RISD: Making your application stand out without the Assignment

This week RISD announced a significant change in their application, for the first time in as long as we can remember, they have dropped the infamous "Assignment" from their admissions requirements.

What is the RISD Assignment?

In previous years students have anxiously awaited the Assignment which required them to create a specific artwork in response to a prompt; one of the most famous of these prompts is the "Bicycle Assignment" where students must submit a unique and personal rendition of a bicycle, from any angle, and we've seen some fantastic artwork from this prompt. RISD's reason for discontinuing the Assignment is:

After extensive research and discussion, it has become evident that requiring the RISD Assignment functions as a barrier for applicants and is in direct conflict with RISD’s Social Equity and Inclusion action plan. To provide more access and equity in our admissions process, we have made the decision to remove the RISD Assignment as an application requirement beginning with the 2022/23 application cycle. We will continue to prioritize the portfolio when evaluating the visual component of an applicant’s candidacy.

How is the RISD application process changing without the Assignment?

While we applaud this, and all decisions which makes the application more equitable, we're now left to anticipate how RISD will alter their evaluation of applications. RISD has always wanted to see a student's voice and perspective in a cohesive body of work, they require 12-20 pieces and want you to strictly curate your portfolio, so in this case less is definitely more. RISD also wants students to push the boundaries and create art that experiments with materials, techniques, and subject. Because you do not apply into a specific major at RISD your work does not need to be oriented to a major as all students declare their major after a very rigorous freshman foundation year.

Foremost, RISD looks for students with exceptional technical skills and those that show successful risk taking. RISD loves curious students, you need to show that thirst to understand and problem solve in your portfolio. But, your portfolio is more than your artwork and we suggest you pay very close attention to the sequence in which you present your art and the descriptions which accompany each piece. You want to lead the viewer through a story which means each piece is like a chapter in a novel, you want the reviewer to see each work, read your short (maximum of 1,000 character) narrative, think, and then anticipate the next piece, just as you would reading a great book, or watching a great tv/film series. 

Including An Artistic Statement

Unlike their peer schools, such as Pratt, SAIC or MICA, RISD does not require an artist statement. That does not mean they don't value the written word, they definitely do, and as such we'd advise students also craft an excellent personal statement in response to a Common Application prompt as they definitely look for sophisticated thought and expression and without the Assignment as a source of differentiation, they could certainly put heavier weight on the application essay. 

Look for RISD Hosted Events

We also always advise students to attend National Portfolio Day though the schedule for fall 2022 has not yet been announced. You can also request a review from RISD's admissions office, but do it soon so you will have time to act on their suggestions. RISD is very generous with their time and offers many online information sessions, attend them, you will learn about how they think. If you want to learn more about RISD we highly recommend you read their FAQ that answers many questions you might have and some you didn't think about.

Rhode Island School of 2022-2023 Design Decision Dates & Next Steps…

As for all schools, we highly advise students to carefully read the RISD application instructions, paying special attention to the "Portfolio and the RISD Assignment section." 

You may feel as though you're "off the hook" without the Assignment but this may serve to make RISD more competitive as more students will most likely submit applications. Also note that the Early Decision deadline remains November 1, 2022 but the Regular Decision date has been moved up to January 17, 2023. If you do not want to commit to making RISD your first choice we highly advise you use the additional time to create thoughtful portfolio work. View your portfolio and your application as a visual personal statement, show who you are, what you care about, what inspires you. 

RISD isn't for everyone, but if you think it's for you we'd love to help you submit the best application possible, here's my calendar, schedule an appointment to talk today.