Admissions Checklist

Applying for admission is easy - simply follow the five steps below. All applicants are notified in writing of their acceptance as soon as all the required application materials are received, with most decisions made within two weeks.

1. Complete an interview with an admissions counselor.

The first step in joining the RMCAD community is to meet with an Admissions Counselor. Your counselor will introduce you to our campus culture, listen closely to what you want from a college, and help you determine if RMCAD is a good fit for you. For U.S. Citizens, an interview either in-person or by telephone is required. International applicants may also qualify for an interview via email.

2. Submit an application for enrollment.

You can use the online application form, or contact the Admissions Office for a printed form.

If you're accepted, your Admissions Counselor will walk you through the process of applying for financial aid, submitting required health forms, locating student housing, enrolling for classes and attending orientation.

There is a non-refundable $50 (USD) application fee.

3. Submit your digital portfolio, collection of visual work and/or essay.

Depending on which program you're applying for, you'll need to submit a digital portfolio or personal statement/essay.

For all tracks in Art Education, all tracks in Fine Arts, 2D Animation, Communications Design, and Illustration: You must submit a digital portfolio* of 10 - 15 pieces or another collection of visual work that demonstrates the basic skills needed to succeed in art and design coursework.

For 3D Animation, Game Art and Interior Design: If you don't have a digital portfolio or collection of visual work, you may submit a personal statement/essay. It should be typed, no longer than one page in length, and provide insight as to why you wish to be a student at RMCAD.

*We know that students often enter college with varying degrees of art experience and that some applicants may not have a current portfolio. We encourage you to try to develop a portfolio before you apply. If you need help in developing this portfolio or have visual work that demonstrates your abilities outside of a traditional portfolio, talk to your Admissions Counselor.

4. Send in your official transcripts.

Official college or high school transcripts or GED test scores should be sent directly to the Admissions Department. Transfer students may be asked to submit a high school transcript, pending review of college credits completed and college GPA.

Even if you're still in high school, you must submit an unofficial transcript at the time you complete an Application for Admission. We will use unofficial transcripts to evaluate your admission file for acceptance. Official transcripts must be received before you can be enrolled in classes.

All applicants must either possess a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher, or possess a high school equivalency diploma with satisfactory GED scores. Home schooled students must submit satisfactory GED scores or submit proof of graduation by an accrediting body which is recognized by RMCAD. Applicants who do not posses a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher will be required to submit an essay explaining how they intend to be successful in their studies at RMCAD. Upon review they may admitted with a provisional status.

5. Send in standardized test scores (ACT or SAT; U.S. citizens only).

Standardized tests (ACT or SAT) are required of all first-time freshmen applicants. Scores are evaluated primarily for the purpose of academic counseling and placement.

You may elect to have your scores sent to us at the time you take the test, or a copy of your scores can be included on your high school transcripts. Our school code for ACT is 5359, and our code for SAT is 1943.