application process

Admissions decisions are individualized and take into account all aspects of the applicant's background.

Applications are considered on a rolling basis following receipt of all admissions requirements. We recommend that students complete the admissions process prior to February 15, 2013, the priority scholarship deadline. After February 15, scholarship and admission will be given based or availability.

Application

• You initiate the admissions process by submitting a completed application form with a $40, nonrefundable application fee. Online CVA Slideroom Application or paper application

Statement of Interest Essay

• Write a one to two-page essay that describes what excites you about art and design, your goals and why attending CVA will help you achieve them. 

Academic Transcripts

• All applicants must present proof of high school graduation or its equivalent. A valid high school transcript—official and sealed—must be sent directly to the College of Visual Arts Admissions Office.

Admissions Tests

• An ACT or SAT score is required for all applicants.

Portfolio Review

What you show us in your portfolio is entirely up to you. You can choose to submit a variety of media or concentrate on just one. Your portfolio is all about you so it should be as original as you are!

A portfolio for admission into CVA may include (but is not limited to) drawing, painting, graphic design work, digital work, photography, printmaking, sculpture, websites, video and documentation of installation. You may either submit a variety of media or concentrate on one. Your portfolio should include 12 – 20 examples of artwork.

Your portfolio can be reviewed on campus, sent through the mail or reviewed online.

• In person: If you would like to submit your portfolio in person, contact us to schedule an appointment.
• By mail: If you want to mail your portfolio to the admissions office you must mail a Macintosh - compatible CD of your work with an inventory list that details the title, size, materials, and date of completion for each piece on the disc. Do not send the originals! Your work could be damaged and your portfolio will not be mailed back to you.
• Online Portfolio: CVA accepts online portfolios through our Slideroom portal at https://cva.slideroom.com. The Admissions Office will not accept portfolios sent by email. We will also accept a URL for a site that displays your portfolio.

Our portfolio reviews are not critiques.  They provide an opportunity for the admissions team to see your work up close and to hear more about your interests and your creative process.