Admission Policies

C O N T E N T S

• Application Deadline
• Application Notification
• Application Process
• Articulation Agreements
• Conditional Admission
• Deferred Admission
• Final Transcript Requirement
• Housing Deposits
• International Applicants
• Transfer Applicants
• Tuition Deposits

Application Deadline

University of the Arts accepts applications on a rolling basis. There is no deadline for admission consideration. However, some Graduate programs have priority deadlines. Deadlines for admission vary by graduate program; please refer to your graduate program’s page on the UArts website for details. Graduate programs with priority deadlines will continue to review new application submissions after the priority deadline on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as programs are filled on a space-available basis. Students wishing to be considered for financial aid may need to consider priority FAFSA filing dates. Please visit the Financial Aid page for additional information and deadlines.

Application Notification

Undergraduate applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in September for both spring and fall admission. Graduate applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in September for spring and November for fall 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 Senior Admissions Officer. Generally, students can expect to receive notification of the decision within two to four weeks of completing all admission requirements.

Application Process

Graduate Applicants

Candidates for graduate admission are strongly encouraged to file the admission application and complete all admission requirements by the priority deadline for their program. Applicants to the PhD in Creativity must submit the application and all supporting application materials by the program deadline.

All applicants for admission to graduate study at the University of the Arts 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.

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

• Application Form: The Graduate Application for admission is accessible online at www.uarts.edu/apply-now. The nonrefundable application fee of $60.00 can be paid by credit card, check, or money order. The fee must be payable in U.S. currency and all checks must be drawn on U.S. banks. University of the Arts graduates are exempt from the fee.
• Official Transcripts: From each undergraduate and/or graduate school attended. Transcripts should be sent directly from the Registrar’s Office at the college(s) or school(s) previously attended. All transcripts from outside the United States must be in English and must be official. In some cases, a transcript evaluation from a third-party credential evaluation service (such as WES or ECE) may be required to assess international credentials. A maximum of six credits from other accepted institutions of higher education may be transferred and applied toward graduate degree requirements pending 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: Two of these recommendations must come from professors or professionals in your field who are familiar with your capabilities and credentials.
• Statement: A one to two page statement of professional plans, interests and goals. See specific program requirements for additional information.
• Resume/CV: Provide an overview of your professional and academic experience and accomplishments to date.
• Creative Requirement: Refer to the portfolio or audition requirements listed on your program page. 
• Interview: 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.
• Standardized Test Scores: GRE scores are optional, and not required. If you submit GRE scores, 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.
• English Proficiency: International students whose native language is not English must submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test. A minimum TOEFL score of 79, IELTS score of 6.0, or Duolingo English Test score of 100 is required for admission. In lieu of the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test, 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
• Financial Aid: Domestic 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 February 15 for priority consideration. FAFSA applications are available October 1. 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.

All applicants for admission to the PhD in Creativity at the University of the Arts must hold a master’s degree from a U.S. institution that is accredited by a recognized association or have the equivalent of a master’s degree from a foreign institution of acceptable standards.

The application process for the PhD in Creativity is conducted in two phases.

Prospective applicants must first email their research proposal, personal statement and resume/CV directly to the department at phdprogram@uarts.edu prior to the Phase I deadline.

• A research proposal of about 1,000 words, in APA or MLA format, outlining the dissertation you wish to pursue in the PhD of Creativity.
• A personal statement of about 1,000 words, telling us why you’re interested in the PhD in Creativity.
• Your resume or CV

All Phase I applications will be pre-screened by the Admissions Committee. Applicants will be notified 4-6 weeks after the Phase I deadline whether they are invited to complete Phase II of the application process.

