SUNY New Paltz > Sculpture

BFA Sculpture
General Policy and Admission Procedure

Overview
The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (BFA) is a professional degree. Essential to this degree is talent and a concentrated effort to focus and develop one's work. Evidence of this ability and commitment are fundamental for admittance into the program and success in earning a BFA in sculpture.

The degree serves as a foundation for the emerging artist. The program focuses on the conceptual, technical, and professional development that is required to continue in the field.

Admission
Review for admission to the program occurs once a semester. At least 15 days prior to review, a notice of the review date and time will be posted. Interested students need to schedule individual interviews during the designated review period.

Candidates are asked to prepare the following for review:

A brief statement that articulates why you want to be a sculpture major.

Be prepared to discuss your general interest in the field and, at this point, what your aspirations for the future are.

A body of work that you feel represents your best work.

Sketch book(s), a sampling of your record of ideas.

Be prepared to evaluate yourself; your performance, strengths and weaknesses.

Evaluation and acceptance into the program is based on a number of factors. In addition to those already described, the student's performance and demonstrated commitment, attitude, and maturity are also considered in determining admittance. The experience faculty have personally with the applicant through working in class with the individual are also considered. Observation of the student's performance, ability to establish priorities, work ethic, the ability to work with others, initiative demonstrated (in their own work as well as studio practices); how the student copes with challenges and problem solving and the ability to communicate, are also factors in accepting a candidate into the BFA program. Your portfolio of work must also meet the standards of the department for entering BFA applicants. The potential of the individual and their work to develop and be professional and competitive, should be evidenced. Academic standing within the college, within the art department and in sculpture is a factor; an average of 2.5 in general and a 3.0 in art is the standard. Faculty from the sculpture program will meet with each candidate individually for a frank and open discussion. After consultation between faculty members, candidates will be notified, usually within three days. Once a student is accepted into the program the first year is considered probationary with continuing admittance being determined by the faculty after the first and second semester of admittance. Be aware that if the faculty find the student's performance during this probationary period deficient, continuing admission will be withdrawn.

Undergraduate Admissions Web Site