ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
OVERVIEW
Final-year undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply for Alumni Scholarship Awards to aid the completion of final projects: thesis, portfolio, or components of final projects. These cash awards are intended to cover project expenses. Applications are reviewed and rated by an alumni jury whose recommendations are approved by the SVA Alumni Society Board of Directors. Award details and eligibility requirements are outlined below. In 2026, 92 projects were funded a total of $62,500.
Complete information and guidelines will be available on this page in late September 2026.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Students must be in their final year at SVA, planning to graduate in the winter, spring, or summer of 2027.
Students must be matriculated (BFA, MFA, MPS, MA, or MAT candidates) in any major.
Students must complete their final projects by the end of the winter, spring, or summer 2027 semester.
Students must be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
These scholarships are available to international and domestic students.
Students may not apply multiple times while completing the same degree, even if their graduation year changes.
WHAT PROJECTS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING?
Funding supports the direct costs of completing required final projects (thesis, portfolio, or components of final projects).
Questions about project eligibility can be directed to alumnisociety@sva.edu.
All projects must be completed by the end of the winter, spring, or summer 2027 semester.
WHAT AWARDS ARE AVAILABLE?
Awards are funded by the general Alumni Scholarship Fund or by select named scholarship funds as determined by the scholarship review jury. (See a list of funds here, under “Alumni Scholarship Awards Funds.”)
Awards range from $500 to $2,000, not to exceed the total final project budget.
Exception: BFA Film students working on narrative films of any length—not documentary or animated films—are eligible to apply for the William C. Arkell Memorial Award and can request up to $5,000, not to exceed the total film budget.
SCHEDULE AND REQUIREMENTS
The SlideRoom application portal opens on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
Application deadline: Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 11:59pm ET.
Late, ineligible, and/or incomplete applications will not be reviewed or considered.
Applicants will receive notification of award status by email, and recipients will be announced in SVA Today in February 2027.
Award payments will be distributed in late February 2027.
Recipients must submit payment information to receive the award payment in a timely manner.
Award recipients’ artwork images will be retained for promotional purposes, and all award winners will be required to submit print-quality images of their completed projects, evidencing project completion.
Award recipients must notify the SVA Alumni Society if their project changes.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Miranda Pierce
alumnisociety@sva.edu
212.592.2305
APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
Applications will be reviewed by an independent jury of SVA alumni whose recommendations are approved by the SVA Alumni Society Board of Directors. Applications are scored on the following criteria:
Clarity and quality of the application, with emphasis placed on the project description and budget
Project inventiveness and originality
Merit of work samples
APPLICATION SUPPORT RESOURCES
HOW-TO-APPLY SESSIONS (RSVP REQUIRED)
Live, virtual How-to-Apply Sessions will be offered this year. Read the application guidelines below before attending a How-to-Apply Session. Attendance is not mandatory, but can be helpful. If you cannot attend due to your schedule, contact alumnisociety@sva.edu with any questions or to schedule an appointment via phone or Zoom. The How-to-Apply Sessions will not be recorded.
RSVP here with your SVA email. We will send the Zoom link via email on the day of the event.
Wednesday, October 21, 4:00pm – VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
Thursday, November 19, 4:00pm – VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
Monday, November 30, 4:00pm – VIRTUAL Q&A
WRITING CONSULTATIONS
SVA’s Writing Resource Center (WRC) is offering in-person or online writing support for the “Project Description” portion of the application. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity.
Book one-on-one writing consultations here.
If no appointments are available, contact the WRC at lcordoba@sva.edu.
NEED TECHNICAL SUPPORT?
Visit SlideRoom’s support page here.
If you cannot find the answer to your question on the support pages, find info on contacting support here.
SlideRoom Support typically provides answers within 48 hours—keep this in mind as the application deadline approaches.