Phase II applicants for admission to the PhD in Creativity at the University of the Arts must submit:

• Application Form: Phase II applicants will be sent a link to complete the online application form. The nonrefundable application fee of $50.00 can be paid by credit card, check, or money order. The fee must be payable in U.S. currency and all checks must be drawn on U.S. banks. University of the Arts graduates are exempt from the fee.
• Official Transcripts: From each graduate and undergraduate school attended. Transcripts should be sent directly from the Registrar’s Office at the college(s) or school(s) previously attended. All transcripts from outside the United States must be in English and must be official. In some cases, a transcript evaluation from a third-party credential evaluation service (such as WES or ECE) may be required to assess international credentials.
• Three Letters of Recommendation: Two of these recommendations must come from professors or professionals in your field who are familiar with your capabilities and credentials.
• English Proficiency: International applicants must demonstrate fluency in spoken and written English as a requirement for this program. English proficiency will be assessed through writing samples and in some cases, applicants may be asked to complete an interview and/or submit test results from the TOEFL, IELTS, or DuoLingo English Test.
• Standardized Test Scores: GRE scores are optional and not required. If you submit GRE scores, 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.
• Applicants are encouraged to submit a copy of their dissertation, thesis, or capstone project for their previous degree. 
• Financial Aid: Domestic 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 February 15 for priority consideration. FAFSA applications are available October 1. 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.

Undergraduate Applicants

All applicants are encouraged to visit the University of the Arts for a portfolio review, audition or interview, when possible. Due to social distancing guidelines, portfolio reviews, auditions, interviews, information sessions, and guided tours will be offered virtually when necessary.

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.
• Writing Sample: A writing sample submission is part of the application. You may respond to 1 of 3 prompts, or you may submit an existing piece of writing, such as an essay or class assignment, on any topic. Please pay attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation. There is no word count requirement, but we recommend a 250-word statement, which is about 1 double-spaced page. Your writing sample may be uploaded along with your application for admission, or emailed to undergradcredentials@uarts.edu.
• High School Transcript/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.
  High school transcripts may be waived for transfer applicants who have completed a minimum of 24 college credits with 18 credits in academic courses.
• 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 prior to matriculation. 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: Standardized test scores are optional, and not required. If you submit scores, the University of the Arts’ CEEB code is 2664 and ACT code is 3664.
• English Proficiency: International students whose native language is not English must submit the results of either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test. A minimum TOEFL score of 79 Internet-based, an IELTS score of 6.0, or a Duolingo score of 100 is required for undergraduate admission. In lieu of an acceptable TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score, 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
• Creative Requirement: Refer to the Portfolio, Audition, and Interview requirements.
• Financial Aid, Federal Loans, Scholarships: The University encourages electronic financial aid application. Domestic 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 February 15 for priority consideration. FAFSA applications are available October 1. 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.

Schools of Art, Design, & Film

Delaware College of Art and Design

• Animation, AA - Animation, BFA
• Fine Arts, AA - Fine Arts, BFA
• Graphic Design AA-Fine Arts, BFA
• Illustration, AA - Illustration, BFA
• Photography, AA - Photography, BFA

Bucks County Community College

• Cinema/Video, AA - Film + Video, BFA
• Fine Arts, AA - Fine Arts, BFA
• Fine Woodworking, AA - Craft + Material Studies, BFA
• Photography, AA - Photography, BFA

Montgomery County Community College

• Animation, AA - Animation, BFA 

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

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 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 must notify the Admissions Office in advance, and submit all post-secondary transcripts for transfer credit evaluation. Admissions decisions may be rescinded based on the grade point average documented on the new transcript(s). Students are permitted only one deferment.

Those who submit a written request and are not approved for deferred admission prior to May 1 will receive a refund of their deposit and may reapply for the following year. Refunds are non-refundable for requests received after May 1. A new application form must be filed with a re-application fee of $60; additional credentials may be required.

Final Transcript Requirement

Final transcripts are required prior to matriculation for all programs. Official final transcripts can be sent to the Office of Admissions. Failure to do so will result in a hold being placed on your account preventing registration and degree conferral. See Holds on Records & Registration  for additional information.

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 undergraduate and graduate students whose native language is not English must submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test. A minimum internet-based TOEFL score of 79, IELTS score of 6.0, or Duolingo score of 100 is required for admission.

