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Important Dates

Undergraduate Programs

August 1 Fall and Spring Application Opens
November 1 Spring Priority Application Deadline
December 1 Fall Early Action Deadline
February 15 Fall Priority Application Deadline

Graduate Programs

August 1 Application Opens
November 1 Spring Fine Arts Priority Deadline
January 15 Summer Graphic Design Priority Deadline
January 15 Fall Fine Arts Priority Deadline

 

BFA Undergraduate Applicants

  • Application Deadlines

    Otis College accepts undergraduate applications for the fall and spring semesters. Admission is rolling after the priority deadline as space remains available. 

     

    Fall Semester Entry

    Students can enter into the Foundation, Sophomore, Junior level

    Application Opens: August 1st

    Early Action Deadline: December 1st*

    Priority Deadline: February 15th (with Rolling admission after)

    *Early Action applicants who submit their application and all materials by December 1st will receive an early decision by mid-January and an early financial aid award estimate (requires submission of the FAFSA).

    Spring Semester Entry

    Students can enter as first-semester Foundation. Transfer students can enter as a second-semester sophomore with the appropriate credits.

    Application Opens: August 1st

    Priority Deadline: November 1st (with Rolling admission after)

  • Application Requirements

     

    1. Online Application - First-year (Foundation) applicants can apply on the CommonApp or the Otis Online Application. Transfer applications should apply using the Transfer Common App or Otis Online Application
    2. $50 application fee - Otis College grants fee waivers to veterans, Summer of Art, Portfolio Prep, CSSSA and Ryman Arts alums. The application fee is waived for Transfer applicants and for First-year (Foundation) applicants using the Otis Online Application
    3. Portfolio - Otis has two options for the portfolio requirement. Go to otis.edu/portfolio to see the options. The portfolio costs $10 to submit on SlideRoom. (If applying through the Common App, you will access our portfolio submission portal through the Common App. See instructions here.)
    4. Personal Statement - In at least 500 words, describe your background and interest in studying art and design. For first-year applicants, if you are applying via the Common App, you can select one Common App essay prompt to complete your personal statement. 
    5. Transcripts
      • Official transcripts are required showing all completed work to date. Please note, admitted high school students must also submit a final official high school transcript after graduation. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted to review your application for admission.
      • Transfer students are required to submit final official high school transcripts (with the graduation date) and official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Unofficial college transcripts will be accepted to review your application for admission.
      • International students are required to submit official translations for transcripts not in English. Please submit both the translation and the official transcript.
      • International transfer applicants: Transfer students who have studied outside the US (other than Japan and Korea) are required to submit an evaluation of their post-secondary (college or university) transcript(s).  This evaluation may be done by any evaluation agency recommended by NACES.org. Options for evaluation services include Span TranWESJosef Silny & AssociatesIEEECE, and Global Credential Evaluators. The document must be officially translated into English by a certified translation service before submitting to any evaluation agency recommended by NACES or any other reputable education evaluation service, e.g., your embassy. Otis asks for a course-by-course evaluation.
      • Otis College considers home schooled applicants with appropriate documentation and requires examination results for enrollment. Home school transcripts should be complete for all high school coursework including subject names and grades.  If the student attended another high school or college in addition to being home schooled, transcripts must also be submitted from these schools. Homeschool applicants must obtain and submit the General Educational Development (GED) examination or a comparable regional test such as the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE). The HiSET and TASC exams are also accepted.
    6. SAT/ACT Test Scores
      • SAT or ACT test scores are not required. Submitting test scores is optional. 
    7. English Proficiency Exam
      • International applicants whose primary/native language is not English should take one of the four tests recognized by Otis College: TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson Test of English, or the Duolingo English Test (SAT/ACT scores not required). The minimum scores required for BFA admission are a 79 on the TOEFL ibt, 6.5 on the IELTS, 58 on the Pearson Test of English or 105 on the Duolingo English Test. Our TOEFL institution code is 4394.
      • If you have attended an accredited high school or college where English is the primary language of instruction, you may be considered proficient if you submit a transcript documenting completion of non-ESL coursework in English or Literature. Contact the Admissions office at admissions@otis.edu or 310.665.6820 for additional information.
      • The English proficiency requirement may not be required for native English speakers who are citizens of any of the following countries and attend schools where English is the primary language of instruction: England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, India, South Africa and Common Wealth Caribbean (Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago).

