Admission

The Office of Admission     Overview     Advanced Placement     Application Deadlines     Application Notification     Application Process     Articulation Agreements     Conditional Admission     Deferred Admission     Early Admission     Housing Deposits     International Applicants     Transfer Applicants     Tuition Deposits

The Office of Admission

Anthony Padilla \ apadilla@uarts.edu
Assistant Vice President for Enrollment and Dean of Admissions

Office of Admission
Hamilton Hall Room 170 | 215-717-6049 | Admission Website

Overview

The admission requirements and procedures are designed to help the University select, from among the men and women applying, those best qualified to benefit from the educational opportunities at the University of the Arts. The University prefers applicants who express themselves through visual images and performance; who demonstrate intellectual abilities through their academic record; who wish to increase their awareness of themselves and their world; who address their environment in a positive, individualistic manner; and who bring energy, concern, and humor to their inquiry. The University values diversity, liveliness, thoughtfulness, and curiosity, and seeks in its students a broad range of intellectual, artistic, extracurricular, and personal energies. Admission is offered without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, age, or disability. Each applicant is considered individually, and the Dean of Admission may make an exception to any requirement.

Admission to the University of the Arts is based on both academic performance and artistic development. Each college at the University of the Arts has special admission criteria related to its courses of study. The admission committee examines every applicant’s academic record for evidence of rigorous, scholarly preparation. In addition, each college at the University has separate requirements for evaluating a candidate’s artistic progress. Entrance to the College of Art, Media and Design requires the candidate to present a visual portfolio. The College of Performing Arts requires students to pass an audition, portfolio review or interview in their specific discipline. The portfolio, audition, and interview requirements are specific to each program; interested applicants should refer to the portfolio and audition requirements or contact the Admission Office for a full explanation of the University’s expectations.
Admission to the University is based upon a combination of factors. Candidates for admission must assume responsibility for all of the admission requirements when submitting an application and realize that the Admission Committee will base its decision on the sum total of these factors.

Advanced Placement

CEEB Advanced Placement Program (AP)

For each AP exam a student completes with a score of 4 or better the University may award three credits toward a student’s liberal arts requirements.  Credit is not given for studio art, music theory, or performance.  An official report of scores must be submitted to the University directly from the College Board.  Students are notified of AP credits awarded prior to registration.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The University of the Arts cooperates with the College Examination Board in its College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Credits may be awarded for Subject Examinations in composition and literature, foreign language, history and social studies, or science and math depending on the score earned in the examination and other factors as follows:

• The credit must be directly applicable to the student’s degree requirements.

• The credits cannot be used to fulfill upper-level course requirements.

• The total number of credits awarded through CLEP is limited to 12.

• A score equivalent to the minimum acceptable score or higher as recommended by the American Council on Education is necessary.

College-level Coursework

The University may also award credit for college work completed while the student was still in high school. Applicants who have taken college courses should arrange to have their college transcripts sent to the Office of Admission for transfer-credit evaluation. Students should also send official descriptions of the college courses so that the University can make accurate evaluations. Transfer credit cannot be granted for courses that were taken to fulfill high school graduation requirements nor for credits earned in a dual enrollment program that granted secondary school and college credit for the same course. Credit may be granted for pre-college programs.

International Baccalaureate

The University of the Arts recognizes the International Baccalaureate Examination (IB). The University may award six credits toward the liberal arts requirements for a score of 4 or better in a higher-level (HL) examination and three credits for a score of 4 or better in a standard-level (SL) examination in an academic subject. An official report of scores on the IB exams should be sent to the Office of Admission for evaluation. Students are notified of the credits awarded prior to registration.

Credit from Non-accredited Institutions

Based on the applicant’s portfolio, credit may be awarded at the time of admission by the department chairperson of the intended major. The maximum number of credits awarded may not exceed the number of credits earned at the non-accredited institution (as adjusted to conform with the University’s credit evaluation policies). These credits may be assigned to fulfill specific requirements of the University of the Arts degree as agreed upon by the department chair or director and the Registrar.

