Application Process

VAC Application Timeline

The application cycle for SY 2025-2026 is now OPEN

Dates for fall of 2024 to apply to the VAC for SY 2025-2026.

(All Students interested in applying to the VAC must complete the countywide application first)

                 Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/bbm-qqpj-bdb

                 Or dial: ‪(US) +1 337-445-0354‬ PIN: ‪167 502 290‬#


STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

Any student who resides in Montgomery County and is currently enrolled in grades 8-11 is encouraged to apply for acceptance into this magnet program if they are interested in a rigorous advanced level portfolio development program.  The VAC program is open to applicants from all high schools in the county. Students accepted into the VAC program will need to transfer to Albert Einstein High School.  Downcounty Consortium (DCC) resident students who have accepted into the Visual Arts Center will be provided transportation from Consortia neighborhood stops.

Students not residing in the DCC are responsible for providing their own transportation to Einstein in the morning and back home in the afternoon.


APPLICATION PROCESS & DEADLINES

STEP 1: Submit County Wide Application 

(Open Oct 4, Closes Nov 1)

Countywide Programs Application

STEP 2: SUBMIT PORTFOLIO by January 6th 2025

Students need to prepare a portfolio that reflects their best artwork.  Students must use  this provided portfolio template  and will submit their portfolio in CANVAS. (Students will be invited to the canvas classroom ONLY if they have submitted the countywide application)

Portfolio Must Include: 

****Please see the PORTFOLIO SAMPLES PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS*****


STEP 3: LIVE DRAWING SESSION January 11th 2025

The final required step of the application is attending a virtual live drawing session on Saturday January 11 2025 from 9:00am to 11:00am. If students are unable to attend this session due to a significant family or religious reason please let the VAC team know ASAP as we will have ONE makeup session. A virtual meeting invite for the drawing session will be sent to applicants who submitted a portfolio. 

If the student requires accommodations, a copy of the Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, or English Language Learner (ELL) Plan that specifies the accommodations MUST be submitted to the VAC faculty by January 6 2025.  The faculty will contact the parent/guardian to discuss accommodations.


SELECTION & NOTIFICATION

Admission to Visual Art Center is very competitive. There are about 35 seats available each year, a waitlist is generated from the applications and offers to waitlisted applicants are determined by the acceptance/rejection of seats. For candidates applying for seats in 10 grade or above, the number of open seats is determined based on vacancies for the following school year in that particular cohort. Acceptance and waitlist order are generated by scores of multiple criteria including portfolio content, artist statement, and drawing session artwork.

Decision letters will be sent by the end of February


VAC Instructors

Mrs. Sarah Harnish | sarah.m.harnish@mcpsmd.net

Ms. Mygenet Harris | mygenet.t.harris@mcpsmd.net

MCPS Fine Arts Content Specialist

Ms. Anjali Wells | anjali_maden@mcpsmd.org