1. What is a portfolio?

A portfolio is simply a collection of work that represents an individual's creative and technical experiences and accomplishments. No two portfolios are alike and each is reviewed based on an applicant's unique background and education. Ideally, portfolios should include work done from the direct observation of life.

2. Does SVA have an early action option?

Yes. High school seniors whose first choice is SVA can receive a non-binding early admission decision, early financial aid estimate, guaranteed housing and early registration privileges. In order to be considered for early action to the fall 2013 semester, applicants must complete all aspects of the admission process by December 1, 2012.

3. What is the deadline for admission to the fall 2013 semester?

Admission to the College operates on a rolling admission basis for applicants to the fall 2013 semester. Applications will be accepted throughout the year as space remains available in each program. International applicants should complete the application process by May 1, 2013.

4. Are application deadlines different for international applicants?

Yes. In order to process student visas in a timely manner, there is a recommended application deadline of March 31, 2013 for the summer 2013 semester; May 1, 2013 for the fall 2013 semester and October 1, 2013 for the spring 2014 semester.

5. How important is my academic background to the admission process?

An applicant's academic history plays an important role in the admission process. It is SVA's belief that art doesn't come from an empty head. As such, it is important that students demonstrate the ability to succeed in a classroom environment and have an aptitude and interest in humanities coursework.

6. Do I need to submit SAT or ACT scores?

SVA requires applicants to submit the results of either the SAT or ACT. Use CEEB code 2835 for SAT score submission and test code 2895 for ACT score submission. Test scores can play an important role in the review process. However, test scores, whether high or low, cannot replace the insight that is provided in the review of an applicant's academic transcripts.

Transfer applicants who have earned a minimum of 24 college credits, including work in the humanities and sciences, do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores.

7. What is the SVA CEEB Code?

The CEEB code for the College is 2835. Please use test code 2895 for ACT score submission.

8. Does SVA require international students to take the TOEFL?

Because a large part of an SVA education focuses on the exchange of ideas and critiques, it is important that all students possess a strong working knowledge of English. All applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate a level of proficiency that will allow them to participate fully in class discussions and critiques. This can be demonstrated in a variety of ways, including the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

9. How is transfer placement determined?

Approximately 30 percent of SVA students are transfer students. Transfer applicants follow the same procedures for admission as all other applicants. Transfer placement is based on studio coursework and the portfolio, not necessarily on the total number of credits previously earned. It is important that transfer applicants submit a digital portfolio that contains examples of work from each studio course for which transfer credit is sought. Copies of course descriptions of classes taken at other colleges and universities can be helpful to the transfer review process.

10. Is it possible to get an application status check during my admission process?

Please note that applicants will receive application status e-mail notifications when additional materials are required and also when their application is complete. These notifications are sent to the applicant's e-mail address on file. When requested, SVA will make every effort to provide additional application status updates in a timely manner. However, during peak processing periods, questions about receipt of particular items and application status may not be answered on demand. Applicants with questions about the application process may contact their admissions counselor. If applicants wish to verify the College’s receipt of their application materials, it is recommended that application materials be submitted via a trackable method, such as certified mail, priority mail, UPS, etc.

1. When can I register for fall classes?

Beginning in March, accepted students who have submitted the enrollment fee and student health forms can register directly with the Office of Academic Advisement. Registration information will be sent to you once your enrollment fee has been received and processed.

2. When is orientation?

Orientation for the fall semester usually begins the Sunday before the Labor Day weekend. Orientation for the spring semester usually begins the Thursday prior to the start of spring classes. Orientation offers new students the opportunity to meet faculty, staff and other students and to gain a further introduction to the curricular and extracurricular life they are about to begin.

3. As an international student, when will I receive the paperwork needed to apply for a visa?

The Certificate of Eligibility, Form I-20 will be issued by the International Student Office to students who have paid the enrollment fee and have submitted a sufficient DOF/VOF, within a few weeks of completing the application file.  You will receive an e-mail with the FedEx tracking number when the I-20 is issued.

1. What is SVA's tuition?

SVA is pleased to offer an undergraduate tuition that remains at the lower end of the spectrum for colleges of its size and stature. The full-time undergraduate tuition for the 2012-2013 school year is $31,030. Tuition typically increases 3 percent to 5 percent each year.

2. How do I apply for financial aid?

Currently, 74 percent of SVA students receive some form of financial aid. To be considered for financial aid, applicants must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available in the Office of Financial Aid and can be filed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Be sure to indicate the Title IV School Code 007468 for SVA in Step 6. Applicants are assigned a specific financial aid advisor who will assist in identifying a variety of financial aid and payment plan options.