In lieu of the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test, completion of Level 9 in the University of the Arts ESL Institute will be accepted for both undergraduate and graduate admission.

In special circumstances, applicants who have not taken the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test can request a waiver of this requirement. The request should be submitted in writing and include the reason for opting not to take the exams. Requests will then be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may require an interview. A waiver may be considered for those applicants who:

• Enrolled in an accredited high school in the U.S. and successfully completed two years of high school English, not taken in conjunction with ESL study, and earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 in those classes.
• Or, enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university in the U.S. and successfully completed two semesters of college-level English, not taken in conjunction with ESL study, and earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 in those classes.

Transcripts/Mark/Grade Sheets

Students who have not taken any coursework at the college or university level and are applying as first-time freshmen will need to provide official transcripts from every high school/secondary school attended. High school/secondary school transcripts must be translated into English by a certified translator. 

Students who have completed coursework at the college or university level in a country outside of the United States and wish to apply at the undergraduate level are required to apply as transfer students. Transfer students should submit official transcripts from every high school/secondary school attended, which must be translated into English by a certified translator. Transfer students are also required to submit an official credential evaluation for all post-secondary (college and university level) transcripts, which must be provided through an accredited evaluation service. For transfer students, post-secondary credential evaluations should be course-by-course to determine transfer placement. Credential evaluations for transfer students should include:

• Name of educational institution
• Country where institution is located
• Length of study
• U.S. educational equivalent (high school, two-year college, four-year college)
• Total credits earned
• Cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4-point scale
• U.S. degree equivalent
• Courses studied per academic year
• Conversion of grades/marks/final examination results into equivalent U.S. grades of A, B, C, D or F for each course evaluated
• Conversion of course hours into U.S. semester hours of credit

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

Accepted 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 accepted international students. 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$ 72,830.00 (2020-21) 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-based scholarships may be awarded to international students who demonstrate outstanding academic and artistic achievement and potential. International merit-based 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 colleges attended. It is the applicant’s 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. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly from the institution. Applicants who have completed 24 credits of college-level coursework at an accredited institution with a minimum of 18 credits in academic coursework are not required to submit secondary school transcripts.

Schools of Art, Design, and Film

Transfer students applying to the Schools of Art, Design, and Film must submit a portfolio online through Slideroom at uarts.slideroom.com and may also request an in-person review on campus or by video conference. Upon receipt of all college transcripts and portfolio, a preliminary transfer credit evaluation will be completed to determine the level of placement. Transfer credits may be granted toward Critical Studies requirements or free electives regardless of a student’s standing in the major. The number of Critical Studies credits accepted for transfer is unlikely to change the length of time required to complete the degree.

Freshman Transfers

Transfer students with fewer than 18 transferable studio-based credits will be considered for admission at the Freshman Transfer level and should expect to enroll in the first-year core curriculum. Students admitted at the Freshman Transfer level should anticipate being enrolled at The University of the Arts for the equivalent of eight semesters.

Advanced Standing

Students transferring into the second- or third-year-level studios of their major program are considered advanced-standing candidates. Students who have completed at least 18 transferable studio-based credits and who have studied coursework similar to that of our first-year core curriculum may be considered for advanced standing. Admission directly into a major program, level of placement, and mandated prerequisites are determined by program faculty upon an evaluation of the admission portfolio and preliminary transfer-credit analysis.

Schools Dance, Music, and Theater

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 Critical Studies requirements regardless of a student’s major standing. The number of Critical Studies credits accepted for transfer is unlikely to change the length of time required to complete the degree.

School of Critical Studies

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.

For all degree programs at the University of the Arts, transfer credit for Critical Studies requirements is determined by the School of Critical Studies.

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 May 1. Fall and summer tuition deposits are refundable if a request is made in writing on or before May 1.

Please reference the program page of the UArts website for the tuition deposit amounts and due dates for the MFA in Dance and the PhD in Creativity.

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.