Admission

Overview     Application Deadlines     Application Notification     Application Process     Articulation Agreements     Conditional Admission     Deferred Admission     Early Admission     Housing Deposits     International Applicants     Transfer Applicants     Tuition Deposits
 

Rick Longo \ ricklongo@uarts.edu
Vice President for Enrollment, Retention & Student Affairs

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, the written word, 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 Admissions 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 Admissions 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 or Division of Liberal Arts requires the candidate to present a 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 Admissions 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 Admissions Committee will base its decision on the sum total of these factors.

Application Timeline

Graduate Applicants

Summer Enrollment

MFA Studio Art, MM Music Education

The University of the Arts accepts students on rolling admission basis; however, you are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.  Applications received and completed after May 1st will be considered on a space available basis and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Fall Enrollment

MA Museum Education, MA Museum Communication, MAT Music Education, MAT Visual Arts, MDES Design for Social Impact, MDES Product Design, MFA Book Arts + Printmaking, MFA Devised Performance, MFA Museum Exhibition Planning + Design, MM Jazz Studies, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Crafts

The University of the Arts accepts students on rolling admission basis; however, you are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.  Applications received and completed after May 1st 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; however, you are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.

The priority deadline requires that the application be submitted by February 1 for first time freshman and March 1 for transfer applicants. Applications received and completed after May 1 will be considered on a space available basis and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Application Notification

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in November for fall admission and September for spring admission. The University will accept and review applications as long as space in the class is available. Official notification of the Admissions Committee’s decision is made in writing by the Office of Admissions. 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. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the class is filled. Completed applications will be reviewed and notification of admission and financial aid decisions issued.

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. 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 Admissions 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 a portfolio review, audition or interview. Information sessions with the Admissions 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, audition, or interview, students should be prepared to discuss their academic record, personal achievements, extracurricular activities, and professional goals.

• Application Form: Applications can be electronically submitted at http://www.uarts.edu/apply-now or submitted by mail to the Office of Admissions by downloading and printing a PDF copy. All candidates are required to submit a completed application for admission with the application fee. The University of the Arts will waive the application fee in cases of extreme family financial need. In order to do so, 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.
• 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, which was not applied to high school graduation requirements, 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. In lieu of the TOEFL or IELTS, completion of Level 9 in the University of the Arts ESL Institute will be accepted. Information about this program may be obtained directly from: www.uarts.edu/esli
• Artistic Presentation: Refer to the Portfolio, Audition, and Interview requirements.
• 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 & Design

Animation, BFA
Delaware College of Art and Design

Craft + Material Studies, BFA
Bucks County Community College

Design, Art + Technology, BFA
Bucks County Community College

Film + Video, BFA
Bucks County Community College

Illustration, BFA
Delaware College of Art and Design

Interdisciplinary Fine Arts, BFA
Bucks County Community College
Delaware College of Art and Design

Photography, BFA
Bucks County Community College
Delaware College of Art and Design

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.
• ACCLAIM: For music applicants that show strong potential but need additional musical training and preparation, the School of Music may require participation in the Accelerated College Level Academic Instruction in Music (ACCLAIM) program. Admission into the undergraduate degree program will be contingent upon successful completion of the ACCLAIM program.
• PREP: The University of the Arts has designed alternative admission programs for those who have had limited formal training in the arts. In the College of Art, Media and Design, students who are in good academic standing with a strong interest in the arts, but who do not currently have a portfolio required for admission application, may apply to the four-week Summer PREP Program. Entry into PREP serves as a conditional admission pending successful completion of the program and an accumulative grade of B or higher. This option is limited to those applying for entry at the freshman level. Students who successfully complete the program will receive 3 credits in the studio elective category.

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 Admissions. A non-refundable tuition deposit of $300 for undergraduate programs or $450 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.

Housing Deposits

University housing is open to new students entering in both fall and spring semesters. Housing reservation instructions are emailed to all incoming students upon receipt of their housing deposit. 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/esli.

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$ 61,240.00 (2015-2016) 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

In addition to the undergraduate application process detailed above, transfer applicants must also submit official transcripts from all previous colleges attended. It is the applicants responsibility to ensure all previously completed and in-progress coursework is submitted to the University for transfer credit evaluation prior to beginning their studies at the University. Applicants must submit official transcripts containing final grades for any previously reported in-progress coursework. Applicants who have completed 24 or more credits in arts and humanities at an accredited institution are not required to submit secondary school transcripts. 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.

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, the applicant may submit his or her portfolio online at uarts.slideroom.com.

Freshman Transfers

Transfer students with fewer than 18 transferable studio arts credits are not qualified for advanced standing admission and 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 advanced standing but wish to take advantage of the First-year Core Studies Program and elective courses may indicate this preference when scheduling the portfolio review with the Office of Admission.

Advanced Standing

Students transferring into the second- or third-year-level studios of major departments are considered advanced-standing candidates. Students who have completed at least 18 credits in studio and who have studied in the Core Studies areas may be considered for advanced standing. 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. 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.

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.

Division of Liberal Arts

Transfer students applying to the Creative Writing program should plan on completing nearly all of their required workshops at the University of the Arts. Transfer credit for workshops is assessed on an individual basis. Generally speaking, transfer credit for workshops taken elsewhere, when accepted, will be counted as fulfilling the craft seminar requirement.

Transfer credit for the Film & Media Studies program is determined through evaluation of an applicant’s transcript to determine how completed coursework fulfills the requirements of the major.

For all degree programs at the University of the Arts, transfer credit for liberal arts requirements is determined by the office of the Dean of the Division of Liberal Arts.

Tuition Deposits

Graduate Applicants

To secure a place in the Graduate program, accepted applicants must submit a tuition deposit of $450.  The tuition deposit will be applied against first semester tuition charges. After May 1, the University will continue to accept deposits on a space available basis. Graduate tuition deposits are not refundable.

Undergraduate Applicants

To secure a place in the program, students must submit a $300 tuition deposit.  The tuition deposit will be applied against your first semester tuition charges.  After May 1, the University will continue to accept deposits on a space available basis.  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. After May 1 we will continue to grant deferral requests on an individual basis.  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.