LaGuardia Visual Arts Audition Prep

LaGuardia is New York City’s most selective public arts high school — and its Fine Arts Studio visual arts program is among the most rigorous auditions in the country. Every year, hundreds of students compete for a small number of seats, and the panel is specifically trained to distinguish raw talent from genuine preparation. A polished portfolio alone isn’t enough. What LaGuardia auditors want to see is a student who can draw from observation under pressure, demonstrate range across their curated work, and present themselves as a committed, self-aware artist.

📍 LaGuardia is a citywide program — students from all five boroughs apply, and there is no residency restriction beyond NYC.

What to Expect at LaGuardia Auditions

  • Observational drawing from life — typically a still life and self-portrait

  • 4–5 curated portfolio pieces demonstrating range and skill [FLAG: verify current year piece count at laguardiahs.org before audition season]

  • Timed drawing tasks completed during the audition itself

  • Video introduction submitted through the DOE digital portfolio system [FLAG: verify if video intro is still required for current cycle]

  • Submission via NYC DOE’s centralized digital portfolio

  • Official requirements: laguardiahs.org/apps/pages (verify requirements directly with the school for the current application year.)

  • How Et Tú Coaching Prepares Your Student

  • prep, we focus heavily on observational drawing from life — building the muscle memory and confidence to produce strong work under timed conditions. We’ll also edit your portfolio with LaGuardia’s criteria in mind: variety of subject matter, evidence of process, and work that shows you as a thinker, not just a technician.

Et Tú Coaching works remotely, which means no matter where you are in the country, we can build your student’s portfolio, practice timed drawing, and prepare them for every element of the audition. Sessions are flexible, personalized, and scheduled around your family’s calendar.

“Calil assisted my child in preparing for a visual arts program audition. The growth we saw was exponential! From day one they took the time to ensure they understood my child’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning style. They provided individualized feedback and helped them focus their efforts to grow in skill and confidence.” — Janice B., visual arts audition parent

Ready to Start Preparing for LaGuardia?

Download the free Audition Portfolio Guide for Parents — a step-by-step resource for navigating the visual arts audition process: ettucoaching.com/audition-prep-guide-for-parents

Book a free 20-minute consultation to talk through your student’s goals, timeline, and what LaGuardia is really looking for: calendar.app.google/DA6aQk5Vn81ybCmv5

Learn more about our approach: ettucoaching.com/et-tu-coaching-services