GENERAL APPLICATION QUESTIONS
As the program administrator, Miranda cannot review full applications, images, project descriptions, or budgets. Miranda can answer questions about your application. Contact Miranda Pierce at alumnisociety@sva.edu.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Read all of the guidelines below. (Use sva.edu/asa as a shortcut to access this page.)
Submit your application through the online application portal hosted by SlideRoom: svaalumniawards.slideroom.com.
Don’t wait until the last minute to start your application!
Application portal opens: Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
Application deadline: Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 11:59 pm ET.
“→” in the guidelines indicates a specific form/question found in SlideRoom. These sections of the guidelines will include tips for answering the questions.
You can save your progress and log in and out of SlideRoom as often as you need before submitting.
USE OF GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IN ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS APPLICATIONS
If you use generative AI in your application and/or thesis, you must acknowledge it in your application.
STEP 1: VISIT SLIDEROOM + CREATE AN ACCOUNT/UPDATE YOUR EXISTING ACCOUNT
SlideRoom: svaalumniawards.slideroom.com
Use the name you are registered with as a student at SVA. Should you receive an award, we must be able to verify your identity based on the information in your SlideRoom account. If you are using a name other than your legal name, make sure the SVA Registrar has it on file.
Use your SVA email address for this SlideRoom application. We will contact you via your SVA email for all notifications and updates. Make sure to check your SVA email address for updates from the program.
If you have an existing SlideRoom account, make sure your contact information, including your email, is correct by logging in and selecting “Account Information” under your name in the upper right corner.
STEP 2: PROVIDE BASIC INFORMATION
SLIDEROOM → Student ID #
→ Student ID #? Fill in your Student ID #. Enter the correct Student ID #. Double-check your Student ID # before entering it. To find your Student ID #, log in to your MyID account and go to MyServices; your ID # is listed under your User Profile picture.
SLIDEROOM → ASA Applicant Information Form
→Do you use a name different from the one on your application? Enter the full name (first and last) you would like to be recognized by, if it is different from the name on the SlideRoom application. We will use this name in Alumni Society materials. Otherwise, we will use the name on the SlideRoom application.
→Pronouns: Choose from the options provided or enter your own answer.
→Degree and Major: Choose from the drop-down menu.
You are required to enter the correct degree and major. Double-check that you have selected the right degree and major.
→When are you graduating? Choose from the options provided.
Students must be in their final year at SVA and plan to graduate in the winter, spring, or summer of 2027.
→Confirm GPA status.
Students must be in good academic standing. Students in programs that track GPAs must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Your GPA or pass/fail status will be verified through SVA’s Registrar.
Contact your department if you are unsure whether your program tracks GPAs.
To check your GPA (for programs that have GPAs): Your cumulative GPA is listed on your transcript. To view your transcript, log in to your MyID account and go to MyServices. You do not need to submit your transcript with your application.
You must choose from the following options:
My program tracks GPAs & my GPA is 3.0 or above.
My program does not track GPAs (pass/fail).
I am in a one-year program.
→How did you hear about the scholarship opportunity? Choose from the drop-down menu.
SLIDEROOM → ASA Thesis Partner Information Form
→Do you have thesis partners? Thesis partners are other SVA students (in their final year and in the same program as you) who will also be graded on the same project, as it is also their thesis project. Students who wish to apply for collaborative projects (thesis partner projects) must apply together on one application. The collaboration/thesis partnership must designate one person to represent the project and provide their information on the Applicant Information Form. The group representative cannot apply for a separate individual award, nor can the partner(s) apply for separate awards. The group representative will accept payment on behalf of the thesis partnership. The group representative does not need to be added below.
Note that if your thesis partnership is dissolved, you must notify the Alumni Society in writing via email with your instructor, thesis advisor, and/or academic department copied.
If you have a thesis partner(s), select “Yes,” and fill out the following for each thesis partner: Legal Name, Student ID #, SVA Email, and Preferred Name (if there is an alternate name they would prefer to be recognized by).
