Applicants to the undergraduate program at the Academy of Art University of San Francisco (academyart.edu/contact_us.html) are required to have a high school diploma, a general equivalence degree or proof of completion of six college credits received from another institution. In addition, entrants must pass California's Department of Education Ability to Pass test. Graduate school admission requirements include a statement of goals essay, undergraduate school transcripts, a resume and an art portfolio showcasing a personal body of work.
The admissions process at the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, (ringling.edu/ContactUs.127.0.html) shows preference to students with prior formal art training. Potential students are encouraged to submit portfolios of their work at school-sponsored National Portfolio Days, held annually in cities around the country. Mailed originals are not accepted, but applicants may submit 10 to 20 images electronically. These images must include examples of still life drawings from direct observation. In 2011, students without work samples were asked to submit a geometric drawing, a self portrait, a collage and an expression of the word "connection." In addition to a portfolio, applicants must submit an evaluation form from a high school teacher, a secondary school report from a high school counselor and an official high school transcript.
Corcoran College of Art and Design in the District of Columbia (corcoran.org/contact/index.php) has separate application requirements for each of its programs. Applicants to the associate of fine arts program must submit high school transcripts and college transcripts if transferring from another institution. Entrants are also required to submit artwork portfolios and personal statements listing all extracurricular activities. Applicants to the baccalaureate programs must meet the same requirements. In addition, scholastic aptitude test scores are considered, and baccalaureate candidates must write one- to two- page essays about prompted topics. Master's program applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, a work resume, a statement of intent, college transcripts, art portfolios and a writing sample for the new media photojournalism and art education tracts.
Penn Foster Career School of Scranton, Pennsylvania, (pennfoster.edu/contact_us.html) offers a comprehensive artist-training program that may be completed from home. Like other art schools, students learn about figure drawing and portfolio building, but admission requirements are not as stringent. Applicants must sign an enrollment agreement and submit proof of high school graduate or the acquisition of a general education diploma. Upon admission, students must complete a basic skills assessment.