The University of Michigan was founded in 1817 as one of the first public universities in the nation. It remains one of the most distinguished universities in the world and a leader in higher education.

The mission of the Stamps School of Art & Design is simple and profound — to prepare students to think in new ways, to educate them to become concerned world citizens, and to equip them with the skills for life-long accomplishment.

What makes your school’s art & design programs different & unique from other art & design school programs? What are the top 3 program features that make your program stand out?

1.) Small Creative Community, Big University Setting 
Unlike stand-alone art schools, the Stamps school is part of the University of Michigan. Our students have the resources that only a top-tier research university can provide. Collaboration with individuals immersed in different fields of study is a hallmark of the Stamps experience.  

2.) International Experience
Stamps students are required to have at least one International Experience during their undergraduate studies. As we prepare students for a globalized economy, an international perspective is a critical component to the Stamps curriculum. Students can join a faculty-led trip, study abroad for a semester or a summer, complete an internship abroad, or even propose their own international experience in order to fulfill the requirement.

3.) Open, Cross-disciplinary Curriculum. Stamps students do not choose a major. Instead, their curriculum spans across mediums, providing a holistic, expansive view of the creative process. Students can select a BA, BFA, or a Dual Degree or Minor with another participating U-M college. More here: http://stamps.umich.edu/undergraduate-programs

Can students take courses in other schools?

Yes, in fact they are required to do so as part of their curriculum. Our students have the opportunity to pursue any minor offered at U-M, such as Creative Writing, History of Art, Computer Science, Engineering or Business. They can also pursue dual-degrees and graduate from U-M with two diplomas.

What steps do you take to evaluate a student’s candidacy, apart from reviewing their creative portfolio?

We take a holistic review approach when evaluating our applicants. The portfolio is just as important as the academics, which include grades, test scores, essays, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and rigor of academic curriculum. We are also interested in finding students who are a good fit for Stamps, especially given the nature of our curriculum.We take a holistic review approach when evaluating our applicants. The portfolio is just as important as the academics, which include grades, test scores, essays, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and rigor of academic curriculum. We are also interested in finding students who are a good fit for Stamps, especially given the nature of
our curriculum.

What does your program look for most in the creative portfolio during admissions? What do you think makes an A+ portfolio? 


A Strong Portfolio Includes:

At least 3 drawings from direct observation. If you have in the past copied from photographs or other flat copy, you can improve your portfolio with drawings from observation. Include sketches as well as finished drawings.

2D media : Design, drawing, painting, photography ,printmaking, and mixed media 3D media : Fibers, ceramics, metalwork, sculpture and installations Digital media : computer animation, video, audio, interactive art and internet-based projects Performance, conceptual work, or other work not easy to categorize

A Strong Portfolio Does Not Include:

Work created prior to 9th grade should not be considered. Your most recent work is usually the strongest work.

More is not always better. In other words, don’t include more work for the sake of having a lot to show. Be sure to choose your best work. Think about quality over quantity.

Drawings from magazines, comic books, animation, CD covers, or movie posters are not acceptable. Remember, work should be your own. Avoid overused, stereotyped, or timeworn imagery.

How are new technologies affecting students’ curriculums and/or ways of learning/collaborating at your school? 


New and emerging technologies are always shaping and informing our students’ experiences. For example, the Studio: 3D course required in the first semester now includes projects that involve working with 3D software and printers. New courses are added every year and are offered by Stamps faculty who are collaborating with other faculty around the University and exposing our students to new technologies — working with U-M Medical School professors to create apps for children with Diabetes, or coming up with creative solutions to the Ebola outbreak. Outside of the classroom, students have access to a vast number of resources that include the latest technologies.

How does your program help graduating students with internships or jobs?

n addition to the University’s Career Center resources, Stamps has its own career advisor, who requires our students to meet with him at least once a year. Our career advisor hosts a career fair every winter, holds workshops and networking events, and posts internship and job opportunities on our web site everyday. He also helps our students connect with U-M alums — U-M has the largest living alumni network in the world at 500,000+ alumni. 

What is the best advice you have for students entering the art, design & architecture field?

The Stamps experience focuses on creative practice as an engine for cultural change and innovation, in large part because these are the real world issues that students will face in their post-university lives.

Interviewed by Karina Galvan Moore
Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management &
Truly Render Director of Communications and Marketing

APPLICATION MATERIALS

Common application

PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS

12-15 pieces Slideroom  

WRITING SAMPLE

Writing Prompts on Common App

TRANSCRIPTS

Required

INTERVIEW

Not required

RECOMMENDATION LETTERS

1 Art Teacher 
1 Academic Teacher
1 Counselor

APPLICATIONS DEADLINES

Early Action: Nov 1
Regular Decision: Feb 1

FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

TOEFL: 600 range or 100 range
IELTS: 7.0 range with section scores 6.5+
PTE: 68 with all sections equally strong

TIPS:

Include at least 3 drawings from direct observation. If you have in the past copied from photographs or other flat copy, you can improve your portfolio with drawings from observation. Include sketches as well as finished drawings.

FACT!

The Penny W. Stamps Distinguished Speaker Series brings respected artists and designers to Ann Arbor every Thursday at 5:10 pm during the academic year. These talks are free of charge and open to the public. 

ALUMNUS

Mike Kelly, American politician
Chris Van Allsburg, Illustrator and Writer
Michelle Oka Donner, Artist
Warren Robbins, Art collector
Jim Shaw, Artist
James A. Chaffers, DARCH Charles Correa, HSCD
Michele Oka Donner, MFA
Charles W. Moore, HDRAC
Warren Robbins, MA
Madonna, Pop Star
Kenneth Jay Lane, Designer

ADMISSIONS OFFICE

Tauber Institute for Global Operations 
1220 SAB 515 E JEFFERSON
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1316

(734) 647-1333