You are required to include the first name, last name, and Student ID # for all thesis partners for them to be recognized.
STEP 3: DESCRIBE YOUR PROJECT IN WORDS
SLIDEROOM → ASA Project Information Form
→Thesis/Portfolio Project Title: If your project does not have a title, enter “Untitled.”
→Medium/Format: Briefly describe the substance or method you will use for your final project. If your project has multiple components, list them here.
→ 🚫I confirm that I am not including any links that can be updated after the due date. 🚫
I confirm that I am not including any links to documents or websites that may be subsequently updated. Do not use any links anywhere in your application (including the Media/Portfolio section) to sites/sheets/docs/etc. that are actively being updated with new work from your thesis. 🚫 YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE DISQUALIFIED IF YOU SHARE LINKS THAT CAN BE UPDATED AFTER THE DUE DATE 🚫
→How will you complete your thesis? Are you the only person working on your thesis? Do you have a thesis partner(s)? Will you be getting assistance (paid or unpaid) to complete the tasks associated with your thesis project?
🎥ARKELL AWARD APPLICANTS and BFA ANIMATION, BFA 3DFX, BFA FILM, and MPS FILM DIRECTING APPLICANTS: This information is required. You can provide it on the provided form below or in your production booklet in the Media section.
All others: If you have thesis partners or are receiving assistance, use the form provided.
You should include yourself on this list if you have collaborators (for example, Name: “Self” and Role: “Designer”). If you do not know who you will enlist for help, just say Name: “TBD,” and Role: “Web Designer,” for example. You do not have to list everyone working on your project if there are many. For example, if you are hiring multiple colorists for your animation, under Name, enter “5 People,” and under Role, enter “Colorists.”
Make sure to indicate whether anyone in your list is a thesis partner.
✏️ PROJECT SUMMARY & PROJECT DESCRIPTION TIP/WARNING
If you write these in another program and copy and paste them into SlideRoom, you will NOT be warned if write-ups are too long and get cut off. Before you copy and paste, make sure your project summary is under 300 characters (including spaces) and that your project description is under 3,000 characters (including spaces), and always double-check that your whole write-up has been pasted.
→Project Summary: A very brief description of your project. Consider this the 1–3 sentence “elevator pitch” summation of your project. If your project is film/video/animation, indicate whether it is a short or feature-length, narrative or documentary, 2D or 3D, etc., and the expected length of the final product. If you are working on a book, how many pages will it be? The maximum number of characters allowed is 300, including spaces.
→Project Description: A one-page proposal/narrative of your project. You are allowed up to 3,000 characters, including spaces. Be concise and specific. Make your case for support by stating your project's purpose, goals, or objectives. Include a project timeline and synopsis. Explain your budget—why are you using the materials you are using? Remember that you are explaining your project to a stranger who knows nothing about you or your thesis. Your project description is not an artist statement. You must include specific details about your project. See below for some writing prompts and additional resources.
✏️ PROJECT DESCRIPTION WRITING PROMPTS / SUGGESTED TOPICS TO COVER
Medium and Technique:
Describe in detail the artwork/film/design project you intend to accomplish.
In what area or media are you working?
What conceptual approach are you taking with this project? What concerns do you address?
How do you envision your final product?
What techniques are you using? Why and how are you using them?
Process:
How do you plan to accomplish this project?
How will the items listed on your budget help you complete your thesis?
Provide a detailed timeline, including pre-production research.
Include a production schedule that itemizes tasks and allocates time and organization for post-production work, if applicable.
Outcomes:
How will this project or product enhance your interests, skills, and opportunities for further work?
How, where, and when do you plan to present your work? Examples include an exhibition, a presentation, a performance, a publication, or a screening.
✏️ PROJECT DESCRIPTION RESOURCES
WRITING CONSULTATIONS
SVA’s Writing Resource Center is offering in-person or online writing support for the “Project Description” portion of the application. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity.
Book one-on-one writing consultations here.
