Answer
Jean-Léon Gérôme was admitted to Ecole des Beaux-Arts at the age of 16. He had been working as an apprentice to a sculptor since he was 10, and had already shown considerable talent. He was accepted to the school after submitting a portfolio of his work, which impressed the admissions committee. Gérôme excelled at the school, and quickly became one of the most promising students in his class.