Answers to frequenty asked questions can be found here or you can contact admissions@otis.edu or (310) 665-6820.
Undergraduate - Applying
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How do I request a viewbook?
To request a viewbook, complete this form and we’ll mail one to you.
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How do I get feedback on my portfolio? Does Otis College participate in Portfolio Day?
You can schedule a virtual appointment or phone appointment with an admissions counselor and discuss your portfolio. To schedule, see our admissions portal or call 310.665.6820. National Portfolio Day events will be both in-person and virtual for the 2022-23 season. Otis will attend all virtual events and most in-person Portfolio Days. To view a list of National Portfolio Day events, see National Portfolio Day.
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Are SAT/ACTs required?
While SAT/ACTs test scores are not required for admission, students have the option to submit them with the rest of their application materials. If you are an international student you will be required to submit a TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE, Duolingo or an SAT/ACT test score to evaluate your proficiency in English.
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Are there specific classes I need to take in high school in order to be accepted?
Otis College does not require specific courses to be fulfilled to gain admission. However, all students are required to meet the requirements for high school graduation before enrolling at the College.
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Which of my AP or IB classes will you accept for credit?
You can view a list of the credits that we accept for credit at https://www.otis.edu/transfer.
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Do you require letters of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation are not required with your application, but you have the option to submit them with your application materials.
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Do you accept the Common App?
Otis College accepts the Common App for first-year (freshman) applicants. You can add us to your list of colleges by going to https://www.otis.edu/commonapp.
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Can I send you a physical portfolio?
All portfolios will be reviewed digitally on SlideRoom. Because we aren’t viewing your work in person, it is helpful for us if you use the description boxes to let us know important things about your work like the size, medium, and any critical information about understanding the content of the piece.
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Where do I send my supplemental items?
Official transcripts should be sent in sealed envelopes to Otis College of Art and Design, Attn: Admissions, 9045 Lincoln Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. If your school is sending them via email directly to us, they should send to admissions@otis.edu. We also accept official transcripts via Parchment/Common App. You can request that test scores are sent directly from the testing agency or from your school with your official transcript.
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I received a GED instead of a High School Diploma. What do I need to submit in terms of transcripts?
If earned a GED instead of a diploma, you’ll need to submit an official copy of your GED score, as well as official High School transcripts for any schools you may have attended.
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If I’m unable to attend, can I defer my application for next year?
Admitted students are permitted to defer their acceptance for up to one year. To defer your acceptance, email admissions@otis.edu and state the term that you would like to defer your application to.
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Can you double major?
Students at Otis College have a variety of ways to tailor their curriculum to their individual interests through their chosen major. While we don’t have double-majors, we have 17 Minors which allow for a customized educational experience in a range of disciplines.
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Are there requirements to get into my preferred major after Foundation year?
In the second semester of the Foundation year (first-year), students will select their major after attending Foundation Forward, an event to help you finalize your major selection. In some cases, based on space availability, enrollment in a specific academic major, area of emphasis, or minor is not guaranteed; students may be subject to academic review by GPA, additional portfolio or other entrance requirements. Such requirements will be published on the Otis website prior to open registration for the following semester.
Undergraduate - Transferring
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What classes do you require for transfer students?
We evaluate each transfer applicant individually to see how the coursework they’ve completed aligns with the curriculum of the program they are applying for. Since we admit students to the foundation year, we don’t require that you’ve completed specific coursework or even studio art courses in order to be admitted. If you are seeking advanced placement in the sophomore year or higher, you should have completed a mixture of general education credits as well as studio art classes that align with the program you are seeking to enter. You will also need a portfolio of work that demonstrates you have the skills required to enter the level you are seeking. Students interested in transferring can have their transcripts evaluated by a counselor at admissions@otis.edu.
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Are there certain programs that don’t accept junior level transfer students?
At this point in time we do not accept transfer students higher than the sophomore level for the Toy Design or Fashion Design Programs.
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What opportunities for travel do I have as an Otis College student? Does the College have semester-long exchange programs with other schools?
Otis College offers a robust travel study program where students can sign-up for classes where part of the course is taught abroad and takes place during the semester. Find out more information on the Travel Study page at https://www.otis.edu/travel-study-programs. The AICAD Exchange Program provides students with the opportunity to study for one semester at a participating art college, a few of which are located abroad.
