Transferring from Northwest College of Art to SAIC?

I'm currently studying at Northwest College of Art and considering transferring to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). Has anyone made a similar switch? Any tips on the application process or what credits might transfer over?

Transferring between arts institutions can be quite a process, but with proper planning, it can be done smoothly.

One of the first things to do when initiating the transfer process is to reach out to an admissions counselor at SAIC. This will help you get guidance on the application process specifics and any deadlines you need to be aware of. They also might be able to provide you with information on former students who did a similar transfer, and general tips based on that past experience.

Most importantly, an admissions counselor can provide you with information on how Northwest College of Art credits transfer over to SAIC. Keep in mind that this can vary widely between schools, so don't necessarily expect all your credits to transfer. Some schools only accept a certain number of transfer credits, and the curriculum and requirements at SAIC may be different from those at your current school.

You’ll also want to ensure that you’ve met all of SAIC's requirements for transfer students. For instance, SAIC typically asks for official transcripts from all previously attended institutions, letters of recommendation, a statement of intent, and a portfolio, among other things. So, you would want to start working on gathering these requirements early.

For your portfolio, be sure to demonstrate your talents, interests, and the range of techniques you've learned. Remember that SAIC will be keen to see your originality and your ability to critically reflect on your own work. Reviewing the portfolio guidelines provided by SAIC will be useful in putting together the best representation of your work.

Keep an eye on financial implications too – cost of tuition, living expenses, and potential changes in financial aid. Don’t hesitate to contact the financial aid office at SAIC for support in understanding what aid you may be eligible for and any scholarships that might be available to transfer students.

All the best with your potential transfer!