Applying to Grad School? We Have Tips!
If you are reading this, it probably means you are starting to think seriously about graduate school—and that is very exciting!
Applying to a program like the MFA Products of Design at the School of Visual Arts is not just about preparing materials or checking requirements. It is about exploring who you are as a designer, a thinker, and a changemaker.
We are here to help you get there, so below, we have gathered some of our favorite advice for putting together a strong and inspiring application, based on what we have learned from hundreds of applicants over the years.
Whether you are just starting out or polishing your final submission, we hope these tips will help you approach the process with confidence and creativity.
1. Know why you are applying
Before you start assembling your materials, take a moment to reflect on your “why.” What are you hoping to get out of graduate school, and why is now the right time for you?
Some applicants are ready to deepen their design practice. Others are looking to pivot into a more creative or socially impactful field. Whatever your motivation, being clear about your purpose will help you express it throughout your portfolio, statement, and interview.
At Products of Design, we believe the best fit comes from mutual alignment. Take time to explore our program’s values, pedagogy, and culture. Look through our students’ projects, read their thesis blogs, and imagine how your own ideas might live within this community. When you find a program that resonates with your goals and values, everything about your application becomes more authentic.
2. Get to know the program
One of the best ways to strengthen your application is by learning about the department. We love when applicants arrive having spent some time getting to know who we are and what we do.
Explore the work of our current students and alumni. Learn about our faculty and their areas of expertise. Join one of our virtual information sessions or in-person events to see the studio in action. The more you know about the program, the easier it is to imagine how you might contribute and grow here.
→ Sign up for an upcoming Info Session here!
You can also connect with us at National Portfolio Day events to get direct feedback on your portfolio. Department Chair Allan Chochinov and Director of Operations Julia Knoll will be reviewing portfolios at the upcoming November events:
- Sunday, November 9 | IN-PERSON @ Parsons School of Design
- Sunday, November 16 | VIRTUAL
These events are a wonderful opportunity to share your work, ask questions, and get a sense of how your background and ideas might fit into the Products of Design program.
3. Create a portfolio that shows process, risk, and personality
Your portfolio is one of the most powerful ways to communicate how you think. We want to see how you explore, how you experiment, how you make decisions, and how you evolve an idea.
A great portfolio is not just about finished results. It tells the story of your process. Include sketches, prototypes, or decision points that show your problem-solving journey, and do not be afraid to show failure. We love seeing how you worked through something that did not go as planned. It tells us how you learn, adapt, and grow.
We are also drawn to portfolios that take risks. We want to see your boldest ideas, your weirdest experiments, the projects that made you nervous but also proud. Those are often the pieces that stand out most.
If you are coming from a non-design background, do not worry. Many of our students join us from business, psychology, art, writing, or technology. The most important thing is to show curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity in any form.
And one more thing: side projects count! We love to see what you make outside of formal assignments—those small, personal explorations that reflect what excites you when no one else is watching. Often, those projects reveal your truest design instincts.
4. Let your statement tell your story
Your statement of purpose is where we get to meet you in your own words. Use it to bring your journey to life. Tell us what you care about, what you are curious about, and how design has shaped the way you see the world.
Be specific about why you are drawn to Products of Design. What about our curriculum, our approach, or our community excites you? What kinds of projects do you dream of tackling while you are here? The more personal and honest your statement feels, the better.
Your résumé should also reflect your story. Include experiences that show initiative, leadership, or collaboration—even if they fall outside traditional design work. We are interested in who you are as a whole person, not just as a student.
5. Apply with intention and confidence
Applications can feel daunting, but remember that this is your opportunity to express your potential, not perfection. We are not looking for one specific type of designer. We are looking for people who are curious, motivated, and ready to learn.
Start by reviewing our application requirements, and take things step by step. Ask for letters of recommendation from people who truly know your strengths. Tailor your materials so that they reflect who you are and what you hope to bring to the program.
If you are invited to interview, approach it as a conversation, not a test. We want to get to know you, and we want you to get to know us. Remember, choosing a graduate program is about mutual fit. You are interviewing us just as much as we are interviewing you.
Final Thoughts
Applying to graduate school is a big step, and we are thrilled that you are considering taking it with us. The Products of Design program at SVA is an immersive, transformative experience that blends creativity, systems thinking, and social impact. It is a place where you will challenge yourself, collaborate deeply, and reimagine what design can do in the world.
So take a deep breath, gather your materials, and start your application when you are ready. We cannot wait to see your ideas, your energy, and your vision for the future. We hope to meet you soon—online, at an event, or here in our studio in New York City.
