QUICK ANSWER
Middle school is too early to make application work, and the reason is in the schools’ own rules. Portfolio work must be recent: Pratt asks for work from the last 18 months, Emily Carr for work from the last two years, and RISD for recent work. English scores also expire: Pratt accepts TOEFL scores from within two years of the start term.
So middle school (중학교) is for building the habits and skills that later portfolios draw on, not for producing pieces to submit. Even RISD’s summer Pre-College requires students to be 16–18.
GRADES 7–9 · 1
Why Middle-School Work Rarely Reaches the Application
| Rule | What it means for a middle-school student |
|---|---|
| Pratt: work from the last 18 months | Work made in middle school will be too old for a Fall 2027 or later application |
| Emily Carr: work from the last two years | Same: only high-school work counts |
| RISD: 12–20 of your most recent works | Recency is built into the request |
| Pratt: TOEFL within two years of the start term | A test taken in middle school will have expired |
| RISD Pre-College: ages 16–18 | Summer programmes come in high school, not middle school |
From Pratt’s application requirements, Emily Carr’s application requirements, RISD’s first-year page and RISD Pre-College application information, checked October 2026.
GRADES 7–9 · 2
What Middle School Is For
- Drawing from life, regularly. RISD, SVA and Pratt ask for observational work later; the habit is built now.
- A sketchbook habit. Process becomes useful evidence later: RISD accepts up to three process uploads, and Parsons asks for written descriptions.
- Reading and writing in English. Statements and essays come later, and English minimums such as RISD’s TOEFL 5 take years to reach.
- Range before focus. Try media widely, so that a direction chosen in high school is a real choice.
- No copying. RISD discourages master copies and fan art in portfolios; learn from them privately, but build your own subjects.
FOR KOREAN FAMILIES
The pressure to start “portfolio prep” early is understandable, but the rules reward recent, self-directed work made in high school. Spend middle school on skill, habit and English, then start application work around the second year of high school. See elementary school art for the stage before, and 예고 and U.S. applications for the stage after.
GRADES 7–9 · 3
Frequently Asked Questions
Can middle-school artwork go in a U.S. art school portfolio?
Rarely. Pratt asks for work from the last 18 months and RISD for recent work, so middle-school pieces are usually too old.
Should a middle-school student take the TOEFL?
Not for applications: Pratt, for example, accepts scores only from within two years of the start term.
Can middle-school students attend RISD Pre-College?
No. RISD Pre-College applicants must be 16–18 and have finished 10th or 11th grade.
What should a middle-school student focus on?
Regular drawing from life, a sketchbook habit, English reading and writing, and trying many media.
When should portfolio preparation start?
Around the second year of high school, so the work is recent enough when applications are due.
ROYAL BLUE ART & DESIGN
For 19 years we have prepared Korean students for U.S. art schools from our studio in Apgujeong, Seoul. Our public record lists 1,099 acceptances confirmed directly with students at 95 schools. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
From Pratt, Emily Carr, RISD and RISD Pre-College application pages. Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: Elementary School Art · 예고 and U.S. Applications · Gap Year Before U.S. Art School · Copying Sample Portfolios · Royal Blue Results