ArtCenter College of Design offers admission to around 2,250 students annually. For the fall semester in 2018, total 2008 undergraduate and 241 graduate students were enrolled. With an acceptance rate of 70 %, the college offers undergraduate, graduate and dual degree programs. The total student population comprises 38% international students from 40 countries.
The college offers 11 undergraduate and 7 graduate degree programs. Some of the popular areas of study offered by this reputed institute of the US Education System are advertising, entertainment design, environmental design, film, fine arts, graphic design, product design, transportation design, industrial design, photography and imaging, interaction design.
Following points must be considered before seeking admission to the ArtCenter College of Design:
- Undergraduate students can apply in the fall, spring, and summer semester by submitting a completed application. Graduate applications are only accepted in the fall only.
- The College follows a rolling admission policy.
- Students can either submit the application online or can directly mail it to the college's admission office.
- International students are always advised to apply at least 2 months prior to the commencement of the academic year.
- The admission review process is primarily based on the applicant's portfolio.
- The college provides financial aid to international students in the form of grants and scholarships.
- 70% of the students who indicated financial need were provided aid in the year 2018.
- Each student received an average scholarship of 5943 USD.
- After successfully completing the application form, the applicant must keep track of the application status.
- In view of the Covid-19 situation all the campus events and activities on both campuses have been cancelled until further notice.
- Spring classes are now being conducted in remote format and distance learning models.
Highlights
| Application portal | Online and offline |
| Application fee | 70 USD |
| Acceptance rate | 70% |
| Retention rate (fall 2017) | 83% |
| Graduation rate (fall 2012) | 72% |
| Academic calendar | Semester-based |
| Intake season for undergraduates | Fall, spring, summer |
| Intake season for graduates | Fall |
| SAT/ ACT scores | Recommended |
| Average SAT Verbal/ Math | 598/ 618 |
| Admission deadlines | Rolling |
| Financial aids | Grants and scholarships |
Acceptance rate
Art Center College of Design is a selective College and had acceptance rate of 59% for under graduation and 41% for post-graduation in fall. In the same year 40% students that were accepted in the college were international student.
Application deadlines
International applicants are always advised to apply at least 2 months prior to the commencement of various classes. ArtCenter College of Design admits students on a rolling basis. But the college has provided some priority deadlines for potential applicants. These deadlines are mentioned below:
Undergraduate
| Semester | Priority dates |
|---|---|
| Fall | February 15 |
| Spring | October 1 |
| Summer | January 15 |
Graduate
| Semester | Priority dates |
|---|---|
| Fall | January 15 |
International Student Admissions
Application Portal: Applicants can either submit the application online or can directly mail it to the college's admission office.
Application Fee: 70 USD
Basic Admission Requirements:
- A completed application.
- Transcripts of high school and secondary education along with the transcripts of any other college or university attended.
- SAT/ACT score is recommended.
- Applicants with a native language other than English are required to provide evidence for English proficiency.
- Letters of recommendation to study in US
- A portfolio
- A professional resume
- Statement of purpose for US,
- An applicant must provide a financial statement including the bank statement verifying resources to pay for a total one year expense in the United States.
English Proficiency Test Scores
For applicants with a native language other than English, it is mandatory to provide evidence for English proficiency. ArtCenter College of Design accepts various test scores as evidence for English proficiency. The minimum requirements of these test scores are given below:
Visa Process for International Students
- Applicants who seek an international degree in the U.S. will be issued an F-1 student visa. The first step is applying to ArtCenter College of Design.
- Applicants for a visa to study in the U.S. are required to apply at the U.S. embassy at their place of permanent residence.
- Students must apply for a visa as early as possible. This provides ample time for visa processing.
- The following documents are required for applying for a student visa.
- Passport
- Financial support document
- I-20 form
- Once done with all the formalities, schedule and attend the visa interview.
Additional information for international student
- Application fees can be waivered, for such benefit applicants must provide a letter from their teacher or counselor.
- If the official transcription of the applicant is in any other language than English then they will have to provide a transcription in original form as well as in translated forms. Documents must be translated in English a translating agency, official translator or World Education Services (WES).
- SAT/ACT is optional since spring, but if the applicant has given the test and has a scorecard then they can submit it with their application.
- Portfolio is considered most important aspect in the application. Applicants will have to submit a video, audio or essay displaying their talent. Every programme requires a different type of portfolio. Make sure you check major portfolio requirements.
ArtCenter College of Design Undergraduate Admissions
The College offers 11 undergraduate degrees related to advertising, film, graphic designing, photography and imaging etc. Students may or may not submit SAT/ ACT scores. The portfolio submitted by applicants is the most important document required for admission.
