California College of the Arts

“Transfered credits, submitted portfolio, interviewed with staff, filled outNov 03 2008Industrial Design
Transfered credits, submitted portfolio, interviewed with staff, filled out application, applied for financial aid and scholorships.
Female

“Submit portfolioSep 11 2008Design Arts - Industrial Design/Graphic Design/etc
Submit portfolio. The more quality it has the better. And take as many AP classes as you can, especially humanities, like AP english (2AP english classes would be perfect, so you can waive both requirements), AP Calculus and AP Art of course. It will help in a long run. And submit work for all scholarships possible and all financial aid opportunities.
SAT: 1800 Female

“Slide portfolio (16 images of recent work)Jan 06 2008Fine Arts - Painting/Sculpture/Photography/etc
Slide portfolio (16 images of recent work). An Essay, and three letters of recommendation. I also went to a national portfolio review day and interviewed with CCA, and they gave me high remarks which I provided with my application. I also took the English AP and Studio AP test, I received a 4 and 5 respectively and provided those results as well.

Make sure the work you submit with your portfolio is thematically coherent (they love that). Meaning a clear series of work that connects to one another.
SAT: 1150 Male

“On the essay I recommend you answer the question,Aug 27 2007Art & Design Department
On the essay I recommend you answer the question, but to be yourself in it.This is what they are looking for, if you really have compassion to work in the arts.Also make sure your portfolio has some drawings from life. Still life or figure studies.

A complete CCA application includes five requirements:

1. Application and fee
2. Personal essay
3. Transcripts
4. Two letters of recommendations
5. Portfolio

CCA recommends you participate in interviews, or National Portfolio Days, as well as the submission of your SAT, ACT, or AP test scores for placement exam waivers.

Application and Fee

An application form is included in the printed catalog. You may also apply online.

You must submit the completed application and the nonrefundable $50 application fee to the Enrollment Services Office.

CCA honors the College Board Application Fee Waiver Form.

Personal Essay

A one- to two-page essay must accompany the application. The essay is considered part of your portfolio. It allows us to learn more about you and is your opportunity to help us complete the picture of you, in addition to your grades, portfolio, test scores, and recommendations.

Your essay should address the major influences on your decision to pursue art, architecture, design, or writing, and may include one of the following additional topics:

* Describe a personal hardship or barrier that you have had to overcome and explain how it has affected your education or academic performance.
* Based on your life experience, describe your understanding of cultural differences, how this understanding was acquired, and how it has affected you.
* Artists often work on projects that involve, reflect, or influence their community. Tell us about a project you have been involved with that has made a difference to your community.
Transcripts

You must submit an official transcript from your high school showing proof of graduation or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Official, sealed transcripts from your high school must be sent from the school directly to the Enrollment Services Office.

If you have attended college and received college credit while in high school, please submit official transcripts from the college(s) attended.

All transcripts must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation of the original.

Home-schooled applicants should submit detailed syllabi of courses (equivalent to grades 10–12) and details of curriculum you are pursuing through any public or private agency (including community college transcripts, if applicable).
Two Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation from current or recent instructors or school counselors must be submitted to the Enrollment Services Office. If you do not have access to instructors, you may include letters from employers or other professional references. There is no special form for these letters.

The letters should be sent in sealed envelopes directly to CCA or mailed with your application.
Portfolio

A portfolio representing your art experience must be submitted to the Enrollment Services Office. The portfolio consists of your artwork and a personal essay. The portfolio allows the admissions committee to gain an understanding of your interests, experience, and creative potential.

CCA recognizes that students enter college with diverse artistic backgrounds; therefore, portfolios are evaluated on an individual basis, keeping in mind the specific educational background and experiences of each applicant.

See Portfolio Preparation for more information.
Interview

While an interview is not required, prospective students are invited to meet with an admissions representative at National Portfolio Days, college-sponsored events, or a scheduled appointment on either campus throughout the year.

Test Scores : If your test scores aren't great, be sure to have a good essay and a good portfolio.They look at the portfolio before the test scores.

SAT I or ACT scores are highly recommended. You may also submit your AP and IB exam scores. SAT, ACT, AP, and IB exam scores may be used in waiving placement exams upon entering CCA.
Female

“Increasingly CCA is a more competitive school to getDec 07 2005Fine Arts - Painting/Sculpture/Photography/etc
Increasingly CCA is a more competitive school to get into...CCA is looking for real talent and individuality...be yourself, show your best work, put your best foot forward....in the end it comes down to your portfolio. Make sure YOUR portfolio reflects what you think is your best, not what your teacher thinks, your parents, etc. CCA is about what you think and about how you are most able to describe your position and thoughts.
Male