     

    Submitting your Application Materials

    You can check to see if your application materials have been received by logging in to your status page. Application materials must be submitted virtually. We will accept transcripts from a counselor or registrar at an official institutional email account. Only transcripts can be sent by mail.

    Our mailing address is Otis College of Art and Design, Attn: Admissions, 9045 Lincoln Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Once all required application materials are received, the Admissions Committee will notify you of its decision by mail and on your status page.

  • Transfer Information

    Taking the right classes before transferring is an important step for a smooth transition into the College's art and design programs. Please view our Transfer page for more information on our transfer credit policies. 

  • International Applicants

    English Proficiency Exam

    International applicants whose primary/native language is not English should take one of the three tests recognized by Otis College: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test or the Pearson Test of English (SAT/ACT scores not required). The minimum scores required for BFA admission are a 79 on the TOEFL ibt, 6.5 on the IELTS or 58 on the Pearson Test of English or 105 on the Duolingo English Test. Our TOEFL institution code is 4394.

    If you have attended an accredited high school or college where English is the primary language of instruction, you may be waived of this requirement if you submit a transcript documenting completion of non-ESL coursework in English or Literature. Contact the Admissions office at admissions@otis.edu or 310.665.6820 for additional information.

    The English proficiency requirement may also be waived for native English speakers who are citizens of any of the following countries and attend schools where English is the primary language of instruction: England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, India, South Africa and Common Wealth Caribbean (Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago).

     

    Visa Requirements

    International Students who require an F-1 student visa must submit the following:

    I-20 Request Form 

    Financial Guarantee Form

    A bank statement or other documentation from the parent’s or sponsor’s bank or sponsoring organization certifying that sufficient funds for support of the student’s education and living expenses are available.

    A copy of the current passport photo page.

    If the student is currently holding an F-1 visa, then a copy of the I-20 and visa are also required. The SEVIS Release Form will also be required.

    Communication must be in English or accompanied by certified English translation, and funds should be in U.S. dollars. Address these letters to Otis College's Admissions Office. When all required documents are received, an I-20 will be issued for the student. The student may take this document to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to obtain an F-1 Student Visa

  • CSAT Initiative for Korean Students

    Applicants who have taken the College Scholastic Ability Test (known as the CSAT or Suneung) in South Korea are eligible to apply to Otis using their CSAT score. A portfolio of 10-20 images will still be required for CSAT applicants. Applicants will receive information on how to submit their portfolio after their application is received. An official transcript is required for students who are accepted and decide to officially enroll. 

    For more information, please visit www.initialview.com/csat.

MFA Graduate Applicants

  • Application Deadlines

    Otis College accepts graduate applications for the fall and spring semesters for MFA Fine Arts, and for the summer semester for MFA Graphic Design. Admission is rolling after the application deadline and will be considered on a space-available basis.

    Fall Semester Entry 

    MFA Fine Arts - Fall

    Application Opens: August 1st

    Priority Deadline: January 15th*

    *After this date, applications will be accepted on rolling admission basis as space remains available. 

     

    Spring Semester Entry 

    MFA Fine Arts

    Application Opens: August 1st

    Priority Deadline: November 1st

     

    Summer Semester Entry 

    MFA Graphic Design

    Application Opens: August 1st

    Priority Deadline: January 15th*

    *After this date, applications will be accepted on rolling admission basis as space remains available. 

  • Application Requirements

     

    1. Online Application - Submit the online application at admissions.otis.edu/apply.
    2. $50 application fee - The fee is nonrefundable and can be paid online after you submit your application.
    3. Resume - This can be uploaded with your application. 
    4. Statement -   This can be uploaded with your application. 
      1. MFA Fine Arts Applicants: Please submit an artist statement.
      2. MFA Graphic Design Applicants: Please answer each question below in the form of a paragraph. Please provide any specific examples and direct references when necessary. 

        1. For what reason(s) are you applying for an MFA in Graphic Design? Why Otis specifically? (Feel free to list any classes, faculty, or opportunities Otis provides that inspire you). 

