Application Process
VAC Application Timeline
The application cycle for SY 2024-2025 is now over.
Please check back in the fall of 2024 to find dates below to apply to the VAC for SY 2025-2026.
October (date tbd) : Countywide Programs Application Opens
(All Students interested in applying to the VAC must complete the countywide application first)
November (date tbd): Countywide Programs Application Closes
Applicants who indicated interest in the VAC on the Countywide Program Application will be invited to apply and attend an information session about the application
November (date tbd): VAC Information Session, virtual
January (date tbd): Portfolio Submission Due
January (date tbd): Virtual Drawing Session
Decision letters will be sent via email in February
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
Students need to prepare a portfolio that reflects their best artwork. This should include:
1 Portrait, 2-3 still life artworks, 5-7 completed artworks in any media and an artist statement. Submit these materials using the provided portfolio template by January (date tbd).
By submitting an online application, the student is required to attend a virtual drawing session on Saturday(date tbd) from 9:00am to 11:00am. If students are unable to attend this session please let the VAC team know ASAP. A virtual meeting invite for the drawing session will be sent to applicants who submitted a portfolio on (date tbd).
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 (date tbd). The faculty will contact the parent/guardian to discuss accommodations.
PORTFOLIO CONSIDERATIONS
Students are encouraged to show their unique talents and to bring a portfolio that may include: sketchbooks, drawings, paintings, sculptures, mixed media work, photographs and digital artwork.
Students must provide evidence of observational value drawing by including representations of one portrait and two-three still life drawings. Students may choose to include an additional observational drawing that represents a subject of choice.
Cartoon or Manga style artwork must be original and not copied from other artists.
When evaluating portfolios, the Selection Committee is looking for:
Creativity & Content – does the artist express a personal statement and/or communicate ideas in an innovative way?
Composition & Design – does the artist demonstrate an understanding of fundamental art elements and design principles?
Craftsmanship & Media Manipulation – does the artist demonstrate skill and technique when utilizing various art media?
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.