admin Fashion schools are a gateway to a career in the industry, whether that’s in design or buying or marketing. These programs have been stepping stones for some of the greats, from Marc Jacobs (who studied at Parsons’ New School) or Lee Alexander McQueen (an alum of Central Saint Martins). But they’re also increasingly competitive, making prospective students scramble to put together what they perceive to be the best application.
The key to success, though, lies in understanding what deans and school administrators are actually looking for in a prospective student.
“The student who has some skills but wants to stretch and grow… that’s the ideal candidate to try and work with and take them further into their skillset and career,” Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Director of Admissions and Strategic Recruitment Richard Sunday says.
Schools aren’t looking for someone who seems to know everything already — though, for some departments, fundamental skills of the trade like sewing are valued. Instead, there’s an emphasis on curiosity and creative ability: Institut Français de la Mode’s Vice Dean Sylvie Ebel appreciates a “capacity to freely develop their individual creative universe,” in addition to technical skills.
Ahead, fashion school deans offer advice about how to go about the application process and insight into their thinking when building out a class.
It’s not all about technical skills
The goal of the application — which usually consists of a portfolio, academic record, personal statement and interview — is to show potential and promise, not perfection. Don’t feel like you need to have your full career planned out before applying. According to Otis College of Art and Design Dean of Admissions Courtney Richter, the first year, often called the “foundation year,” is meant to help students develop skills that’ll help them succeed in their chosen path.
“I’m often a little bit skeptical of a 17- or 18-year-old who knows one hundred percent what they want to do — sometimes, they’ll continue on that path, and that’s wonderful,” she says.” I would consider them one of the lucky ones if they have figured it out that early on exactly what they want.”
For students without access to learning practical skills like sewing before secondary education programs, Sunday recommends turning to community members, local classes, video content or local stores like Home Depot for workshops, which are often free. This also shows dedication during the application process.
“You can always teach a student the technical skills, but if they don’t have the soft skills, the passion and energy that goes along with it, then they’re not gonna be successful,” Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) Vice President of Education Barbara Bundy says, noting that she’s drawn to students who are keen on problem-solving, communication and able to lead a team. “The designer can’t work in a vacuum. That’s why communication skills are so important.”
Another thing to convey in your application is an interest in changing the industry and a passion for specific issues, such as sustainability. This, in conjunction with a resume, can help paint a fuller picture during the admissions process.
Take risks with your portfolio
The portfolio is an essential component of an application, especially for design-oriented programming. “It should represent a mix of conceptual ideas as well as retail-ready designs, or something that can be produced on a larger scale,” says Sunday.
However, Richter cautions against placing too much pressure on the portfolio.
“What’s really interesting is a lot of times students feel like they can only present kind of finished, polished work,” she says. “I find that there are students who just have these amazing ideas or style that they’re working in, and maybe they’re feeling a bit hesitant to share it because it wasn’t something that they were taught to do (or) wasn’t something that their current teacher encourages.”
So, don’t be afraid to include something that might not feel like what you should submit.
Engage with schools outside of the application
It’s important to understand that a lot of the application process occurs outside of the application itself. Schools will host workshops, open houses and other events, both online and IRL, that allow students “to engage with us,” FIT’s Sunday says.
Getting face time with a school is part of researching — and Bundy’s main tip to students is making sure “they’ve done their research.”
“Check out everything. Please don’t apply unless you know that this is right for you,” she says. “We would never want anyone to get involved in something that they’re not one hundred percent sold on. We encourage them to come to our open houses, to participate in our webinars, to come and visit the museum, to see the exhibitions and to open themselves up to everything that we offer.”
Don’t doubt yourself
Deans do a holistic review of each student when choosing their next class against a carefully-set criteria. However, there’s not usually a “cutoff” score or strict rules around quantitative measures.
As words of advice to prospective applicants, Richter reminds students to ask questions when they need help, including of admissions officers.
“Even if you have doubts about your portfolio, still put yourself out there and see what happens. I think sometimes, students feel intimidated by admissions professionals — don’t be afraid to ask questions,” she says. “Most students concerned about not being good enough already are.”
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