# AP Art and Design Portfolio The AP Art and Design Portfolio, offered by the College Board, is a college-level program designed to help high school students in grades 11-12 develop and showcase their artistic talents. This program focuses on creating a portfolio of work that demonstrates a student’s creativity, technical skills, and ability to communicate ideas through art. By completing this program, students not only gain advanced experience in the arts but also have the opportunity to earn college credit based on their portfolio assessment. ## Program Structure The AP Art and Design Portfolio program is offered in a fully virtual format, allowing students from across the globe to participate. Students will work independently over the course of the academic year to develop a portfolio that reflects their personal artistic vision and skill. The program is divided into three main portfolio options: - **2-D Art and Design** - **3-D Art and Design** - **Drawing** Students choose one of these three areas and create a portfolio that includes: 1. **Sustained Investigation**: A series of works that explore a specific idea or theme in-depth. 2. **Selected Works**: Pieces that highlight technical expertise and artistic growth. The portfolio is submitted digitally to the College Board at the end of the school year for evaluation by professional art educators. ## What Students Experience Students in the AP Art and Design Portfolio program will engage with rigorous, self-directed projects that challenge their creativity and technical abilities. They will receive guidance from their school’s AP Art and Design teacher (if available) or another mentor, who will help them refine their work and prepare their portfolio for submission. Throughout the program, students will: - Explore a variety of materials, techniques, and artistic concepts. - Develop a unique artistic voice and create a cohesive body of work around a central idea. - Learn to document and present their work professionally in a digital format. - Receive feedback on their work that helps them grow as artists. By the end of the program, students will have a polished portfolio that showcases their skills and demonstrates their potential to college admissions officers and art schools. ## Why It Matters for College Applications The AP Art and Design Portfolio is a valuable addition to any college application, especially for students interested in pursuing careers or degrees in the arts. Success in this program demonstrates to colleges that a student has the discipline, creativity, and technical skill required for advanced study in the field. Additionally, earning a qualifying score on the portfolio evaluation may translate to college credit, saving students time and money in their post-secondary education. For students applying to art schools, the completed portfolio can also serve as a submission piece during the admissions process. ## Eligibility The AP Art and Design Portfolio program is open to high school students in grades 11-12. While students do not need prior AP experience to participate, they should have a strong interest in the arts and some foundational skills in their chosen medium. Access to art materials and the ability to work independently are also important for success in this program. ## How to Participate To participate in the AP Art and Design Portfolio program, students must register for the course through their school or local AP coordinator. Students should ensure their school offers the program or find an AP-approved provider. The cost for the program is $100, which covers the portfolio submission fee. For more information, including portfolio requirements and submission details, visit the [College Board AP Art and Design](https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-2-d-art-and-design) website. Be sure to check with your school for registration deadlines and additional requirements.