If no appointments are available, contact the WRC at lcordoba@sva.edu.
ADDITIONAL WRITING RESOURCE
→Generative AI Policy for this application: If you use AI for assistance with writing your application (project summary or project description) or if you are using AI as part of your thesis, you must acknowledge it in your project description.
STEP 4: DESCRIBE YOUR PROJECT IN NUMBERS
💰 BUDGET REQUIREMENTS – ALL MAJORS
Your project must have a minimum budget of $500 to be eligible for a scholarship.
You are required to submit a budget.
You must request funding in $500 increments up to $2,000 (Exception: BFA Film majors ONLY, working on narrative films of any length—NOT documentary or animated films—may request up to $5,000).
The amount requested cannot exceed your project budget total. For example, if your Project Budget Amount Needed is $699, apply for a $500 award. If your Project Budget Amount Needed is $1,700, apply for a $1,500 award.
Use an asterisk (*) to indicate which items on your budget you are requesting funding for. Put an asterisk (*) on each item you want funding for, even if it is all of the items on your budget.
🎥💰 BUDGET REQUIREMENTS – FILM MAJORS (RECOMMENDED FOR ALL FILM/VIDEO PROJECTS).
YOU MUST UPLOAD YOUR OWN DOCUMENT. Do not use the SlideRoom form.
You can use your working budget worksheet (Excel or other) or create a new budget for this application.
All film majors must include a detailed budget that covers all expenses (including in-kind contributions you are not paying for directly). This helps the jurors better understand the scope of your project.
MAKE SURE YOU USE A READABLE FORMAT WHEN UPLOADING YOUR BUDGET. PDF IS BEST.
💰 BUDGET GUIDELINES – ALL MAJORS
Only include the expenses associated with the creation of your final project.
You should include ALL items needed for your project to reflect its scope.
Request funding only for qualified items if possible. (See below for info about qualified items.)
You must list specific items/services on your budget.
List exact amounts if possible.
If you have a quote from a vendor, include it. If you don’t, then estimate costs.
Retroactive expenses are allowable: You may list costs you have already incurred and those you anticipate incurring before graduation.
You are not required to submit receipts to the SVA Alumni Society, but saving receipts for your records is strongly recommended to provide records for tax purposes.
💰 WHAT QUALIFIES FOR FUNDING? – ALL MAJORS
Recommendations Regarding Qualified Education Expenses: Alumni Scholarship Awards are intended to be used by the recipients to assist in pursuing their thesis/portfolio projects. Students may receive such scholarships tax-free to the extent the money is used for qualified expenses. Students should maintain records indicating that the Alumni Scholarship Award was used exclusively on materials required to complete a thesis/portfolio project at SVA to avoid including any part of the award in their gross income. Incidental fees, such as room and board or travel, do not qualify.
The lists below contain examples of expenses that may qualify and those that may not qualify as qualified education expenses. This summary should not be considered tax advice, and there is no certainty whether the Internal Revenue Service will treat the expenses below as qualified or nonqualified.
If required to complete a thesis/portfolio project at SVA, qualified expenses may include:
Art/design supplies including paint, gesso, brushes, materials, canvas, stretcher bars, framing, film, processing, photo paper, paper, ink cartridges, printing, cable, etc.
Studio fees for sound mixing/editing (if that service is not available at SVA)
Equipment rentals (video projectors, speakers, lights); fees for actors and crew; local car/van rental (only to transport cast, crew, and equipment to location if required to complete a thesis/portfolio project at SVA)
A note about travel: You may request funding for on-location travel (for example: a car/truck rental to transport from your hotel to a filming location), but you may not request funding for travel from SVA to a filming location.
Sets, props, costumes, makeup, location fees, and insurance
Materials to create prototypes
Advertising (in reasonable cases); postage for promotional mailings (if you are launching a project or product); marketing materials (i.e., posters, packets for investors for films); documentation of the project; DVDs, CDs, digital audiotapes, etc.
