The undergraduate application can be found in the downloads section of this page or apply online at: applyweb.com/apply/svag. Please fill out the application completely. 

 The nonrefundable application fee for all applicants is $50. 

The portfolio should contain samples of your strongest artwork, and should be submitted in accordance with the criteria detailed in the portfolio requirements, found here. All transfer applicants seeking credit in studio art classes must submit a CD-R or sva.slideroom.com portfolio to aid in the evaluation of the student’s placement. In addition to the required film essays, Film and Video applicants are encouraged to submit a production reel. 

 In 500 words or less, discuss your reasons for pursuing undergraduate study in the visual arts. Feel free to include any information about yourself, as well as your goals and interests that may not be immediately apparent from the review of your transcripts or portfolio. 

*Not required for transfer applicants who have earned more than 24 credits

In order to be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to SVA in an envelope stamped and sealed by a high school guidance department and/or registrar. Transcripts can be delivered by the applicant as long as they are in an unopened envelope stamped and sealed by the issuing institution. 

SVA also accepts secure electronic transcripts from Docufide, National Student Clearinghouse and Scrip-Safe. Check with the registrar's office at your institution to see if your school is a member.

Applicants who have completed a GED must submit official transcripts if they have attended high school, in addition to their official GED score report. 

Transfer applicants who have not previously earned more than 24 credits at a regionally accredited college, including coursework in humanities and sciences, must submit official high school transcripts as verification of completing high school or its equivalent. Copies of course descriptions of classes taken at other colleges and universities can be helpful to the transfer review process. 

International applicants are required to submit academic records that have been converted to their U.S. educational equivalents. For more information about transcripts from foreign institutions, click here.

*Home-schooled Students: To be considered for admission, home-schooled applicants are required to submit transcripts, GED scores and SAT/ACT test results. Official transcripts must be submitted from any high school attended in addition to the home-school transcript. 

*Not applicable to Freshmen applicants.

Applicants must submit official transcripts from each college or university attended. Any transcripts from foreign institutions must be officially translated into English and U.S. grading equivalencies (click here for more information). For Transfer Applicant Guidelines, click here.

SVA also accepts secure electronic transcripts from Docufide, National Student Clearinghouse and Scrip-Safe. Check with the registrar's office at your institution to see if your school is a member.

Official SAT or ACT test scores should be sent to the School of Visual Arts by the testing agency or high school.

*Transfer applicants who have earned more than 24 credits at a regionally accredited college, including coursework in the humanities and sciences, do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores.

*International applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores, unless they have taken the test. 

*Optional for incoming Freshmen

The application for the Honors Program can be found in the Downloads section of this page. This program is for first-time freshmen only in specific majors. 

To be considered for a scholarship, first-time freshmen must submit all admissions materials (including a digital portfolio on CD-R or uploaded to sva.slideroom.com) postmarked by February 1, 2013. Transfer applicants must submit all admissions materials postmarked by March 1, 2013. 

*Only required for U.S. Permanent Residents

Permanent residents must submit a copy of their permanent resident card along with their other application materials in order to be considered for admission into the School of Visual Arts. 

In addition to the general admission requirements, all applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English. 

The following are acceptable ways to demonstrate English proficiency: 

• An official copy of an English Proficiency Exam score is required. 
• A minimum score of 79 on the Internet-based version (213 on the computer-based version) of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). For information on taking the TOEFL, call 609.771.7100 or visit www.toefl.com. 
• A minimum score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). IELTS is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), the British Council and IDP Education Australia: IELTS Australia. For information on taking the IELTS, call 626.564.2954.or visit www.ielts.org. 

Applicants may be able to meet English proficiency requirements, on a case-by-case basis, by completing: 

• One year of full-time liberal arts study at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university (including two semesters of English composition) with a minimum grade of B each semester. 
• Graduation from a U.S. high school with at least two years of English with a minimum grade of B each semester. 
• In both cases applicants may be asked to demonstrate English fluency through a phone interview. 

*Required for International applicants only.

International applicants must demonstrate that they are financially capable of pursuing a course of study at SVA. For more information on declaration and verification of finances, click here.