artistdinosaur

I am preparing my portfolio for late winter submission in an MFA studio art program. I want to stay in my Chicago area, which shouldn't be hard since there are a number of good schools. My first question to all those who are already accepted into grad programs of their choice; What do you put in the portfolio? If you have just finished your BFA, then what do you have besides your senior year show stuff? Or, if like me, you have been out there working for many years at as many art-related jobs as possible, what will assure your chances of getting looked at? I will attend the grad portfolio day that is in November here. I need to get some ideas before I even do this. Advice? I have many paintings in series, realistic, and figurative paintings on canvas. I have very little gallery experience to put on a resume. I have only been in 2 curated shows. And what I showed is probably not going to get a look at a serious MFA program. So it needs to be something else. I have a lot of work that I could possibly put out there. I am not a "Sunday painter" but I have been kind of a recluse. Besides hanging out at the local colleges, I haven't made many connections in my local art world. Help me, I am new to this. I welcome advice.