3. Does SVA offer scholarships?

SVA awards partial tuition scholarships to new students entering the fall semester through the Silas H. Rhodes Scholarship program. Scholarships are primarily available to full-time students seeking admission to the fall semester who possess a minimum 3.0 GPA. Scholarships are based on academic and creative merit. To be considered for a scholarship, first-time freshmen must submit all admissions and scholarship materials postmarked by February 1, 2013. Transfer applicants must submit all admissions and scholarship materials postmarked by March 1, 2013. Spring 2013 applicants must submit all admissions and scholarship materials postmarked by November 1, 2012. All applicants, including international students, citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for scholarship. There is no scholarship application.

4. What is the SVA Title IV School Code?

The Title IV School Code for the College is 007468.

1. Is SVA accredited?

The School of Visual Arts is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, 215.662.5606. The Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

SVA is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, and is a member of the International Association of Independent Schools for Art and Design, AIAS.

2. What undergraduate majors are offered at SVA?

The School of Visual Arts has been authorized by the New York State Board of Regents to confer the degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts on graduates of four-year programs in advertising; animation; cartooning; computer art; design; film and video; fine arts; illustration; interior design; photography; and visual and critical studies.

3. Is it possible to choose two majors?

All applicants must select one program to major in. Since SVA majors require students to complete an intensive four-year studio program it is not possible to "double major" at SVA. However, cross-registration into other departments is available on a case-by-case basis, with the permission of departmental chairs.

4. Is it possible to obtain a degree as a part-time student?

Part-time study is only available for the BFA Design Program on a case-by-case basis.  Students can complete the entire program through the Division of Continuing Education.  Prospective students can apply for evening matriculation status through the Office of Admissions, following the same procedures outlined for the full-time study.  Also, a variety of courses in the full-time program are scheduled between 9:00 am and 10:00 pm. 

5. Are liberal arts a part of the SVA curriculum?

Yes. In order to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, students must complete a total of 120 credits broken down as follows: 72 credits in studio coursework, 30 credits in humanities and sciences coursework, 12 credits in art history coursework and 6 elective credits. Fine arts majors complete 18 credits in art history and interior design majors complete 78 credits in studio.

6. Does SVA have programs for high school students?

Yes. Each year, more than 700 high school students enroll in pre-college studio courses held on Saturdays during the fall and spring and in an intensive three-week program each July.

7. How do I schedule a portfolio review or tour?

To schedule a portfolio review or a tour of the campus, call the Office of Admissions at 212.592.2100 or 800.436.4204. It is recommended that applicants call to schedule an appointment two to four weeks prior to the date they would like to visit. Please note that housing is not shown on the general admissions tour but may be available by special prior arrangement.

8. Does SVA have housing?

SVA houses approximately 1,400 students in its five residence halls. Students are permitted to stay in SVA housing throughout their four years of study. As such, not all students can be housed each year. It is recommended that applicants who are interested in housing and whose first choice is SVA complete the application for admission process as early as possible.

9. Can I study abroad as an SVA student?

SVA offers both summer abroad and semester abroad programs. Summer Arts Abroad programs are up to three weeks in length and are open to anyone who meets the course prerequisites. Detailed program information is available in the summer Continuing Education catalog and on the Arts Abroad website. Third year, matriculated students may apply to the International Exchange Program (IEP) to study abroad for one semester at an affiliated exchange partner institution. A list of affiliated schools is available in the Registration Book or from the exchange program administrator. Countries currently represented in the IEP include The Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Portugal and the United Kingdom.

10. Does SVA accept advanced placement credit?

Yes.  For the exam score of 5, SVA will award 3 elective credits in studio for AP art, and 3 credits for scores of 4 or 5 in selected Art History and Humanities and Sciences courses.  Neither credits nor exemptions are given for English Language AP examination.

11. What is the student-teacher ratio at SVA?

SVA offers a student-teacher ratio of approximately 4:1. SVA is fortunate to host one of the largest faculties of art professionals in the world. Though many colleges can claim a faculty of working professional artists, none can match the size and breadth of the SVA faculty. The approximately 1,000 working artists who choose to teach at SVA bring all that the New York art industry has to offer into our classrooms.

12. Does SVA offer internships?

The Office of Career Development offers an internship for-credit program for qualified juniors and seniors. SVA students have completed internships at over 600 different companies.