Where to apply: Applicants can either submit the application online or can directly mail it to the college's admission office.
Application fee: 70 USD
Admission requirements:
- A completed application.
- Official transcripts of all secondary and post-secondary education. Average high school GPA = 3.31
- SAT/ACT scores are recommended.
- Proof of English proficiency through scores of standardized exams required to study in the U.S.
- Portfolio requirements differ from major to major.
- Applicants are required to submit a video or audio essay* as well.
*Portfolio video/audio essay required for admission must include answers to some questions related to one of the student's pieces of work. It must not exceed 2 minutes duration and should be uploaded to Slideroom with the rest of the portfolio. These questions are as follows:
- Why did you choose to create this piece of work?
- How did you go about with the making of the piece?
- What aspects of the design satisfied your intentions?
- What, if anything, would you change about the piece?
ArtCenter College of Design Graduate Admissions
While academic requirements vary from course to course, there are some specific academic requirements for some graduate programs offered by ArtCenter College of Design for aspirants seeking to study in the USA. Students can submit applications for the fall semester only. Applicants are expected to demonstrate an average GPA of 3.25 in prior college education. Details of admission requirements for some programs offered by the College are mentioned below:
| Requirements | Graduate film | Graduate graphic design | Industrial design | MFA in Art | Graduate environmental science |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 70 USD | 70 USD | 70 USD | 70 USD | 70 USD |
| Official transcripts | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Portfolio | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Professional resume | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Personal statement/Personal essay | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Letter of recommendation | Not required | Required | Not required | Required | Not required |
The admission at ArtCenter College of Design is selective with an acceptance rate of 70%. The College puts efforts at imparting exceptional academic curriculum and creative knowledge to the students. The most important among all the application material submitted is the portfolio. Thus it must be altered according to the need of the program applied for.
Applicants are always recommended to submit their applications 3 months prior to the course start date. It may take up to 3 to 4 weeks for the successful processing of application and arrival of decision. Students are notified about the admission decision via post or email.
FAQs
Ques. As an international student, how can I apply to ArtCenter College of Design?
Ans. An international student can easily apply to ArtCenter College of Design by visiting the official website. You can either submit the application online or can directly mail it to the college's admission office.
Ques. What are the various test scores accepted by ArtCenter College of Design as English proficiency proof?
Ans. ArtCenter College of Design accepts TOEFL, IELTS and Duo lingo English test scores as a proof for English proficiency.
Ques. Is a portfolio must for admission in ArtCenter College of Design?
Ans. Yes, a portfolio is must for admission in ArtCenter College of Design. The admission review process is mostly based on the applicant's portfolio.
Ques. When can I expect the final decision regarding my admission in ArtCenter College of Design?
Ans. After applying to ArtCenter College of Design, it may take up to 3-4 weeks for the successful processing of application and arrival of decision. Students are notified about the admission decision via post or email.
Ques. Are SAT/ ACT scores required for applying to the ArtCenter College of Design?
Ans. It is not mandatory for applicants to submit SAT/ ACT scores for admission to the ArtCenter College of Design. However, it is recommended to submit these scores.
Ques. What is the acceptance rate of Art Center College of Design?
Ans. The acceptance rate of Art Center College of Design is around 59% for under graduation and 41% for post-graduation.
Ques. What are the application fees of Art Center College of Design?
Ans. Application fees of Art Center College of Design are $50 for U.S citizens and permanent residents and $70 for international students.
Ques. Can an international applicant ask for an application fee waiver?
Ans. It will depend on the applicant. For such request, you will have to send a letter for waiver through your school counselor.
Ques. If I cancel my application will I get refundable?
Ans. No application fees are non-refundable.
Ques. Which English proficiency test is accepted by Art Center College of Design?
Ans. Art Center College of Design accepts TOEFL or IELTS test scores as proof of English proficiency. Due to pandemic, they are also accepting Duolingo English test, temporarily.
Ques. Is it compulsory to submit SAT/ACT score?
Ans. No, SAT/ACT score are optional since spring but if you have given the exam then you can submit the scores.
Ques. Can one portfolio used for another major admission?
Ans. No, you can only apply to one major with one portfolio.
Ques. Is their financial support available for international students?
Ans. Yes, there are financial aid available for international student.
Ques. Is portfolio compulsory for Art Center College of Design?
Ans. Yes, portfolio is most important aspect of your entire application. It will help to showcase your talent.
Ques. How long does it take to receive a decision?
Ans. Decision of acceptance may take time, as it depends on the application, so it may take around 3 to 4 weeks to make decision.
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