Enrolling in fashion school doesn't mean you'll design clothes every day. Those who go to fashion school have different career choices, such as being a fashion buyer. A fashion buyer works for boutiques or clothing stores, and travels to different fashion shows looking for the newest or hottest style to sell in her store. You are required to have completed coursework in fashion, but because you'll handle business deals and marketing as well, business coursework is an academic requirement.
When you enter fashion school, the requirements are listed for all prospective students of the university, college or certification course. Some universities, such as Kent State in Ohio, require incoming students to have a 2.75 high school grade-point average on a 4.0 scale. Testing such as the ACT or SAT must be completed, with a 21 composite for the ACT and a 980 for the SAT. Kent State also requires transfer students from other universities, as well as their students who have changed their majors, to have at least a 2.50 grade-point average.
Those who complete all necessary academic requirements are still not guaranteed to be accepted into or graduate from fashion school. There are some non-academic requirements; the very important requirement from Kent State is having taken a skills assessment that the applicant must submit to the university for the faculty to evaluate. Letters of recommendations are also required.
A portfolio is required when beginning fashion school, and after completion of fashion school. This portfolio is more influential than a grade-point average or test, because it shows what you have done pertaining to fashion--and how well you have done. Your portfolio must meet requirements of the school for which you apply, and sketching is a requirement.
Technology, including computers, has made its mark in the fashion industry. But you can't rely solely on the computer helping you design while in fashion school. In fact, some universities such as American InterContinental University require that the traditional skills of sketching to enhance patterns and design are kept, and courses in this must be taken. This helps the fashion designer keep a sense of appreciation for beauty.