PRE-PROGRAM APPLICATION
Your application will consist of the following:

• Student Record Form (All Chemeketa students)
• Student Application and Recommendation Form (All Chemeketa students). You will be given the VC pre-program code while you are taking prerequisite courses in preparation for entering the program.
  While you are taking prerequisites and preparing a portfolio, you are considered a Visual Communications Pre-program student. When you are ready to apply for the VC program, you will complete the following portfolio requirements and submit them in one package as your program application.
  Note: any number of students may be registered as VC pre-program students. Only when you complete your prerequisites and submit the dated application portfolio will your application for the program be considered. If it takes longer than one academic year to complete prerequisites, or your program application is not successful, you must be reassessed every year to keep your application in active status. Your assessment is valid only for the academic year dated on the form.

PROGRAM APPLICATION PORTFOLIO
Your application will consist of the following:

• Student Record Form
• Student Advising and Recommendation form. The original is kept on file at the college. Include a copy with your program application. Keep a copy for your own records.
• A VC program application form. This can be found in the application packet.
• Unofficial transcripts documenting prerequisites and any previous college credits that may transfer to Chemeketa. Web-accessed, or unofficial transcripts, are adequate at this time.
• A self-addressed envelope for notification about admission into the program.
• A short essay on your reason for applying to the program as detailed below.
• A portfolio of your work as detailed below. This is similar to a typical first term project.

APPLICATION PORTFOLIO
It is not required to have an expensive portfolio or elaborately mounted work. Your work should be assembled in one easily accessible, protected folder or case. Presentation does count and neatness is always an asset. Include all of the materials listed above as well as examples of your work.

• EXAMPLES OF PREVIOUS WORK
  You should display six to ten items only. Include work that you feel represents creative vision or artistic or technical skills. Originality is important. Your work may include a variety of media. Three dimensional or oversize pieces may be shown with slides or photographs. Digital files may be submitted on a web site or on a CD. While having previous computer experience is invaluable, you will not be penalized for having only traditional media. We can teach you software.

  Include work from previous art or design classes, photography, freelance work, web design, computer graphics, T-shirt graphics, newsletters, magazines, drawings from a sketchbook, calligraphy, illustrations, paintings, prints, photographs of ceramics, glass or sculpture, anything that shows original concepts that you have developed.

• PORTFOLIO ASSIGNMENT: COMMUNICATING WITH SYMBOLS
  Using your choice of media, communicate an abstract concept or idea of your choice. You may use pictures, symbols, diagrams or pictograms, but no words. Consider photographs, pencils, pens, paint, computers, collage, potato prints, crayons or whatever medium inspires you. The meaning of your work should be recognizable to anyone in any culture. Write your name, as well as the concept, on the back. Use a simple, inexpensive backing or mat for presentation. Be creative and avoid clichés such as “No smoking” etc., unless you can convey your message in a unique way. This will be the last page in your portfolio.
• ESSAY
  Write an essay explaining your reasons for wanting to enter the Visual Communication Program and your goals on graduation. Include your educational and career goals. This should be one or two pages, typed, with double spacing.
• CRITERIA
  We’re looking for indicators of what you can do, not necessarily what you have done. Give us lots of clues as to your personality and potential. A sample evaluation form is provided. Your portfolio will be evaluated as follows:
  • Creativity: (50%) portfolio work, essay and presentation. This may include drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, graphic arts or other media, as well as the portfolio assignment. We’re not looking to see how well you draw your favorite Superhero, but how you could translate these skills into creating your own illustrations or design concepts. We’d like to take a peek at the unique vision and creative energy you will bring to the program.
  • Technical skills: (20%) portfolio. Examples may include work in computer applications or hand-rendering skills. This gives us information about your attention to detail.
  • Communication skills: (20%) essay. The ability to communicate in writing and verbally, as well as visually, is very important. This includes both the creative concepts and the conventions of writing.
  • Academic background: (10%) transcripts. Recent college level experiences will be reviewed. Only grades of “C” or higher will transfer to Chemeketa. Don’t worry if your past life shows up, we want to see what you can do now.
  • Potential for student success: all of the application materials. Your ability to work successfully with instructors and other students is essential. We are looking for serious students (with a sense of humor) who are willing to explore multiple creative solutions and work towards technical excellence. We want a feel for how you will contribute to the overall success of the program.
• DEADLINE
  Submit all required materials in one package to the Humanities and Visual Communications office in building 5, room 264 by 4:30 pm on the deadline date each term. Portfolios may be picked up in the same office on the date following the program notification date each term. Applications for accepted students and those on the waiting list will be kept on file. If you need to complete additional work before entering the program, retain your returned files and resubmit them when you reapply.