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US Arts Center

Chantilly (703) 996-9105 / Fairfax (703) 822-7766

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    • About Our Founder
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    • Schedule a Trial Class
    • Weekly Art Classes
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    • Portfolio Preparation
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  • Summer Programs
    • Camp Programs for K-6
    • 3D Multimedia w BalsaWood
    • Life Model Drawing
    • Multimedia Papercut
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    • Beginner Level
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    • Advanced Level
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    • Contact Us
    • Absence/Makeup
    • Pay Fees Online
    • Recommendation Letters
    • Employment Opportunities
  • News & Events
  • More
    • Home
    • About
      • About Our Founder
      • Locations
      • School Policies
      • Testimonials
    • Classes
      • Class Schedule
      • Schedule a Trial Class
      • Weekly Art Classes
      • Online Art Classes
      • Portfolio Preparation
      • Tuition & Fees
      • Cancellation Policy
    • Summer Programs
      • Camp Programs for K-6
      • 3D Multimedia w BalsaWood
      • Life Model Drawing
      • Multimedia Papercut
      • Absence/Makeup Policy
    • Gallery
      • College Admission Results
      • Award Winners
      • Virtual Wall of Fame
      • Beginner Level
      • Intermediate Level
      • Advanced Level
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Absence/Makeup
      • Pay Fees Online
      • Recommendation Letters
      • Employment Opportunities
    • News & Events
US Arts Center

Chantilly (703) 996-9105 / Fairfax (703) 822-7766

  • Home
  • About
    • About Our Founder
    • Locations
    • School Policies
    • Testimonials
  • Classes
    • Class Schedule
    • Schedule a Trial Class
    • Weekly Art Classes
    • Online Art Classes
    • Portfolio Preparation
    • Tuition & Fees
    • Cancellation Policy
  • Summer Programs
    • Camp Programs for K-6
    • 3D Multimedia w BalsaWood
    • Life Model Drawing
    • Multimedia Papercut
    • Absence/Makeup Policy
  • Gallery
    • College Admission Results
    • Award Winners
    • Virtual Wall of Fame
    • Beginner Level
    • Intermediate Level
    • Advanced Level
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Absence/Makeup
    • Pay Fees Online
    • Recommendation Letters
    • Employment Opportunities
  • News & Events

Art Portfolio Preparation

Enhance college applications with an outstanding art portfolio

Whether or not students apply for an art degree, an art portfolio created with our guidance will make all applications stand out.

Guidance from elite teachers

Our Art Portfolio Preparation teachers all have at minimum a MFA degree and a strong professional art practice. They also have years of experience teaching art classes at a high school and college level

Plein air practice

On top of building observational skills in our regular weekly art classes, we also incorporate one yearly outdoor trip to a park or a museum for the art portfolio preparation students to draw or to paint.


Interested in registering for our portfolio preparation program? Please contact us to schedule a portfolio consultation.

Schedule Portfolio Meeting

Summer Portfolio Prep Booster

Extra time and space for portfolio work

Enroll in this supplemental daytime portfolio program over the summer to create more work for portfolios. 


Click the button below for more information!

Find out more

Sample Portfolio Students

Ann L. 

Major: Bio-Engineering  


Schools Accepted:

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
  • Williams
  • Cornell
  • Caltech
  • Stanford
  • Northwestern
  • University of California Berkeley  (UC Berkeley)

13 years at US Arts since 4 years old

Rachel L.


Schools Accepted:

  • School of Art Institute Chicago (SAIC)  with $70,000 Scholarship
  • Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
  • Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
  • Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)

10 years at US Arts since 7 years old

Amanda H. 


Schools Accepted:

  • University of Pittsburgh with $100,000 Scholarship 
  • University of Michigan
  • University of California Berkeley
  • University of California Los Angelos (UCLA)
  • University of Southern California (USC)
  • Carnegie Mellon
  • Boston College
  • University of Virginia (UVA)
  • William & Mary

Jessica L.

Major: Applied Math


Schools Accepted:

  • Columbia University –  Davis Scholar
  • Duke University - Pratt School of Engineering
  • John Hopkins Univeristy - Biomedical Engineering
  • Carnegie Mellon University, School of Computer Science 
  • University of Virginia – Rodman Scholar
  • William & Mary - Full Scholarship

Start age: 8, here until 18

Portfolio Student Testimonials

Maggie L.

 I’ve  been studying art at the US Arts Center since 7th grade and it has been the pillar of my art education since. US Arts Center provided the educators and materials I needed to grow as an artist, as well as the support and guidance for building an art portfolio for college. I was able to study a wide variety of art mediums such as acrylic paint, colored pencil, charcoal, and much more. They allowed me to explore my artistic passions and experiment with my work. I learned under many amazing artists and skilled teachers who personalized my lessons so I could improve all aspects of my artistic   abilities. The teachers and staff even helped me prepare a strong portfolio so I could get into a top art program in college. I am so grateful for US   Arts to help me become a better artist!     

Rachel L.

U.S. Arts is very devoted to helping students create art and continues to support them. There are plenty of materials at the students' availability in order   for them to work towards their passion. The teachers are friendly and   knowledgeable, and have guided me through the never-ending art process. They have also assisted me in creating a compelling college portfolio. After 10 years of attending U.S. Arts, I can say that I am grateful to have been a   part of their community.   

Madison T.

US Arts played a big role in the improvement of my portfolio. Thanks to the   instructors who took time to sit down with me and discuss ways to enhance and elevate my pieces.
   Not only did they help with the technical side of my pieces but also the conceptual sides. Overall, I’m very happy I got the opportunity to improve my skills and grow my portfolio at US Arts.     

Take Your Portfolio & College Application to the Next Level

Schedule a Portfolio Consultation

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