Sophomore Portfolio Review
2025 Submissions Due:

Thursday, June 5 9am–6pm

Submit all materials to spr.psu.gd.

NO LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

In order to take upper division courses in graphic design at PSU, all students are required to meet all prerequisite requirements listed in the Sophomore Portfolio Review guidelines. If students have not passed the Review, then regardless of experience or class standing they are not qualified to take 300- or 400-level courses. Transfer students who are ready to begin third and fourth year requirements must also pass the Portfolio Review. The purpose of this Review is to ensure that students are learning skills required for successful completion of the program.

The Sophomore Portfolio Review is based primarily on creative performance. Supporting documentation such as a the writing sample, contextual statements, and process contribute to the evaluation as secondary elements. The focus of the Review is on the totality of the projects presented, with emphasis placed on the ability to demonstrate the expertise needed to be successful in upper-division courses.

The Sophomore Portfolio Review is a milestone for all students in Graphic Design. Regardless of the outcome, there are several pathways available to students.

2025 Guidelines

START HERE

The 2025 Sophomore Portfolio Review Guidelines outline the requirements for participating in this year’s Review, and includes submission components, key dates, required coursework and other preparation, evaluation criteria, and more. Review all requirements carefully as some have changed from previous editions.

Reading through the guidelines is critical to success, and it is recommended that you both read through thoroughly before beginning your portfolio and refer back to it frequently when making decisions or determining what to include.

Sophomore Portfolio Review: 2025 Guidelines (cover)

Required Preparation

All students planning on participating in the Sophomore Portfolio Review must:

1.

Read the 2025 Guidelines in full and ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.

2.

Watch the guided tour video.

3.

Attend a Q&A session:

  • Tuesday, February 11 at noon in AB 320

  • Wednesday, March 5 at noon on Zoom

  • Friday, April 11 at noon on Zoom

Please note: you need only attend one of the required sessions. If you miss all three, it is your responsibility to get any questions you have about the material here answered from one of the various resources/people offered. Learn more about the Q&A session requirement here.

Help & Resources

  • Mentorship

    Mentorship is here! Sign up to be a mentee if you’re an underclassmen looking for guidance and/or support with the Sophomore Portfolio Review, or sign-up to be a mentor if you’ve passed the Sophomore Portfolio Review and are eager to help someone in the program!

    Sign up for mentorship!

  • Soph Return

    Wanting to see examples of past portfolios? Want to hear some encouraging words or tips from those who’ve made it through Review? Meet SOPH Return, a space where past sophomores return the favor by sharing and reflecting on their portfolios. There, you can view past sophomore portfolios, learn from the feedback they received, and hear from folks who’ve been where you are now.

  • Design Club Slack

    Want somewhere to share your work? Don’t wait for the algorithm to show it off to folks you want feedback from—Design Club’s Slack is where it’s at! Join now at tiny.cc/designclubslack or attend any Design Club event to learn more!

  • Get Advice from Faculty

    Full time faculty in PSUGD have advising hours each term and are happy to help give feedback on portfolio pieces and ensure you have all necessary classes to take the Review.

    Check the Schnitzer School’s “Book an Advising Appointment” page for office hours and to schedule an appointment.

    Walk-in hours are also available.

  • Student Help Groups

    Each year, students-organized critique groups emerge to help build community and better portfolio work together. Some groups may already be out there, but if you can’t find one, start one! Have a group already that you want other students to know about? Email Sean Schumacher and they can add it below.

  • Supplies & Printing

    For recommendations on where to get supplies or printing done, go to our general resources page.

  • Photographing Your Work

    Want a space to document your work? The Creative Suite (AB 290) has a lighting booth you can use with your camera equipment.

    For a tutorial on photographing your work, check out Briar Levit’s fantastic online guide to help you do exactly that booklet. Prefer a PDF instead of an online booklet? You can download your own here.

  • Digital Facilities

    Need tools to work on projects? Need to print? College of the Arts’ Digital Facilities has a variety of equipment in labs and available for checkout in some cases.

    Learn more about what’s available from COTA Digital Facilities on their Google Sites page.

Looking for past years’ results and feedback? Visit: spr.psu.gd