Some equipment and software may be qualified if required to complete a thesis/portfolio project at SVA.
Research materials (such as books unavailable in the SVA Library or New York Public Library) may be allowable expenses if required to complete a thesis/portfolio project at SVA. You must list the titles/authors of the books you need to buy for your project.
Expenses that are not likely to be considered qualified education expenses include:
Rent for studio space
Travel (such as commuting to and from school)
Computer equipment (tablets, laptops, desktops, cameras, monitors, scanners, etc.)
Seed money to start a business or produce multiples to sell
SLIDEROOM → ASA Budget
→Choose What Format You Will Use to Submit Your Budget
Upload your own budget form: Required for ARKELL AWARD APPLICANTS, and BFA FILM and MPS FILM DIRECTING APPLICANTS. Recommended for all film/video projects.
SlideRoom Form: For all other applications
You must select from the following options:
I am a film major, OR I want to upload my own budget form
I am NOT a film major, and I want to use the SlideRoom budget form
→Project Budget Grand Total: This is the total of all the expenses associated with this entire project and should agree with your budget form. It can include qualified and non-qualified items. It can include items for which you need funding and items for which you do not need funding. Wait until you have completed your budget to answer this question.
→Project Budget Amount Needed: This is the total of all the expenses for which you need funding. It can include qualified and non-qualified items. This amount must be at least $500 or more to qualify you for a scholarship. It may be the same as your grand total.
→Amount Requested: DO NOT ASK FOR MORE THAN YOU NEED. It is recommended that you only request funding for qualified items. This total needs to agree with your budget: You must request in $500 increments up to $2,000 (Exception: BFA Film majors ONLY, working on narrative films of any length—NOT documentary or animated films—may request up to $5,000). The requested amount cannot exceed the total project budget or the amount needed. Wait until you have completed your budget to answer this question. Examples: If your Project Budget Amount Needed is $699, apply for a $500 award. If your Project Budget Amount Needed is $1,700, apply for a $1,500 award.
→I confirm the following about my budget: I have listed specific services or materials. I have indicated which items I want funding for by placing an asterisk (*) next to each item, even if it is all of the items on my budget. I have reviewed the “What Qualifies for Funding?” guidelines for qualified and non-qualified items. I have not asked for more funding than my total amount needed.
→Income: If you have received another grant or raised funds for this project, answer “Yes” to the Income question. Fill out the form indicating the income amount and the source. Income might include crowdfunding, grants, fellowships, awards, and sales. If you have crowdfunding or investors, such as for a major film project, you may list them here, but be sure to notate them as such. Do NOT include personal income. Having income for a project is good, but don’t worry if you have none.
STEP 5: DESCRIBE YOUR PROJECT IN IMAGES, VIDEOS, WORK SAMPLES, ETC.
🎥 SLIDEROOM → ASA FILM MAJOR FORM All applicants must answer the first question. The remaining questions are for BFA Film or MPS Film Directing applicants only.
→ I am a film major — BFA Film or MPS Film Directing. All applicants need to confirm whether or not they are a film major.
→ Are you applying for the William C. Arkell Memorial Award? If yes, how will you fund your project if you do not receive this funding?
REQUIREMENT – ARKELL AWARD APPLICANTS ONLY: You must explain how you will fund your project if you do not receive this funding. If relevant, include details about your overall financing plan.
→ I attest the following for my film major application. You will need to confirm the following on the application:
I have reviewed the Budget and Media/Portfolio Requirements for film majors.
I have submitted work samples, current and/or past work [Media/Portfolio].
I have submitted a script or narrative treatment [Media/Portfolio].
I have submitted a production booklet [Media/Portfolio].
I confirm I have not submitted links to sites/docs/sheets that can be updated later as part of my application.
I have uploaded my own budget as a PDF and indicated which items I am requesting funding for with an asterisk (*). [Budget Form].