Application Deadlines

Graduate Applicants

Summer Enrollment

MM Music Education & MFA Studio Art

Applications received and completed prior to January 1 for Summer enrollment will be reviewed for priority consideration. Applicants will be notified of the Admission Committee’s decision on or before March 15. Applications received after January 1 for Summer enrollment will be considered on a space available basis and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Fall Enrollment

MM Jazz Studies, MAT Music Education, MA Museum Education, MA Museum Communication, MFA Book Arts/Printmaking, MFA Museum Exhibition Planning & Design, MID Industrial Design, MA Art Education, MAT Visual Arts, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Crafts

Applications received and completed by January 15 will be notified of the admission decision on or before March 15. Applications received and completed after January 15 will be considered on a space-available basis and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Spring Enrollment

MAT Music Education, MAT Visual Art and Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Crafts ONLY

Applications received and completed by November 1 will be notified of the admission decision on or before December 1. Applications received and completed after November 1 will be considered on a space available basis and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Undergraduate Applicants

The University of the Arts accepts students on rolling admission basis and, therefore, has no official application deadline. However, you are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Priority deadline for scholarship consideration requires that the application is submitted by March 15 and complete by April 1.

Application Notification

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in December for fall admission and September for spring admission. Priority is given to fall candidates who file an application for admission by March 15, although the University will accept and review applications as long as space in the class is available. Official notification of the Admission Committee’s decision is made in writing by the Dean of Admission. Generally, students can expect to receive notification of the decision within two to four weeks of completing all admission requirements.

Application Process

Graduate & Post-Baccalaureate Applicants

International applicants should also refer to the International Applicants section.

Candidates for graduate admission are strongly encouraged to file the admission application and complete all admission requirements early. The University has established several deadlines, after which candidates’ completed applications will be reviewed and notification of admission and financial aid decisions issued. If space remains available in the entering class after the published application deadline, applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the class is filled.

All applicants for admission to graduate study at the University of the Arts must submit:

• The Graduate Application for admission and must hold a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution that is accredited by a recognized association or have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from a foreign institution of acceptable standards.

• Nonrefundable application fee of $60.00 by check, money order or credit card. The fee must be payable in U.S. currency and all checks must be drawn on U.S. banks. The University of the Arts graduates are exempt from the fee.

• Official transcripts from each undergraduate or graduate school attended. Transcripts should be sent directly by the Registrar’s Office at the college(s) or school(s) involved. For transcripts from outside the United States, please refer to the instructions in the transcript section for international students. A maximum of six credits from other accepted institutions of higher education may be transferred and applied toward graduate degree requirements with the approval of the program director and Registrar. Only those graduate courses in which a grade of B or higher has been earned may be considered for transfer credit.

• Three letters of recommendation; one from each of the three people listed on the application. Two of these recommendations must come from professors in your field or professionals in this major area who are familiar with your capabilities and credentials.

• A one to two page statement of professional plans, interests and goals. See specific program requirements for additional information.

• GRE scores are encouraged, but not required , for all programs. To register for the GRE, go to Educational Testing Service at www.gre.org. We will accept both the old and new GRE. Official test scores must be sent by ETS to the University. The correct institution code to use when requesting scores is 2664. You do not need a departmental code.

• All Art & Design programs requiring a portfolio and/or writing sample: Applicants should submit digital images, time-based media or writing samples for review online via http://uartsgrad.slideroom.com Slideroom allows applicants to create an inventory of pieces and attach the following information: title, date, medium, dimensions and notes. Applicants may upload images (jpg), video (mov, wmv, flv) or .pdf documents. For good image quality and fast upload, images should be sized no larger than 1280 x 1280 px @ 72dpi. Video files must be kept under 20MB. Our Slide Room portal offers additional instructions for submitting work online. Refer to portfolio requirements.

• Music programs requiring an audition: Select your desired audition date on the application. The application must be received by the Office of Admission at least two weeks prior to the requested date. Please refer to the audition requirements specific to your major and instrument.

