Undergraduate Admissions: BA (Art)

The Gwen Frostic School of Art is housed in new facilities that offer innovative spaces for the creation, exhibition, and study of art. In close proximity to the Department of Dance, School of Music, and the Department of Theatre, we provide interdisciplinary opportunities to visual and performing artists. Together we form the College of Fine Arts at Western Michigan University – a center dedicated to future-oriented creative excellence.

University Admission

Whether an incoming freshman or a transfer student, apply first to the office of undergraduate admissions and orientation. You may apply via WMU's Undergraduate Admissions website or call 269.387.2000 for an application.

Frostic School of Art Application Process

Apply second to the Frostic School of Art. This can be done concurrently with the WMU application.

Having chosen the Frostic School of Art for your creative studies, we want to get a sense of who you are as a creative individual. The following guidelines for organizing your portfolio and statement of intent should help you with the process.

Statement of Intent: Your statement of intent should give us a sense of your creative aspirations, ideas and goals. Try to keep your statement in the present tense and avoid resorting to generalities and clichés (“I’ve always been an artist.”) (“My work is about my emotions.”) Statements can be powerful narratives that convey a strong sense of who you are as a creative individual—they can be humorous, poignant, startling and inventive. Be as specific and as clear as possible when crafting your statement. Have someone you know and trust proofread it. Use spell check. Your statement might include responses to some of the following questions:
- why you have chosen the Frostic School of Art at WMU for your undergraduate education?
- what is your work about? Are there particular themes you are exploring?
- what are your interests as an artist? Are there materials and processes that specifically engage you?
- what artists and/or art movements are you interested in?
- what have you read lately, and/or what websites have you visited lately, and how have these influenced your thinking about art?
- what are your creative goals?
- what (or who) has influenced you the most and how?
- of the work you have submitted, which are you most proud of and why?

Your portfolio is an essential part of us getting to know you, and should highlight your artistic strengths and abilities. The work you submit should be recent (created within the last two years) and original (do not include work that is drawn from photographs or other artists’ work). Your complete portfolio should have between eight and ten original works. While these works may have been assignments for art classes, we strongly encourage you to create pieces for your portfolio that reflect your individual ideas, talents and inspirations.ated. (for video format, see Step 3). Portfolios should include the following:
- one or more examples of drawing from direct observation with recognizable subject matter. These can include traditional and/or non-traditional materials, and should demonstrate your understanding of proportions.
- one or more examples of other two-dimensional artwork you have created (not photography). These can include printmaking, painting, experimental drawing, design, collage or other media.
- four to six examples of your strongest artwork. This can include drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, video, performance art or any other form of visual art that you have created. (for video format, see Step 3).

Recommendation: A recommendation is required for all applicants to the Frostic School of Art. The online recommendation form should be completed by a person who is familiar with your artistic abilities (an art teacher, a counselor, an employer, a teacher, etc).

Download complete instructions (pdf)

Applicants must submit their portfolio and supporting writing material to us online at frosticart.slideroom.com A $10.00 fee is charged by slideroom at the time of a completed application.

Formatting Your Digital Images and Video

The following links provide useful information for preparing and formating your artwork for your application.

Frostic School of Art Application Deadlines

February 1 – fall admission and freshman scholarship consideration
April 15 – fall admission only
October 1 – spring admission and freshman scholarship consideration

Letter of Notification

A letter of notification is sent to each applicant approximately four weeks after the application deadline informing you of the following action:

Accepted, no reservations. You are accepted into the Frostic School of Art starting Fall semester.
Acceptance denied. You are not admitted into the Frostic School of Art.
Waiting list. When and if space becomes available, you will be notified of your acceptance.

BFA Program Admissions

After you have been accepted to the Frostic School of Art as a BA: Bachelor of Art candidate, you have the option to additionally apply to one of the following BFA programs: BFA with teacher certification (K-12), BFA in Graphic Design, BFA in Art with emphasis in Ceramics, Metals / Jewelry, Painting, Photography, Photography & Intermedia, Printmaking or Sculpture. These forms are also found on online.