admissions requirements

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

1. Application

You initiate the admissions process by submitting a completed application form with a $40, nonrefundable application fee. Application

2. Statement of Interest Essay

Write a one- or two-page essay that describes what excites you about art and design, your goals and why attending CVA will help you achieve them.  Online applicants have the option to upload it to their application. Essays can be mailed to the CVA Admissions Office or emailed to admissions@cva.edu.

3. 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 at 344 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55102. 

4. Test Scores

An ACT or SAT score is required for all applicants. ACT or SAT are typically listed on a high school transcript. If your high school does not list it on the transcript, it must be sent directly to the College of Visual Arts Admissions Office at 344 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55102.

5. Letter of Recommendation - For Fall 2012 Scholarship Applicants

Applicants must provide at least one (1) letter of recommendation written by an instructor, school guidance counselor, college counselor, advisor or professional with direct knowledge of your academic and artistic performance.  The recommendation can be mailed to the CVA Admissions Office or emailed from the teacher to the admissions@cva.edu email.

6. 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. Remember your portfolio is all about you and your artwork. 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. There is $10 processing fee from Slideroom. 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.

CVA Admissions Office
344 Summit Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Admissions: 651.757.4040
Toll Free: 800.224.1536
Fax: 651.757.4010
admissions@cva.edu