• An interview either in person, by telephone or Skype is required with the chairperson or program director of the department to which you are applying.

Undergraduate Applicants

International applicants should also refer to the International Applicants section.

All applicants are encouraged to visit the University of the Arts for an information session and portfolio review or audition. Information sessions with the Admission staff offer students and their families the opportunity to learn more about the application process, programs of study, campus life, and financial aid. Portfolio reviews, interviews, and auditions are part of all applicants’ entrance requirements and are separate from the information sessions. In addition to demonstrating their artistic abilities during the portfolio review or audition, students should be prepared to discuss their academic record, personal achievements, extracurricular activities, and professional goals.

• Application Form: May be electronically submitted at http://www.uarts.edu/apply-now. All candidates are required to submit a completed application for admission and the application fee. The University of the Arts will waive the application fee in cases of extreme family financial need. A fee-waiver request is required from a high school guidance counselor, two-year college counselor, or other authorized person.

• Secondary School Record: An official copy of the secondary school transcript is required of ALL undergraduate applicants. A curriculum of college preparatory subjects is recommended. Specific course distribution is not required, although a minimum of four (4) years of English and two (2) years of history is strongly recommended. Remaining courses should be selected from the approved college preparatory program, including study in languages, mathematics, science, humanities, art history, psychology, and sociology. These courses should be augmented by study in visual art, music, dance, drama, or creative writing. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for consideration.

• Home-schooled Applicants: The University of the Arts welcomes applications from students who are home-schooled. Home-schooled students must present a secondary school diploma issued by their public school district. For Pennsylvania residents, The University of the Arts also accepts secondary school diplomas issued by Erie Area Homeschoolers, Buxmont Christian Educational Institute, and Pennsylvania Homeschoolers Accreditation Agency, all of which are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to award secondary school diplomas. Home-schooled applicants who are unable to present a secondary school diploma recognized by their state or school district are required to submit the GED (General Education Diploma).

• Standardized Test Scores: The submission of official standardized test scores is required for admission although applicants who have completed a college-level English Composition course with a grade of C or better, or applicants who have been out of school for more than five years, are not required to submit standardized test scores. The SAT or ACT are the acceptable standardized tests. The University of the Arts’ CEEB code is 2664. The ACT code is 3664.

• English Proficiency: International students whose native language is not English must submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A TOEFL score of 550 paper-based / 80 Internet-based or an IELTS score of 6.0 and above is required for undergraduate admission. Graduate programs require a TOEFL score of 580 paper-based /92 Internet-based or an IELTS score of 6.5 or above. In lieu of the TOEFL or IELTS, completion of Level 9 in the University of the Arts ESL Institute will be accepted for both undergraduate and graduate admission. Information about this program may be obtained directly from: www.uarts.edu/studentlife/ESLI.html.

• Recommendations: Applicants are required to submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor, or employer. Recommendations should comment on the applicant’s demonstrated abilities in the arts, maturity, ambition, determination, and seriousness of purpose.

• Personal Statement: All applicants are required to submit a 150 - 300 word essay about: What Inspires You?

• Artistic Presentation: Refer to the Portfolio and Audition requirements.

• Interview: Although not required, all applicants are encouraged to visit The University of the Arts and interview with a member of the Admission staff or University faculty. Applicants to the College of Art, Media, and Design are expected to present their portfolio during the interview. Applicants to the College of Performing Arts should be prepared to discuss their academic record, personal achievements, extracurricular activities, and goals. The interview also provides the applicant with an opportunity to ask questions about the University. Applicants should feel free to note questions about the application process, programs of study, courses, instructors, student life, or financial aid and bring these with them to the interview.

• Financial Aid, Federal Loans, Scholarships: The University encourages electronic aid application. Students may submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Submit the FAFSA to the Federal Student Aid Program by March 1 for priority consideration. List The University of the Arts as the institution to receive your information. The Title IV Code for The University of the Arts is 003350. For additional information, see the Financial Aid section of this Catalog.

