QUICK ANSWER
A Korean arts high school (예고) gives a student daily studio time and strong observational training, which several U.S. schools still ask to see. What it does not supply automatically is work the student chose and developed alone, documented process, and writing. Most class assignments also have a shelf life: Pratt wants work from the last 18 months, and RISD asks for recent work.
So the question is not whether 예고 helps, but how to turn three years of assignments into a portfolio that meets each school’s written rules.
YEGO TO U.S. · 1
What 예고 Covers and What It Does Not
| U.S. requirement | Covered by typical 예고 work? |
|---|---|
| Some direct observation (RISD, SVA, Pratt 3–5 pieces) | Usually yes: still life, figure and life drawing are core training |
| Recent work (Pratt: last 18 months; RISD: most recent) | Only the last year or so of assignments will count |
| Student’s own subjects and point of view (RISD) | Not automatically; set assignments need to be balanced with self-directed work |
| Process (RISD up to 3 uploads; Parsons descriptions of 2 pieces) | Sketches exist, but need selecting and presenting |
| Writing (Common App essay, Parsons two essays, SVA statement) | Not covered; needs separate preparation in English |
| English score (SVA 80 / Pratt 92 / RISD 5 new scale) | Not covered |
From the official application pages of RISD, Parsons, Pratt and SVA, checked October 2026.
YEGO TO U.S. · 2
Turning Assignments into a Portfolio
- Sort by date. Set aside anything older than about 18 months for Pratt, and favour the most recent work everywhere.
- Keep the best observation. Three to five strong observational pieces satisfy RISD, SVA and Pratt. More than that crowds out other work.
- Add two or three self-directed projects. Choose your own subject, develop it over several pieces, and keep the sketches.
- Credit shared work. RISD asks that collaborative work credit other artists. Group projects from school should say so.
- Start the writing early. Essays and statements are in English and take longer than families expect.
FOR 예고 FAMILIES
The final year of 예고 is busy with school assessments and, for many students, Korean university preparation. U.S. deadlines start with RISD Early Decision on November 1 and Pratt Early Action on November 15, so self-directed projects are best started in the second year. Our pages on Hongik vs U.S. preparation and turning exam training into a portfolio go further.
YEGO TO U.S. · 3
Frequently Asked Questions
Do U.S. art schools value Korean arts high school training?
Several ask for observational drawing, which 예고 training builds well. They also ask for the student’s own ideas, process and writing.
Can I use class assignments in my portfolio?
Yes, if they are recent and strong. Pratt asks for work from the last 18 months, and RISD asks for recent work.
How many observational pieces should I include?
Pratt asks for 3–5; RISD and SVA ask for some. A few strong pieces are better than many.
Do I need to credit group work?
RISD asks that collaborative work credit the other artists involved.
When should a 예고 student start U.S. preparation?
Self-directed projects and English test preparation are best started in the second year, before the final-year workload.
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.
Requirements from the official application pages of RISD, Parsons, Pratt and SVA. Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: Hongik vs U.S. Preparation · From Exam to Portfolio · Copying Sample Portfolios · Gap Year Before U.S. Art School · Royal Blue Results