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What classes do you require for transfer students?
We evaluate each transfer applicant individually to see how the coursework they’ve completed aligns with the curriculum of the program they are applying for. Since we admit students to the foundation year, we don’t require that you’ve completed specific coursework or even studio art courses in order to be admitted. If you are seeking advanced placement in the sophomore year or higher, you should have completed a mixture of general education credits as well as studio art classes that align with the program you are seeking to enter. You will also need a portfolio of work that demonstrates you have the skills required to enter the level you are seeking. Students interested in transferring can have their transcripts evaluated by a counselor at admissions@otis.edu.
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Are there certain programs that don’t accept junior level transfer students?
At this point in time we do not accept transfer students higher than the sophomore level for the Toy Design or Fashion Design Programs.
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What opportunities for travel do I have as an Otis College student? Does the College have semester-long exchange programs with other schools?
Otis College offers a robust travel study program where students can sign-up for classes where part of the course is taught abroad and takes place during the semester. Find out more information on the Travel Study page at https://www.otis.edu/travel-study-programs. The AICAD Exchange Program provides students with the opportunity to study for one semester at a participating art college, a few of which are located abroad.
Undergraduate - Financial
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What is the deadline to be considered for scholarship? Is a separate application required to be considered? Do you offer Diversity Scholarshps?
While there isn’t a specific deadline to be considered for merit scholarships, funds are limited so we recommend that you submit your application for admission by the Priority Deadline of March 2nd. U.S. Citizens and permanent residents that would like to be considered for financial aid will also need to submit the FAFSA at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa using school code 001251. International applicants should submit the CSS Profile at https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org. U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents are also considered for our Otis Diversity Scholarship when they submit the FAFA and have self-reported race/ethnicity data from the online application.
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Can I attend Otis College part-time?
You have to be enrolled as a full-time student in order to receive any merit-based scholarships or financial aid. This would mean maintaining a schedule of at least 12 credits.
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What opportunities for internships and jobs do students have?
At Otis College, we have both work-study positions in the school as well as opportunities for our students to participate in internships. We have an annual intern fair where we invite companies from a variety of creative professions to meet our students and discuss internship opportunities. 80% of our internships are paid positions and many of our students have found that internships can lead to permanent positions after graduation.
Undergraduate - Housing
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Is there on-campus housing at Otis College?
Yes! We opened a new Residence Hall on campus starting fall 2016. The new facility has both single and double rooms, study lounges, a dining hall, cafe, a new student center and much more. Otis also offers housing in the Park West Apartments located across the street from campus. For more information, check out our housing page at https://www.otis.edu/housing-residence-life/residence-hall.
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Do you need a car?
No, the College has a number of ways of supporting students to access the city of Los Angeles as well as the local Westside neighborhoods. This includes everything from public transportation and short-term car rentals. Also, the campus has comprehensive amenities such as a dining hall and art store, with grocery stores and eateries in easy walking distance to campus.
Graduate
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Why can’t I find the option to apply for fall on the application for the MFA Graphic Design program?
The MFA Graphic Design program is summer entry only.
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The MFA Graphic Design program is described as an accelerated program. Can I complete the degree online, from a distance and/or without moving to Los Angeles?
The program begins in summer, followed by fall, spring and another summer semester to complete the MFA program in 14 months. Because of its accelerated nature, we do not offer any of this program online.
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Does Otis College offer housing for graduate students?
Yes, graduate students attending full-time can apply for on-campus student housing. More information is available on the Residence Life page at https://www.otis.edu/housing-residence-life.
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How do graduate students fund their education?
Otis graduate students typically fund their education through a combination of scholarship, financial aid, student loans and part-time work. Graduate departments award scholarships based on merit. These scholarships vary in amount and graduate scholarships do not provide full funding. The College offers on-campus work for pre-approved students. These positions vary and include: teaching assistantships, researching assistantships, tutoring, as well as assisting departments with office work, tours and special events.
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How can I learn more about the graduate programs? Does Otis College offer tours for prospective graduate students?
The admissions office provides daily one-on-one counseling for student interested in the graduate programs. Register for an appointment here. We also hold MFA Info Sessions which offer a broad overview of each program with information about how to apply. Register for an info session here.
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Can I take just one or two classes from the graduate curriculum?
If you are interested in taking a few classes and not earning a degree, please take a look at the courses offered through Extension.