SOM Prize
1. What does binder format mean?
In the past, jurors felt students were putting more work into the portfolio casings than into the portfolio contents. Students often do not take into account that more than one or two people will be reviewing the work, often multiple times, and that jurors do not wish to fight the binding to see the work inside. Therefore, the Foundation strongly recommends a commonly used binder. The Itoya Portfolio Binder (8 ½ x 11 or 11 x 17 in black) can be found in most college and university bookstores, local art supply stores, or online at Amazon.com or DickBlick.com. Candidates are not required to use the Itoya portfolio; however, they should match its specifications as closely as possible.
Very, but be succinct. The jurors are reviewing many portfolios at once and the clearer and more straightforward your intentions are the better. Do not exceed 500 words. The research abstract should illustrate what one hopes to learn, with whom he or she will meet or work, how one thinks he/she might benefit, how he/she plans to document findings and how the profession might benefit.
3. What should be included in the travel proposal?
Naturally, the travel proposal should support the candidate's research abstract. Typically the jurors like to see where a student would like to go, what sites he or she would like to study, and how these destinations support or impact the research.
4. Is a travel expense breakdown required with my travel proposal?
No. There are too many variables for this to be a logical requirement.
5. Is group work acceptable in my portfolio?
We cannot tell a student what to include or eliminate. Students know their best work. However, keep in mind that if the jury views an image listed as "group effort" without a percentage of how much of the work is a student's, it is hard for them to ascertain what portions of the work can be attributed to the student's own thoughts and ideas. The candidate's role in the project must be clearly explained in the portfolio.
