The University of the Arts accepts students on rolling admission basis and, therefore, has no official application deadline. However, you are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible. Priority deadline for scholarship consideration requires that the application is submitted by March 15 and complete by April 1.
General Criteria
The University of the Arts seeks students who have achieved strong academic records and demonstrate talent in their chosen creative disciplines. We are especially interested in individuals who show self-awareness, commitment, and an active interest in the world around them.
Admission is selective and is based on a comprehensive assessment of each applicant’s individual potential. There are no minimum SAT or ACT scores. A minimum GPA of 2.0 or better is recommended.
Art and Design Criteria
Applicants to the College of Art and Design are evaluated on the basis of their portfolios and their academic performance. To help students prepare portfolios, UArts participates in National Portfolio Days, events held throughout the country, through which college representatives offer constructive advice to student artists. Click here for a schedule of National Portfolio Days.
Media and Communication Criteria
Candidates for admission to the College of Media and Communication are evaluated on the basis of their academic record as well as their desire and ability to communicate ideas. Special consideration is given to applicants’ ability to express themselves in media appropriate to their intended major.
Performing Arts Criteria
Admission to the College of Performing Arts is based on an audition in the intended field of study. Applications must be received at least two weeks before the audition date.
Application Form
You may submit your application in two ways: by completing the application online; or by downloading a PDF of the application, printing, completing and mailing it to us. Click here to view your application options.
Application Fee
The application fee is $60 for United States citizens and permanent residents and $75 for international applicants. The re-application fee, for those have applied to UArts within the past calendar year, is $10.
Transcripts
All undergraduate applicants are required to submit official copies of their secondary school academic records. Transcripts should be forwarded by your high school guidance office directly to the Office of Admission.
Transfer Students
If you are a transfer student you must also submit official transcripts from all colleges you have attended, as well as a listing of all courses in which you are currently enrolled that may not yet appear on the transcripts.
Standardized Test Scores
The submission of official standardized test scores is required for admission, although applicants who have completed a college-level English Composition course with a grade of “C” or better, or applicants who have been out of school for more than five years, are not required to submit standardized test scores. The SAT or ACT are the acceptable standardized tests. Candidates for admission from Puerto Rico or Latin America may substitute or augment the SAT or ACT with the Prueba de Aptitud Academica (PAA). The University of the Arts’ CEEB code is 2664. The ACT code is 3664.
International students whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS results. A minimum TOEFL score of 550 pbt/213 cbt/80 ibt or a score of 6.0 on the IELTS is required.
Recommendation
You are required to submit one teacher recommendation. Please ask your teacher to comment on your demonstrated abilities in the arts, your maturity, ambition, determination and seriousness of purpose. The letter of recommendation should be sent directly to the Admission Committee.
Although not a requirement, you are welcome to submit additional recommendations from other teachers, guidance counselors, or employers.
Portfolio & Audition Requirements
In addition to submitting all of the application materials indicated above, all students applying to UArts must complete portfolio review or audition. Click here for detailed information on these requirements.
Admission decisions for all applicants (home schooled or traditional) are based primarily on the following requirements:
• Academic achievement
• Artistic Presentation
• Teacher Recommendation
• Personal Essay
• Standardized Test Scores (SAT or ACT)
Home schooled applicants are encouraged to provide us with complete documentation showing the courses studied and all the evaluations presented from a home school evaluator, or supervisor in cooperation with the local school district, or an outside teacher utilized by the family under their state home education law. Please note that recommendations from family members for home schooled applicants will be considered in addition to a recommendation from an unrelated individual.
All students who are offered admission must provide proof of secondary school graduation prior to enrollment in The University of the Arts. This may be in the form of a final transcript indicating graduation, high school diploma granted through a local high school, a diploma granted from an organization governed by a State Board of Education, other non-profit organizations recognized by a State Board of Education to issue diplomas to Homeschoolers, or a form applicable under the student’s state home education law. The GED is also acceptable proof of graduation.
In addition to the application requirements listed above, transfer students and international students must meet certain other requirements. These are described in the Transfer Students and International Students branches of this site.
As a high school junior you may submit an application for admission to The University of the Arts freshman class provided that you meet one of the following conditions:
1. By taking an overload during the eleventh grade or by taking summer courses, you are able to receive your high school diploma before enrolling at UArts.
2. Your high school agrees in writing to grant you a high school diploma upon successful completion of your freshman year at UArts.
Please submit your application form and any supporting materials to the address below. Clearly mark your name and social security number on each item you submit.
Admission Committee
The University of the Arts
320 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102-9762
Once you have submitted your application form, you will receive a packet of information from your admission counselor. If you haven’t received this packet within 10 days, please contact the Office of Admission at 215-717-6030 or 800-616-ARTS.