Application
Fee schedule is as follows:
US citizen/permanent resident: $40
International applicant: $110
Personal
Statement
All applicants are required to submit a 250-500 word personal statement that describes
their reasons for choosing a visual arts education and any influences that led
to this choice. In the personal statement, we are looking for an expression of
your passion and commitment to art - be creative! The personal statement should
be typed and submitted with the application. Applicants should list their full
name and social security number on the statement.
High
School Transcript
Your high school guidance office should forward an official transcript
from your secondary school academic record to the Admissions Office at
Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. If you did not graducate from high
school but you have your GED, you will need to request a GED transcript.
If you took your GED in Pennsylvania, click HERE to obtain a request form or call the admissions office. If you took your GED in another state, please check with your Department of Education for transcript request instructions.
Portfolio
Review
Students should submit 10-15
pieces of recent, original artwork,
including 3-5 pieces from direct
observation. Direct observation
pieces are defined as works done
by looking at an object, objects,
figure, face, landscape etc. in the
3-dimensional plane rather than
from a photograph or secondary
source. Pieces should reflect a
student’s current abilities as thoroughly
as possible. Applicants’
portfolios should present a wide
range of media, styles and techniques.
In addition to finished
pieces, applicants should also
include their sketchbooks.
Portfolios will be assessed on a
student’s demonstrated potential
for success in Pennsylvania
College of Art & Design’s programs.
We encourage all students
to present their portfolio and
complete their interview in person
by scheduling a visit to the college.
Please note: Applicants living
more than 3 hours away from the
college may submit a slide or CD
portfolio. Applicants may request portfolio preparation
information from the Admissions Office.
Slide Presentation Instructions:
Each slide must be labeled with
the applicant’s name and title of
work. Slides should be placed in
standard 8 1/2 x 11 inch (21.6 x
27.9 cm) plastic sleeves. Do not
send slides in a box or a carousel.
Please include a self-addressed
stamped envelope to ensure return
of slides. A typed slide sheet identification
should be included with
the slides. The slide sheet must
contain the following information:
• Student’s name
• Title of piece
• Dimensions of piece
• Medium or media
• Date of completion
CD Presentation Instructions:
Portfolios presented on a CD
should include individual digital
image files in .jpg format, and
should not be combined to create a
slideshow or prepared presentation.
In addition to the CD, students
should include a typed list with
information noted in the above
slide presentation instructions.
PCAD also
offers an art school portfolio prep program. Check out more information about
it by clicking here.
Interview
All applicants must complete a personal interview with a member of our admissions
staff. The interview enables Pennsylvania College of Art & Design to assess
each applicant's artistic background, intent, and level of commitment.
Letters
of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required for students who have below a 2.5 GPA,
and optional for students who have earned a minimum of 2.5 GPA. The admissions
committee gains insight into an applicant's character, commitment, and background
from letters of recommendation.
Letters should be written by guidance counselors, high school academic teachers,
employers, or others who have had contact with the student and can attest to their
abilities and level of commitment for higher learning. These letters should be
on official school district letterhead (if applicable), and sent directly to the
Admissions Office.