QUICK ANSWER
This page is for students at academic (non-arts) high schools in Korea, including university-affiliated schools, who want to study art in the U.S. A strong academic record opens two different doors. At universities such as Columbia, the art portfolio is optional at admission and the visual arts major is chosen later. At art schools such as RISD, Parsons and Pratt, the portfolio is required and central.
Which door you aim for decides how to spend limited studio time. An academic student cannot usually match an arts high school student’s hours, so the plan has to be focused.
ACADEMIC ROUTE · 1
Two Doors, Two Weightings
| University art major (e.g. Columbia) | Art school (e.g. RISD, Parsons, Pratt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio at admission | Optional: Columbia accepts up to 20 images via SlideRoom | Required: RISD 12–20, Parsons 8–12, Pratt 10–20 |
| When you choose art | Columbia: declare Visual Arts in the second year | Apply to a programme or school of art from the start |
| Academic record | Central to admission | Considered alongside the portfolio |
| English | Set by each university | For example RISD accepts TOEFL 5, or SAT Reading and Writing 600 |
From Columbia Undergraduate Admissions and the Columbia College Bulletin, and RISD, Parsons and Pratt application pages, checked October 2026.
For an academic student one detail stands out: RISD lists an SAT Reading and Writing score of 600, or ACT English and Reading of 25 each, as ways to meet its English requirement. A student already preparing for the SAT may not need a separate TOEFL for RISD.
ACADEMIC ROUTE · 2
A Focused Studio Plan
- Pick the door first. If the goal is Columbia-type majors, build a short, strong supplement. If it is an art school, plan for a full portfolio.
- Protect weekly studio hours. Regular time matters more than occasional long sessions.
- Cover observation efficiently. Three to five strong observational pieces meet RISD, SVA and Pratt rules.
- Use academic strengths. Research-led projects suit Parsons, which asks for work on an issue or system you care about.
- Watch recency. Pratt asks for work from the last 18 months, so start new work no later than the second year.
FOR KOREAN FAMILIES
An academic high school is not a disadvantage for U.S. art study, but it changes the plan. Decide early between university art majors and art schools, or apply to both with a portfolio that serves each. Our guides to Columbia Visual Arts and university majors vs art schools explain the trade-offs.
ACADEMIC ROUTE · 3
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a student from an academic high school get into a U.S. art school?
Yes. Art schools assess the portfolio and record of every applicant; the student needs enough recent work to meet each school’s range.
Is a portfolio required for Columbia?
No. Columbia’s Visual Arts supplement is optional, up to 20 images via SlideRoom.
Can the SAT replace TOEFL for RISD?
RISD lists SAT Reading and Writing 600, or ACT English and Reading 25 each, among the ways to meet its English requirement.
How many observational pieces are needed?
Pratt asks for 3–5; RISD and SVA ask for some. Parsons does not require pure observational work.
When should an academic-school student start a portfolio?
By the second year of high school, since Pratt counts only work from the last 18 months.
ROYAL BLUE ART & DESIGN
For 19 years we have prepared Korean students for U.S. art schools and university art programmes 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.
Columbia requirements from Undergraduate Admissions and the Columbia College Bulletin; RISD, Parsons, Pratt and SVA requirements from their application pages. Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: Columbia Visual Arts (Korean) · University Major vs Art School · 예고 and U.S. Applications · Gap Year Before U.S. Art School · Royal Blue Results