QUICK ANSWER
For a student at a U.S. boarding or day school who comes home to Gangnam on breaks, the best academy is the one that can finish a portfolio inside those breaks. The calendar is tight: RISD Early Decision closes November 1, MICA Early Action November 16, Pratt Early Action and SAIC’s merit priority November 15, and SVA Early Action and CalArts’ preferred date December 1. That leaves one summer as the main production window.
About half of Royal Blue’s students are Korean students at U.S. middle and high schools who prepare during breaks, so we plan around exactly these dates.
GANGNAM · 1
Early Dates the Summer Must Serve
| Date | School and round |
|---|---|
| November 1 | RISD Early Decision (binding) |
| November 15 | Pratt Early Action; SAIC priority merit |
| November 16 | MICA Early Action |
| December 1 | SVA Early Action; CalArts preferred date |
From RISD, Pratt, SAIC, MICA, SVA and CalArts admissions pages, checked October 2026.
GANGNAM · 2
A Break-Based Plan
- Winter break, junior year: choose a direction and a school list; start observational drawing.
- Spring at school: keep a sketchbook; schools such as Pratt ask for recent observational work.
- Summer before senior year: produce most of the portfolio; this is the only long block before November.
- Fall at school: finish essays and photography of work remotely; submit early rounds.
WHAT TO ASK A GANGNAM ACADEMY
Can it run full-day sessions in a short break, review work remotely during the term, and show a dated results list? See the academy comparison worksheet and planning to the U.S. calendar.
GANGNAM · 3
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a student at a U.S. school prepare a portfolio in Korea during breaks?
Yes, if the plan uses the summer before senior year as the main production window.
Which deadlines matter most for break-based students?
RISD ED November 1, Pratt EA and SAIC merit priority November 15, MICA EA November 16, and SVA EA and CalArts’ preferred date December 1.
Is there an official ranking of Gangnam art academies?
No. Compare academies on dated results, planning and fees.
What should happen during the school term?
Sketchbook work, recent observational drawing, and remote review of essays and progress.
Does Royal Blue teach students from U.S. schools?
Yes. About half of our students attend U.S. middle and high schools.
ROYAL BLUE ART & DESIGN
Our director has taught Korean students for U.S. art schools for 19 years, from our studio in Apgujeong, Gangnam. Our results page lists 1,099 acceptances, 2009–2026, each confirmed directly with the student. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
From RISD, Pratt, SAIC, MICA, SVA and CalArts admissions pages. Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: Academies in Apgujeong · Choosing an Academy · RISD Portfolio · Late Start Plan (Korean) · Royal Blue Results