The Discovery Year option is designed for individuals who seek to explore the ways in which writing, new media, and technology come together and interact before choosing a major in the College of Media and Communication (CMAC). After successful completion of a semester or year of study, the student may declare a major in any one of the three CMAC degree programs. Applicants to the Discovery Year are evaluated for admission based on their academic record, personal statement, letters of  recommendation, and standardized test results. Although optional, a personal interview with a member of the admission staff is strongly encouraged. Since the applicant is not seeking admission directly into a major, no additional materials are required. For those students who desire direct entry, or transfer, into one of the majors within the College of Media and Communication, please see the portfolio requirements below. 

Candidates for admission to the Communication program are evaluated based on their ability to think critically about what they have produced (or wish to produce) and the media produced by others. We seek creative individuals who are concerned about the world around them and want to use the media to communicate to a broad audience. You must demonstrate your interest and ability by submitting one of the following:

• A short essay (500 words) in which you state your goals for studying communication, why you are interested, and any subjects, projects, or careers you think you might wish to explore.
  Or
• A media work (videotape, film, website, article, ad campaign, etc.) that you have already produced. With this work, you must also submit a short essay (500 words)  in which you describe the purpose of your submission. (How did you create it? Why did you create it? Did you do it by yourself, with others, as an independent project, or a class project?) 

Your essay must be submitted typewritten and double-spaced. Samples may be submitted on VHS videotape (NTSC format ONLY), audiocassette, CD, DVD (NTSC  format ONLY), URL, or in print. If you wish to have your work returned, include a stamped, selfaddressed enveloped. An interview with the director of the Communication Department is encouraged. Students from abroad or at a significant distance may choose to conduct their interviews over the phone.

Candidates for admission to the Multimedia program are evaluated based on their ability to communicate ideas and to create innovative solutions by combining a wide array of digital and non-digital media.

The University of the Arts Multimedia program combines a wide variety of disciplines in interactive media, visual, and performing arts and design with an entrepreneurial spirit. In celebrating this diversity, the Multimedia department accepts a wide variety of work samples as part of the application process. You may demonstrate your interest in and enthusiasm for learning multimedia by doing the following:

1. Provide two to #ve samples of your best work. These works may include:

• Websites, programming, interface design or other interactive media 
• Film, video, animation, or motion graphics 
• 2-D work: photography, painting, drawing from life, or graphic design 
• 3-D work: sculpture, set design, crafts, fibers or installation 
• Performing arts: music, performance, theater, sound design, or dance 

And

2. Write a brief description (250 words) of a work you like and why it interests you. You may write about web design, music, video, film, games, theatre, painting, or other creative works. Or you may write about one of the pieces you have submitted with your application: explain how you created it, why you created it and in what context it was created, such as a school or work project, collaborative effort, and/or extra-curricular or nonschool related interest. Work samples may be submitted as a URL, CD or DVD (NTSC format ONLY), type-written samples. Web-based portfolios are encouraged. If you wish to have your work returned to you, include a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

An interview with the director of the Multimedia Department is highly recommended. Students from abroad or at a significant distance may choose to conduct their interviews over the phone. Your admissions counselor will assist in setting up an interview if desired.

Candidates for admission to the program in Writing for Film/TV are evaluated based on their ability to write and describe the world imaginatively, since that is the basis for writing feature films and episodic television programs. The program prepares writers who are excited by the art and craft of screenwriting and see themselves in the role of creator of stories that come to life on the screen. Candidates for admission will be required to submit one piece of 5-7 pages of fictional prose. The following areas will be specifically addressed in reviewing the applicant’s creative work: grammar and punctuation; narrative structure; character development; plot; use of setting and descriptive prose.

All written material should be typed and double spaced. No poetry, plays, or screenplays will be accepted.

An interview with the director of the Writing for Film/TV Department is encouraged. Students from abroad or at a significant distance may choose to conduct their interviews over the phone. Students should have submitted their application material prior to arranging an interview.