Articulation Agreements

Articulation agreements are drawn between two institutions in order to facilitate the maximum transfer of credits when students move from one institution to the other. The University of the Arts has a series of these agreements for students attending the schools mentioned below. Students who successfully meet the requirements set by the agreement with their home institution will earn the option to transfer to The University of the Arts at an advanced level upon enrollment. Each articulation agreement has specific requirements and is valid only for the major programs listed on the agreement. To obtain specific information about these agreements, prospective students should contact the transfer adviser at their home institution.

College of Art, Media, and Design

Animation
Keystone College (PA)
Montgomery County Community College (PA)

Ceramics
Bucks County Community College (PA)
Keystone College (PA)

Film & Video
Keystone College (PA)

Graphic Design
Bucks County Community College (PA)
Keystone College (PA)
Montgomery County Community College (PA)

Illustration
Keystone College (PA)

Industrial Design
Keystone College (PA)

Multimedia
Burlington County College (NJ) - Graphic Design and Digital Media program
Camden County College (NJ) - Game Design and Development program
Camden County College (NJ) - Computer Graphics: Game Designer Option program
Delaware County Community College (PA) - Interactive Multimedia program
Northampton County Community College (PA) - Communication Design program

Painting/Drawing
Bucks County Community College (PA)
Harrisburg Area Community College (PA)
Keystone College (PA)
Maryland College of Art and Design at Montgomery College (MD)
Montgomery County Community College (PA)
Sage College of Albany (NY)

Photography
Harrisburg Area Community College (PA)
Keystone College (PA)

Printmaking
Bucks County Community College (PA) (pending)
Keystone College (PA)
Maryland College of Art and Design at Montgomery College (MD)
Sage College of Albany (NY)

Sculpture
Bucks County Community College (PA)
Keystone College (PA)
Maryland College of Art and Design at Montgomery College (MD)
Montgomery County Community College (PA)

Wood
Bucks County Community College (PA)

College of Performing Arts

School of Music
Community College of Philadelphia (PA) School of Music

Conditional Admission

The University of the Arts has designed alternative admission programs to consider those whose potential may not be indicated in standardized test scores or class rank or who have had limited formal training in the arts.

Offers of admission may specify one or more of the following conditions:

• Academic Warning: Students admitted under Academic Warning must achieve a C (2.0) grade point average at the end of their first year of study in order to be promoted.

• Academic Achievement Program: Applicants may be required to participate in the Academic Achievement Program (AAP). The purpose of the program is to provide developmental maintenance and transition services to students who, because of life circumstances, may not have achieved their potential in secondary school and need additional preparation in art and academics to ensure their success. Students selected to participate in the program must be Pennsylvania residents and meet the family income eligibility guidelines established by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

• English Language Proficiency: International applicants who have not achieved the required level of English proficiency may be granted admission with the condition that the language requirement be met prior to enrollment. Students who do not meet the requirement may request a deferment.

Deferred Admission

Deferment of admission is not automatic. Undergraduate and graduate students who are admitted to The University of the Arts and then wish to defer their admission must submit their requests, in writing, to the Office of Admission. A non-refundable tuition deposit of $300 for undergraduate programs or $500 for graduate programs must be paid in order to for the request to be considered and to confirm enrollment for the following semester or year. Deferred students who enroll in a degree program at another institution in the interim will not retain their deferred status; they must reapply to the University as transfer students. Students are permitted only one deferment.

Those who are not approved for deferred admission will receive a refund of their deposit and may reapply for the following year. A new application form must be filed with a reapplication fee of $60; additional credentials may be required.

Early Admission

Extremely capable students may be ready for college before they have completed the normal four-year secondary school program. The University welcomes applications from those who feel they are scholastically and artistically prepared and sufficiently mature, personally and socially, to undertake college work.

Early Admission candidates must be able to fulfill either one the following conditions:

• By taking an overload during the junior year of high school or summer courses, the applicant is able to complete high school diploma credit requirements and receive the diploma before enrolling at the University.