I have submitted a list of cast and crew [Production booklet in Media/Portfolio or Project Information Form].
🎨SLIDEROOM → MEDIA/PORTFOLIO
MEDIA/PORTFOLIO GUIDELINES – ALL MAJORS
You are required to upload at least 4 work samples; you can submit up to 10 images/work samples in the portfolio section. It is recommended that you submit more than the minimum of 4 work samples.
You must submit images, documents, videos, etc, in this section. Your work must be uploaded to the SlideRoom platform.
If you are uploading a PDF that is too large, compress it.
For artwork, it is recommended that you give each piece its own page/image.
You may include past work, but it is highly recommended that you submit in-progress or completed work samples from your thesis/portfolio project if possible.
Image descriptions should include titles, dates, measurements, and brief descriptions of your work samples. This helps the jurors better understand your work.
You may include a PDF of a timeline of your project.
For film/video/animation footage, you are allowed up to 5 minutes: you can submit one 5-minute work sample, multiple work samples that total 5 minutes, or a longer sample and indicate which part to watch.
If your video file is too large to upload, contact alumnisociety@sva.edu.
You can link to Sketchfab in the Media/Portfolio section of the application.
Acceptable file types:
Images (up to 10MB per file): .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .gif, .tif, .tiff, .bmp, .tga
Videos (up to 500MB per file): .m4v, .mov, .mp4, .wmv, .flv, .asf, .mpeg, .mpg, .mkv
Audio files (up to 60MB per file): .mp3, .wma, .ogg, .flac
Documents (up to 20MB per file): .pdf
Dropbox: Same size/file type limitations as above.
Sketchfab Links: You must upload your work to Sketchfab, and then you can embed the media into SlideRoom by uploading using the “Link to Media” option. Note that linked media items must be public, and the links should be to individual files.
3D models (embedded VIA SKETCHFAB): .blend, .3ds, .dae, .obj, .fbx, .dwf, .osg, .osgt, .osgb, .ive, .lwo, .lws, .ply, .wrl, .iv, .shp, .stl, .bvh, .flt, .ac, .x, .dw, .3dc, .geo, .gta, .kmz, .vpk
🎥🎨 MEDIA/PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS – FILM MAJORS
WORK SAMPLES: The work samples submitted should be scenes from your film/video/animation. Preferably include samples of a scene or two. It can be a rough cut/work-in-progress. For film/video/animation footage, you are allowed up to 5 minutes: you can submit one 5-minute work sample, multiple work samples that total 5 minutes, or a longer sample and indicate which part to watch. If you do NOT yet have current work samples from your film/video/animation, you must submit a sample of past work. [See below for specifics for each major]
SCRIPT: You must submit a typewritten script or a narrative treatment. Upload the script as a media sample.
PRODUCTION BOOKLET: Bible/Lookbook/Pitch Deck – including but not limited to cast and crew, settings, characters, or key participants and costumes, mood board, storyboard, and a list of roles from the Project Information Form.
🎨 MEDIA/PORTFOLIO CONTENT SUGGESTIONS – ALL MAJORS/AREAS OF STUDY
Scroll to find the list for your major/area of study.
DESIGN/ADVERTISING/INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECTS
Keynote/PowerPoint/deck explaining your project: The problem you are solving, research methodologies, and the proposed solutions
Mock-up of the final design
Past projects. Submit these and explain that they are past projects.
If your photos include pictures of participants/subjects that may not be shared, indicate that in the image descriptions.
COMICS PROJECTS
As many work examples from your current project as you have available: work-in-progress, character design, tests for panels, sketches, process sketches
Previous projects as examples of past work
ANIMATION PROJECTS
For film/video/animation footage, you are allowed up to 5 minutes: you can submit one 5-minute work sample, multiple work samples that total 5 minutes, or a longer sample and indicate which part to watch.
