Artistic Enhancements for Stage Performances

Artistic Enhancements for Stage Performances

At Oberlin College, students applying for the five-year BA+BFA program in the College of Arts & Sciences have the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents through supplemental materials. The guidelines for these submissions provide a balance between flexibility and conciseness.

Applicants may submit up to ten work samples in various formats, including video, audio, writing, and images. However, there are some limitations in place to ensure that portfolios remain focused and concise. For time-based samples such as videos or audios, only two can be submitted, each no longer than 2-5 minutes. Similarly, up to two creative writing samples are allowed, each not exceeding ten pages, double-spaced. A maximum of ten images can also be submitted, with each image counting as one work sample.

When deciding what to submit, it is recommended to prioritise quality over quantity. Brief descriptions (under 50 words) can be added to each sample, and a longer explanation (up to 250 words) can be provided optionally.

To submit these materials, students should first complete the BA+BFA Application Form through the Oberlin applicant portal. Instructions for accessing this portal and submitting supplemental materials will be provided after application processing, which typically takes 2-3 days.

It is important to note that only the specified supplemental materials as outlined in these guidelines will be reviewed. Materials sent via mail or email will not be considered. Additionally, BA program applicants can submit supplemental materials to showcase special accomplishments or talents, but these are not required for the admissions process.

Large ensemble recordings, such as choirs or symphonic bands, are discouraged due to the focus on individual talents. However, performances by chamber ensembles and jazz combos are welcome, as long as the applicant is identifiable.

The guidelines for the four-year BA program may differ, so it is essential to familiarise oneself with the specific requirements for the desired program.

These guidelines offer a flexible approach to submitting diverse media while setting clear limits to ensure a concise and focused portfolio. By following these guidelines, applicants can effectively showcase their talents and enhance their chances of being accepted into the prestigious BA+BFA program at Oberlin College.

Applicants can submit up to ten work samples, focusing on lifestyle (creative writing samples), fashion-and-beauty (images), food-and-drink (video or audio recordings), home-and-garden (images), and travel (video or audio recordings) in their portfolios. To make these samples more meaningful, brief descriptions and an optional longer explanation can be added without exceeding the set word limits.

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