• Under a written agreement, the candidate’s high school authorities grant the applicant a high school diploma upon completion of the freshman year at The University of the Arts.Transfer Applicants

• Transfer students are admitted to The University of the Arts under policies that vary between colleges. The University considers any applicant who has been enrolled in a college-level program of study after secondary school to be a transfer applicant. Transfers enjoy a preferred position among applicants for admission since it can be assumed they have matured in their goals and have demonstrated their abilities at the college level.

Housing Deposits

University housing is open to new students entering in both fall and spring semesters. Housing reservation instructions are sent to all incoming students in their acceptance packet. The University will guarantee housing to all students who submit a housing reservation and post a non-refundable $200 housing deposit by May 1. Although the University anticipates that it has adequate housing to meet the student demand for on-campus living, there is no way to predict when University-supervised housing may be filled; therefore, after May 1, space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

International Applicants

Applicants who are neither U.S. citizens nor permanent residents are considered international students. The University encourages international candidates with strong academic and artistic qualifications to apply for admission.

International students who apply to the University should follow the procedures outlined in the appropriate section of this catalog. International applicants should also be aware of the following additional requirements and procedures:

English Proficiency

International students whose native language is not English must submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A TOEFL score of 550 paper-based / 80 Internet-based or an IELTS score of 6.0 and above is required for undergraduate admission. Graduate programs require a TOEFL score of 580 paper-based / 92 Internet-based or an IELTS score of 6.5 or above.

In lieu of the TOEFL or IELTS, completion of Level 9 in the University of the Arts ESL Institute will be accepted for both undergraduate and graduate admission. Information about this program may be obtained directly from: www.uarts.edu/studentlife/ESLI.html.

Transcripts/Mark/Grade Sheets

All applicants must provide complete, official transcripts from every school attended on the high school/secondary level and post-secondary level. Each transcript must be translated into English by a certified translator and the translation must be notarized. Applicants with post secondary or university transcripts from outside the United States are required to submit an official evaluation for each transcript. A course-by-course report is required and it is the applicant’s responsibility to contract directly with the agency for this service and provide the necessary documents. Please review the requirements for each agency carefully as the policy regarding document submission can vary based on your country. While applicants may use any accredited evaluating agency, the University recommends World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).

Instructions and an application can be obtained directly from:

World Education Services
Bowling Green Station
P.O. Box 5087
New York, NY 10274-5087
Telephone: 1-212-966-6311
Fax: 1-212-739-6100
www.wes.org

Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
P.O. Box 514070
Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470
Telephone: 1-414-289-3400
Email: eval@ece.org
www.ece.org

Certification of Finances

International students who plan to enroll at the University are responsible for all of their educational and personal expenses for the full duration of their education at The University of the Arts. Certification that these financial obligations can be met is required in order to qualify for the F-1 visa. A Certification of Finances form is sent to international students upon receipt of their application. The form must be completed in English and certified by a bank official. This statement must declare the availability of funds of at least US$ 53,600 (2011-2012) to cover the cost of one year of education and personal expenses. The I-20, used to apply for the F-1 visa, will not be issued without a valid Certification of Finances. All F-1 students are responsible for obtaining immigration information and following all the regulations in order to maintain status. Page 2 of the I-20 explains many of the obligations of an F-1 student.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

A limited number of partial merit scholarships may be awarded to international students who demonstrate outstanding academic and artistic achievement and potential. International merit scholarship recipients are notified of the scholarship award with the offer of admission.

Need-based financial aid is not available. Students who are not U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents may qualify for educational loans through an International Student Loan Program (ISLP).

Further information on the ISLP may be obtained directly from:

International Education Finance Corporation
424 Adams Street
Milton, MA 02186 USA
http://www.IEFC.com

Transfer Applicants

The application process for undergraduate transfer students is the same as for freshmen with the exception that, in addition to the process described in the above section, applicants must submit official transcripts from all colleges attended. Candidates should include a listing of any courses in which they are currently enrolled or intend to complete prior to matriculation at The University of the Arts. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required to transfer.

