Optional Arts Portfolio (Creative Writing, Dance, Music, Studio Art, Theater only)
Applicants who intend to make a significant commitment to creative writing, dance, music, studio art or theater are welcome to submit a portfolio as part of the application process. Faculty members make every effort to review portfolios and provide feedback to the Admission Office.
Once your Common Application is processed by the Admission Office, you will receive an email with login credentials to your Connecticut College applicant portal. Log into your portal and upload the portfolio materials designated below. You must complete this process within 7 days of your application deadline.
Creative Writing: Select either a narrative piece (fiction or non-fiction, no more than 15 pages) or 3 poems that best represent your creative expression.
Dance: You're invited to dance with us each fall! We host two Welcome Days during which you can visit and dance with us in person. Learn more about them here. If you aren't able to visit in person, you can submit video of a solo, from 1.5 to two minutes in length and in any style you'd like, for your Arts Portfolio. In your portfolio, please indicate that you're interested in the Dance Major. (You don't need to declare a major until the end of your sophomore year—and it's fine if you change your mind—but it's helpful to know of your interest during the portfolio review process.) Learn more on the Dance Department webpages.
Music: Upload two contrasting pieces that illustrate your musical proficiency. Be sure to indicate the title and composer for each piece, along with the medium (i.e. your instrument, including voice). Do not submit ensemble recordings unless you are the featured soloist. If you are submitting an original composition, upload the score as well as the recording. Submission of a musical resume is optional.
Studio Art: Upload 5-10 files that showcase your experiences in art-making. Our faculty want to see your technical ability, your creativity — regarding use of materials as well as ideas — and your independent drive. You may submit work done in class and/or on your own.
Theater: Our faculty are interested in your creativity, commitment and passion for theater in whatever form it may take and welcome materials that demonstrate your work as an actor, director, playwright, designer, technician or writer about theater. Due to COVID-19, the department will not be offering in-person interviews and/or auditions. Instead, please consider signing up for a virtual interview with our faculty by contacting Dotty Jo Scott, academic department assistant (dscott4@conncoll.edu). Or submit a video no longer than five minutes of you speaking to the camera and describing your activities in theater, your special interest, and how you find creativity through theater. If you are an actor, please include two contrasting monologues no longer than 1.5 minutes each, and two minutes of you speaking directly to camera addressing why you chose the pieces and what you’re looking for in a college-level theater program. Please be sure to be well lit, in front of a neutral background, and arrange for good sound quality. Please do not submit recordings of live performances.
Portfolio reviews are not required as part of the admission process and enrolling students do not need to declare a major until second semester of sophomore year. Please contact the department of interest to you for further details about the process for declaring a major.