials; return postage must be included). Indicate your name, title (if applicable), media, dimensions and year completed for each artwork; digital portfolios must include a printed image list with this information. Consider the following guidelines:
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Image quality is important. Photograph all artwork with sufficient lighting and with a neutral background. Do not photograph artwork angled away from the camera. Be sure your images are in focus.
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Applicants should submit their portfolio on a CD only. Do not submit images on a DVD.
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All portfolio images should be JPEG format.
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Each image should have a resolution of 72dpi with a maximum dimension of 1240 pixels. (Higher resolutions will make your images unnecessarily large and keep your disk from opening.)
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Save all images in a single folder. Do not use PowerPoint, PDF or any other presentation format.
Please note: Your portfolio will be returned only if you provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope.