Undergraduate Admissions

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Undergraduate Admissions

WHEN TO APPLY

• The Academy has rolling admissions; you may apply year-round to enroll in classes for Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
  
• It is recommended that you apply as early as possible to ensure enrollment in your top choice classes.
  
• You may apply up to two years before you plan to enroll at the Academy.
  
• Applications are accepted through the first week of each semester.
  

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UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS & ACCESS STATEMENT

The Academy of Art University maintains a no-barrier admissions policy for all undergraduate programs.* The Academy was built on the educational philosophy that all students interested in studying art and design deserve the opportunity to do so. Previous experience with art and design is not required for admission, and students of all skill levels are encouraged to apply. The Academy offers foundations courses that provide students with the core art and design skills they will need to succeed. It is our belief that all students willing to make the appropriate commitment have the ability to learn professional-level skills.

The Academy of Art University requires all students in degree-seeking programs to have a high school diploma, a GED, or may be admitted by passing a Department of Education approved "ability to benefit" test if beyond the age of compulsory attendance. The Academy of Art University accepts the following as proof of high school graduation:

• Official, sealed copy of high school transcript or GED
  
• Signed Proof of High School Equivalency Declaration Form
  
• Signed Home School Program Certification form and transcripts
  
• CHSPE Letter
  

Transcripts or proof of high school graduation must be received before the end of the first semester. Transcripts should be delivered or mailed in envelopes sealed by the previous institutions you attended. Your transcripts or proof of high school graduation must be sent to: Academy of Art University, Articulation Office, 79 New Montgomery Street, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105-3410.

Access Statement:

Students who are disabled are invited to apply for admission to any program at the Academy of Art University. The Academy strongly recommends notifying the Office of Classroom Services as soon as possible to facilitate complete access to your education.

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HOW TO APPLY FOR UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS – DOMESTIC STUDENTS (U.S. CITIZENS AND GREEN CARD HOLDERS)

If you have any questions, please contact us at 800.544.ARTS (2787) or 415.274.2222, or e-mail the department at

Undergraduate Domestic Applicants:

For Undergraduate Domestic (U.S. Citizen and Green Card Holders) Applicants Only

The following items MUST be submitted in order to process your application:

• APPLICATION FORM – Must be filled out completely, signed, and dated.
  
• APPLICATION FEE ($100) – Please make a check/money order payable to Academy of Art University. Visa and Mastercard payments are also acceptable. The $100 application fee is non-refundable.
  
• OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS – Undergraduate applicants must submit official high school transcripts and diploma verifying graduation, a declaration form, or other accepted form of verification (see undergraduate admissions requirements for more information). College transcripts (if applicable) are required for possible transfer of credits. See our transfer page for more information on transferring credits.

  ** All Second Bachelor's Degree applicants must also submit official college transcripts, verifying prior Bachelor's degree

  
  
• PORTFOLIO – Undergraduate applicants are not required to submit a portfolio, but may do so for possible waiver of foundation or major classes.
  

Before you register for classes, you will also be asked to submit a $20 student activity fee*, a $20 registration fee, and a $100 tuition deposit.

* Does not apply to 100% online students

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HOW TO APPLY FOR UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Please call international admissions at 1-415- 274-2208 or e-mail us at Intladmissions@academyart.edu should you have any questions.

• Click here () to download the Academy international application procedure in English.
• Click here () to download the Academy international application procedure in Traditional Chinese.
• Click here () to download the Academy international application procedure in Simplified Chinese.
• Click here () to download the Academy international application procedure in Korean.
• Click here () to download the Academy international application procedure in Thai
  
• Click here () to download the Academy international application procedure in Indonesian
  
• Click here () to download the Academy international application procedure in Portuguese
  
• Click here () to download the Academy international application procedure in Spanish

Undergraduate International Applicants:

For Undergraduate International Applicants Only

The following items MUST be submitted in order to process your application:

• APPLICATION FORM – Must be filled out completely, signed, and dated.
• APPLICATION FEE ($100) – Please make a check/money order payable to Academy of Art University. Visa and Mastercard payments are also acceptable. The $100 application fee is non-refundable.
• TUITION DEPOSIT ($500)* – Please make a check/money order payable to Academy of Art University. Visa and MasterCard payments are also acceptable. The $500 tuition fee will be credited toward tuition for the first semester and is non-refundable.
• OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS – Undergraduate applicants must submit official high school transcripts and diploma verifying graduation. College transcripts (if applicable) are required for possible transfer of credits. See our transfer page for more information on transferring credits. Foreign college transcripts must show the classes/subjects, grades, credits, and number of hours completed for each class.

• ** All Second Bachelor's Degree applicants must also submit official college transcripts, verifying prior Bachelor's degree

• AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT* – Applicants and sponsor(s) must fill out this form and sign it. Photocopy is unacceptable. Click here () to download the Affidavit of Support Form.
• OFFICIAL/ORIGINAL BANK LETTER* – A letter or certificate from your bank showing at least $34,000 USD.
  Bank letter must be in English. Photocopy is unacceptable.

  *Please note that U.S Financial Aid is not available for International Students. International students SHOULD NOT depend on employment in the U.S. for financial support while attending the university.

• PHOTOCOPY OF PASSPORT*
• TOEFL OR TOEIC SCORE (no minimum requirement) – Please visit these websites if you have not taken either of these tests: for TOEFL http://www.ets.org/toefl/; for TOEIC http://www.ets.org/toeic/. Our institutional code is 4207.
• PORTFOLIO – Undergraduate applicants are not required to submit a portfolio, but may do so for possible waiver of foundation or major classes.

Before you register for classes, you will also be asked to submit a $20 student activity fee* and $20 registration fee.

* Does not apply to 100% online students

International transfer students and who are currently attending school in U.S. also need to submit the following:

• TRANSFER EVALUATION FORM. Only for students who currently hold an F-1 visa. You must be released from SEVIS by your school before we can issue the I-20. Click here () to download the Transfer School Evaluation Form.
• PHOTOCOPY OF CURRENT I-20 FORM, I-94, OR OTHER VISA TYPE.Only for students who are currently studying in the U.S.

* Does not apply to 100% online students

FOREIGN TRANSCRIPT REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS

If your transcripts are not in English, they must be translated and notarized by a translation service. If you are not sure if your diploma is equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma or Bachelor's degree, the following agencies can evaluate your transcripts for a fee: www.eres.com, www.wes.org (these agencies are only suggested, not affiliated with AAU).

Please send all application materials to:
Academy of Art University
Attn: International Admissions
79 New Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Tel. (415) 274-2208
Fax (415) 618-6278
intladmissions@academyart.edu

Note: International students who are currently staying in the US, holding an I-20 and F-1 visa status, are not eligible to take classes 100% online. Please contact International Admissions at 415.274.2208 or intladmissions@academyart.edu more information.

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