Before you can get accepted into an art program, you must first be accepted to the university or college that has the program you are interested in. You should research colleges based on location, tuition, and art programs. Once you have a list of schools you are interested in attending, you should find out their specific requirements for application. These will usually include: high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and letters of recommendation.
To prepare for applying to the art program in your chosen university, you will need to compile a portfolio of your work. Most art or office supply stores carry portfolios for this exact purpose. Your portfolio should show a wide range of your skills in different mediums and styles. Your pieces should be mounted in a clean and professional manner, and be labeled with the title of the piece and the medium in which it was done.
When applying to multiple schools or schools that are not driving distance from your home, you may be allowed to present your portfolio in an alternative way. A popular option is to make slides of your pieces. Some schools may also allow you to submit your portfolio through new media such as video, disc, or CD-ROM. You should clear this with the school before sending the media in, and include a printout of the pictures submitted on the disc as well as instructions on how to use the images that you sent in.