Transfer of Credit

Students may receive credit for courses taken at other accredited institutions that are similar in content, purpose, and standards to those offered at The University of the Arts. A minimum grade of C is required in order to present a course for transfer credit. Only credits are transferable, not grades.

Candidates are given a preliminary transfer credit evaluation at the time of admission. The final award of transfer credit and placement level is subject to receipt of final official transcripts and verification by the Office of the Registrar at the time of enrollment.

Residency Requirements

Students must earn a minimum of 48 credits in residence preceding graduation and complete a minimum of four full-time semesters at The University of the Arts. The time it takes for a student to reach graduation will depend upon the time needed to fulfill the University of the Arts’ degree requirements.

Transferable credits will be applied only to the specific requirements stipulated for the UArts degree. Transfer students may be required to remain in residence at the University for more than the minimum four semesters and to complete more than the minimum 48 credits, regardless of the number of credits earned at previously attended institutions. Transfer credit is evaluated by the department chair or school director and the Dean of Liberal Arts in consultation with the Office of the Registrar.

College of Art, Media & Design

Upon completion of the preliminary credit evaluation, the applicant will be invited to schedule an interview and portfolio review with a faculty member from the major department. If unable to attend a personal interview, refer to the University’s Portfolio and Audition requirements for specific information.

Freshman Transfers

Transfer students with fewer than 21 transferable liberal arts credits and without qualifications for advanced standing in studio should expect to be registered for the First-year Core Studies Program and anticipate being enrolled at The University of the Arts for the equivalent of eight semesters. Those who qualify for either the three-year program or advanced standing but wish to take advantage of the First-year Core Studies Program and elective courses may also apply as freshman transfers.

Three-Year Transfers

Applicants who have not had substantial studio instruction but who present a minimum of 21 transferable credits in Liberal Arts may qualify for the three-year transfer program. Under this program, students have the opportunity to fulfill the College of Art, Media and Design’s graduation requirements in three years. In the first year, the Core Studies curriculum is combined with studies in the major department. If approved by the major department chairperson, the transfer student may attain third-year (junior) status at the start of his or her second year. This program imposes an extremely demanding schedule and is best suited to mature students who have definitely decided upon a major.

Advanced Standing

Students transferring into the second- or third-year-level studios of major departments are considered advanced-standing candidates. Students who have completed between 9 and 21 credits in studio and who have studied in the Core Studies areas may be considered for advanced status. Decisions concerning admission to a major department, class standing, and mandated prerequisites are made by major-department faculty upon an evaluation of the admission portfolio and preliminary transfer-credit analysis.

College of Performing Arts

At the time of the entrance audition or interview, the Audition Committee evaluates the applicant’s performance with respect to the level of achievement required for advanced standing. Transfer credit in the major may be granted for comparable previous undergraduate credit earned, up to the level of placement. Transfer credits may be granted toward the liberal arts requirements regardless of a student’s standing in the major. The number of liberal arts credits accepted for transfer is unlikely to change the length of time required to complete the degree. Transfer students to the College of Performing Arts should assume that they will receive freshman status unless advanced status is clearly indicated in their letter of admission.

Tuition Deposits

Graduate Applicants

The $450 tuition deposit will be applied against your first semester tuition charges. To secure a place in the program, students must deposit by April 15.  Graduate tuition deposits are not refundable.

Undergraduate Applicants

The $300 tuition deposit will be applied against your first semester tuition charges. To secure a place in the program, students must deposit by May 1. Fall tuition deposits are refundable if a request is made in writing on or before May 1. Spring and summer semester tuition deposits are not refundable.

The University of the Arts subscribes to the May 1 Candidate’s General Reply Date for undergraduate students and will consider any applicant’s written request to defer the acceptance of the offer of admission until May 1. Requests for a refund of the tuition deposit that are postmarked after May 1 cannot be granted. After May 1 the University assumes that the student’s tuition deposit to The University of the Arts is the only enrollment deposit that the student has submitted. The University reserves the right to cancel the offer of admission if the student posts a deposit at another college or university or fails to complete coursework in progress at the time of application in good academic standing.