How to Apply

Request Info from Admissions

• Apply online at http://www.csumentor.edu/ by November 30th for the following Fall Quarter (our program accepts new students only in the fall and does not participate in “early admission decision”).

• The following January, our department receives a list from the Admissions Office of applicants for our program who meet university requirements for the art and design major.

• About the end of January or early February, eligible candidates will be sent an invitation with detailed information necessary to submit an appropriate portfolio (via the e-mail address submitted online with Admissions when applying for Cal Poly).

• Portfolios will be due about the end of February (approximately 4-6 weeks from the time the invitation to submit is sent).

• Portfolios will be reviewed a week or two after the due date, and you should see the outcome on MyCalPoly within three weeks of the review (or by the end of March), and receive your portfolio (if mailed back to you) by mid-April. Portfolios may be picked up beginning April 1 (Mon-Fri). Portfolios not picked up by the end of April will be discarded.

When submitting a portfolio, the best advice we can give you is to follow the directions as closely as possible. You should showcase your talents while highlighting any unique skills (such as computer knowledge) that you may have. We suggest you consult teachers and career professionals in your area with expertise related to the career you wish to pursue. Suggested reading for graphic design applicants include the following magazines: Communication Arts, Print, Step-by-Step, How, Graphis, and Wired. These are available at most large bookstores. Part of our criteria for admission is a clear demonstration of knowledge regarding the career to be pursued, and appropriate presentation of relevant work in the portfolio. You may wish to view our samples of previously accepted student portfolios demonstrating the level of work we consider characteristic of applicants admitted to our program.

You should also be sure to view information specific to your desired major concentration area, or if you are interested in pursuing a minor, our specific Art Minor information.