PRODUCTION BOOKLET: Bible/Lookbook/Pitch Deck – including but not limited to cast and crew, settings, characters, or key participants and costumes, mood board, storyboard, and a list of roles from the Project Information Form
3D: Previz, any completed shots, character and environment designs, referenced characters, sample of environments, rendered turntables of characters, proof of concepts, rig test, rendered styleframe or shot, etc.
VFX: Samples that show any effects or integration of the imaginary, attention to camera work and framing for shots, color-graded shots, any rendered and comped styleframe or shot (for projects with 3D elements), color board, etc.
2D: Character models, turnarounds, background design, reference sheets, rough animation, animatics, color keys, character line-ups, expressions, etc.
Reel: This can be yours or that of someone you are working with on the project—just make sure to be clear about whose work it is.
Trailer: If you have a trailer, you can include it.
FILM/VIDEO PROJECTS
See requirements in the “Media/Portfolio Requirements – Film Majors” section above.
If you do not have work completed from your current project, you MUST submit past work.
Reel: This can be yours or that of someone you are working with on the project—just make sure to be clear about whose work it is.
Trailer: If you have a trailer, you can include it.
FINE ARTS PROJECTS (including Visual and Critical Studies)
Submit as many work samples from your current project as you have available. If pieces are in progress, explain that next to the image.
If you do not have work samples from your current project, you may submit samples from a previous project. Explain this clearly in the description.
VISUAL AND CRITICAL STUDIES ONLY: You may submit one or more writing samples in PDF format, totaling up to 15 pages.
ILLUSTRATION PROJECTS
As many work examples from your current project as you have available: work-in-progress, sketches, character sketches, etc.
Previous projects as examples of past work
PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECTS
Submit as many work samples from your current project as you have available. If pieces are in progress, explain this in the description.
If you do not have work samples from your current project, you may submit samples from a previous project. Explain this clearly in the description.
If you are working on a video, reference the Film/Video list above.
MA CURATORIAL PRACTICE
Submit one or more writing samples in PDF format, totaling up to 15 pages.
You may include images of past shows, materials for shows, etc.
You may include images of artwork by the artists in your thesis show.
MA DESIGN RESEARCH, WRITING, AND CRITICISM
Submit one or more writing samples in PDF format, totaling up to 15 pages.
It is strongly recommended that you include images of or based on the work of your subject.
MA/MAT ART EDUCATION
Submit one or more writing samples in PDF format, totaling up to 15 pages.
Submit an illustrated lesson plan.
You may include images documenting your projects. If your photos have pictures of participants/subjects that may not be shared, indicate that in the image descriptions.
MPS ART THERAPY
Submit one or more writing samples in PDF format, totaling up to 15 pages.
You may include images documenting your projects or your artwork.
If your photos include pictures of participants/subjects that may not be shared, indicate that in the image descriptions.
SLIDEROOM →MEDIA/PORTFOLIO
→Click on “+ Add Media.” Your options will be:
Upload from Computer
Upload from Dropbox
Link to Media (Sketchfab only)
Copy from Library
→Click on “Continue to Label Media” to add a title and description to the uploaded files.
STEP 6: COMPLETE SUBMISSION
⚠️ DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE
TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION! ⚠️
Be sure to review your application carefully before submitting it.
Confirm you have entered your Student ID # correctly.
Confirm you have chosen the correct Degree/Major.
Confirm that your project description and budget have been saved properly.
Note that after submitting your application, you will not be able to go back in or make changes.
IMPORTANT: You should receive a CONFIRMATION MESSAGE after you submit your application. After submitting, you will land on a final confirmation screen and receive a unique ID number as a receipt. You will also receive a receipt via email. If you do not receive a confirmation receipt, your submission did not go through.
If you run into technical difficulties submitting your application, you must email alumnisociety@sva.edu and support@slideroom.com before the deadline (Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 11:59 pm ET).
SENDING YOU GOOD WISHES!
Updated 9.23.26