        2. Who or what is currently inspiring your design practice? Are there any contemporary graphic designers that are influencing your practice? How and why?

        3. Tell us about one creative hobby, and one area in which you consider yourself an expert.

    5. Transcripts - Official transcripts are required from any college or university where you pursued undergraduate study and where you earned your bachelor’s degree. International students must submit official foreign language transcripts as well as certified translations. Unofficial transcripts can be submitted with your application and used to evaluate you for admission. Please upload them through the application or applicant portal.
    6. Portfolio - For Fine Arts or Graphic Design, submit 15-20 images (see Preparing a Portfolio below). Submit your portfolio online at otis.slideroom.com. 
    7. Letters of Recommendation (optional) - Up to three letters of recommendation can be submitted through the online application, but are optional.
    • English Proficiency Exam 
      • If you are an international applicant whose primary/native language is not English and you are applying for Fine Arts, Graphic Design or Public Practice, you should take one of the three tests recognized by Otis College: the TOEFL, the IELTS, or the Pearson Test of English. The minimum scores required for MFA admission are a 79 on the TOEFL ibt, 6.5 on the IELTS or 58 on the Pearson Test of English or 105 on the Duolingo English Test.
      • Applicants who have earned a bachelor's degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction may meet our English proficiency requirement. A transcript is required to make this determination.
      • The English proficiency requirement may not be required for native English speakers who are citizens of any of the following countries and attend schools where English is the primary language of instruction: England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, India, South Africa and Common Wealth Caribbean (Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago).
      • Contact the Admissions office at gradadmissions@otis.edu or 310.665.6820 for additional information.
      • Interview (by request) - Departments may request interviews over video conference as a part of the application process. 

     

    Admissions requirements for the Graduate Programs are designed to give admitted students a high probability of success in academic and studio work. Technical competence in the area of concentration is a primary factor in the admissions process.

    Completion of an accredited BFA, BA, or BS degree is required. For Fine Arts, it is preferred that students have a degree in art or a related field, but all applicants with a prior bachelor’s degree will be considered for admission.

    Submitting Your Application Materials

    You can check to see if your application materials have been received by logging in to your applicant account. Application materials must be submitted digitally. Only transcripts can be sent by mail.

    Our mailing address is Otis College of Art and Design, Attn: Admissions, 9045 Lincoln Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

  • Preparing a Portfolio

    Graduate Fine Arts, Graduate Graphic Design: 
    15-20 images including the name of each piece, approximate dimensions, medium, date, and file type (e.g., jpeg, tiff, gif, mov, mpg). Submit your portfolio online at otis.slideroom.com.

  • International Applicants

    English Proficiency Exam

    If you are an international applicant whose primary/native language is not English and you are applying for Fine Arts or Graphic Design, you should take one of the three tests recognized by Otis: the TOEFL, the IELTS, or the Pearson Test of English. The minimum scores required for MFA admission are a 79 on the TOEFL ibt, 6.5 on the IELTS or 58 on the Pearson Test of English or 105 on the Duolingo English Test.

    Applicants who have earned a bachelor's degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction may be waived of this requirement.

    The English proficiency requirement may also be waived for native English speakers who are citizens of any of the following countries and attend schools where English is the primary language of instruction: England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, India, South Africa and Common Wealth Caribbean (Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago).

    Contact the Admissions office at gradadmissions@otis.edu or 310.665.6820 for additional information.

     

    Visa Requirements

    International Students who require an F-1 student visa must submit the following:

    • I-20 Request Form 
    • Financial Guarantee Form
    • A bank statement or other documentation from the parent’s or sponsor’s bank or sponsoring organization certifying that sufficient funds for support of the student’s education and living expenses are available.
    • A copy of the current passport photo page.
    • If the student is currently holding an F-1 visa, then a copy of the I-20 and visa are also required. The SEVIS Release Form will also be required.

    Communication must be in English or accompanied by certified English translation, and funds should be in U.S. dollars. Address these letters to Otis College of Art and Design Admissions Office. When all required documents are received, an I-20 will be issued for the student. The student may take this document to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to obtain an F-1 Student Visa

 

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