Apply to CalArts

Admission to CalArts is competitive and considered mainly on the basis of demonstrated talent, creativity and commitment. CalArts welcomes applications for admission from anyone committed to the visual, performing or writing arts. Students are admitted on a full-time basis only and commence studies almost exclusively in the fall semester.

Application requirements

Your application for admission will be evaluated only after the Office of Admissions has received all required materials listed below. It is your responsibility to be certain that all necessary materials have been sent. The requirements are as follows:

• Application (apply online) The online application works best with Internet Explorer
• Application Fee
• Audition / Portfolio
• Transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Artist’s statement

Transcripts

Transcripts, whether enclosed with the Application for Admission or sent under separate cover, should come in a sealed envelope. Official high school transcripts are required of all BFA1 and transfer applicants. Official college transcripts are required of all transfer and MFA applicants. College transcripts should cover all work undertaken and should be sent from each institution attended.

Please do not include transcripts in your portfolio package; this will delay the review of your file.

Letters of recommendation

We recommend that you submit the requests for your letters of recommendation through the online application, as it will allow you to track when the letter is submitted.  However, if this is not possible, you may also download the Letter of Recommendation Form (pdf) and have your recommender send their letter by mail. Please choose only one method - either online or by mail - per recommender.

Two letters of recommendation are required for most programs. At least one recommendation should be written by a person who understands your artistic work. The MFA Program in Dance, the MFA Directing Program and the MFA Writing for Performance Program require three letters of recommendation.

Please do not include letters of recommendation in your portfolio package; this will delay the review of your file.

Artist's Statement

An artist’s statement is very important in the admissions process. Please use this statement to discuss the issues and concerns that inform your artmaking practice, your reasons for applying to CalArts and your artistic goals. Some programs have additional specific requirements (please see Specific Program Requirements). When applying online, this statement should be submitted with your electronic application.

Please do not include your artist’s statement in your portfolio package; this will delay review of your file.