Ready to apply to MCAD? Be sure to follow the dates and deadlines for the best chance at admittance.Application FormOfficial TranscriptsACT or SAT Test Scores (Optional)Letter of RecommendationAcademic Writing Sample (Optional)Written StatementPortfolio (optional for BS applicants)Additional Requirements for International StudentsUsing SlideroomTransfer Credit to MCAD Application FormTo begin the application process, complete one application using the option that matches your applicant type.First-year applicants are students who are currently in high school or who have graduated from high school but have not enrolled in college after graduation.Transfer applicants are students who have graduated from high school (or earned a GED) and have enrolled in a college or university after high school, regardless of the number of credits earned.Both application options are easy to complete, and you may save your progress and return at any time. The application form requires a credit card for the $50 nonrefundable application fee. In cases of financial hardship, the application fee may be waived. Please contact the MCAD Admissions Office for more information. Option 1: CommonApp for MCAD (First-year students only): Apply to MCAD through the CommonApp, including the nonrefundable $50 application fee. This option is available only for first-year undergraduate applicants. CommonApp Option 2: MCAD Application (First-year and Transfer Students) Apply directly through the MCAD Application, including the nonrefundable $50 application fee. This application option is available for both first-year and transfer undergraduate applicants and is required for all transfer applicants. mcad.edu/apply Official TranscriptsSend via email or mail, or upload via Slideroom or secure document transferOfficial transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution. Transcripts marked "Issued to Student" are not considered official. MCAD will accept unofficial copies for review in the application process uploaded to SlideRoom or emailed, with official copies with a date of high school graduation or GED equivalency due prior to enrollment. If a student has taken courses or semesters as pass/fail, the type and rigor of courses taken will be considered. A student's chance of admission will not be negatively impacted by taking courses pass/fail. Please contact your admission counselor for next steps if you have questions about submission of transcripts. High School Students/Graduates Submit official transcripts from high school and any colleges or universities that you have attended. Non-High School Graduates If you did not complete high school, submit your general equivalency diploma (GED) scores as well as official transcripts from high school and any colleges or universities you have attended. Transfer Students If you are or have been enrolled at another college or university, submit official transcripts from high school* and colleges or universities you have attended. Homeschool Students Homeschool transcripts are welcome. Please ensure your transcript includes classes, curricula, grades, and graduation date. *Not required if you have previously earned a bachelor's degree. See additional information about transferring PSEO, AP, IB, and college credits. (Optional) ACT or SAT ScoresSend via email or mail, or upload via Slideroom or secure document transferSubmission of ACT or SAT scores for the undergraduate program is optional. Your chance of admission will not be impacted if you do not submit standardized test scores. In many circumstances, standardized test scores may have value for indicating potential ability, so students are still encouraged to submit them with their application. There is no minimum score. The writing portion of the test is not recommended. Please contact your admission counselor for next steps if you have questions about submission of scores. MCAD will accept scores for review in the application process uploaded to SlideRoom, emailed, or mailed. Letter of RecommendationSend via email or mail, or upload via SlideroomOne letter of recommendation or letter of support is required from a guardian, mentor, art instructor, teacher, guidance counselor, advisor, or employer in promotion of your application.The letter should consist of a short paragraph on your ability to successfully participate in a college program.Letters are due by the posted deadlines for each specific program.You may send the request directly to the writer via Slideroom. Written StatementUpload via SlideroomWrite a carefully edited 400- to 600-word statement responding to one of the following questions specific to your program.AI Policy: At MCAD, the use of AI for content generation in the Written Statement admissions requirement is not allowed. We value the importance of authenticity and genuine expression in showcasing applicants' individual voices and artistic perspectives. However, we recommend utilizing word editing programs for grammar, punctuation, and spell checking before submission, ensuring clarity and coherence in your writing.Bachelor of Science ApplicantsDescribe a team project in which you have been involved. What was the goal of the project? What was your role? What did you learn from the process? Was the project successful?Bachelor of Fine Arts ApplicantsChoose one of the following:Describe an artist who has influenced your work. Discuss both the artist's work and your own work.Describe a project you completed as a member of a group. Describe the project and your role.Describe how a critique of your work influenced it or made it better. (Optional) Academic Writing SampleUpload via SlideroomSubmission of a graded writing sample completed in an academic setting (high school or college) is encouraged. Your chance of admission will not be impacted if you do not submit a writing sample. PortfolioUpload via SlideroomBachelor of Science ApplicantsA portfolio of artwork is not required. However, visual documentation of the project described in your personal statement may be uploaded as a portfolio.Bachelor of Fine Arts ApplicantsYour portfolio is the most important part of your application. It is evaluated on artistic and conceptual content, design, composition, technical skill, and creative potential. Get some tips on developing your best portfolio.AI Policy: At MCAD, we discourage the use of AI-generated content in admissions portfolios. No more than 3 pieces of AI-assisted artwork may be submitted as part of an admission portfolio with clear citation and explanation of why AI was chosen as a tool. MCAD places a high value on artistic integrity and individual voice and expects student work to be a reflection of their own ideas and skill.We recommend including the following four subjects in your portfolio:LandscapeStill lifeInterior spaceSelf-portraitAt least one of these subjects must be represented in an observational drawing. Do not work from photographs or another artist's work. Include a full value scale (from light to dark) and background. Use your eyes, imagination, and creativity. The remaining three subjects may be composed in the media of your choice.Additionally, include eight to sixteen pieces of finished artwork that show your technical skills and idea development. It helps to submit work from a variety of media to best demonstrate your abilities; any medium is acceptable. Sketches may only be submitted to show idea development of submitted completed pieces. Slideroom allows you to include titles, dates, media, dimensions, and notes. Both still images and time-based works may be uploaded. Images may be viewed and rearranged until the application process is complete. Detailed instructions are found in our step-by-step video walkthrough and on the Slideroom site. There is no charge to submit portfolios online. For technical support, email help@slideroom.com. Using SlideroomAll of our applications require you to upload materials via Slideroom. You can access SlideRoom through your CommonApp application portal or directly at mcad.slideroom.com. This video will walk you through the SlideRoom process. Your MCAD application is not considered complete until both your application form and your required SlideRoom materials have been submitted.Transfer Credit to MCADWhether you are applying as a first-year applicant with previous college-level coursework or as a transfer applicant, MCAD will review your prior academic work to determine which credits may apply toward your degree. Transfer credit is evaluated based on course content, institution accreditation, grades earned, and how coursework aligns with MCAD’s curriculum requirements. Review our policies to understand how liberal arts, studio arts, pre-college, AP, IB, and community college coursework may be considered for transfer credit towards your bachelor’s degree. Transferring to MCAD Mailing Address MCAD Admissions Office 2501 Stevens Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55404