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Applying for admission to RMCAD is easy. Here's a quick list of what you need to do, and who you need to talk to during the process:
1. Submit an Application for Enrollment
You may use the online application form, or contact the Admissions Office for a printed form.
If you are accepted, your Admissions Counselor will walk you through the process of applying for financial aid, submitting required health forms, locating student housing, enrolling for classes and attending orientation.
There is a non-refundable $50 USD application fee.
2. Show a GPA of 2.0 or better on your official transcripts
All applicants must either possess a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher, or have a high school equivalency diploma with satisfactory GED scores.
Contact each school you have attended and request that they mail your official transcript directly to RMCAD care of the Admissions Department. If you have already completed college level coursework please submit official transcripts from each college attended. Students with prior college level coursework may also be asked to submit a final high school transcript, pending review of college credits completed and college GPA. International applicants are also required to send RMCAD a copy of their ECE evaluation.
Submit official high school transcripts or GED test scores and/or college transcripts. Transfer students may be asked to submit a high school transcript, pending review of college credits completed and college GPA. All applicants must either possess a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher, or possess a high school equivalency diploma with satisfactory GED scores. Home schooled students must submit satisfactory GED scores or submit proof of graduation by an accrediting body.
If you submit unofficial transcripts with your Application for Admission and you are then accepted, we will still require official transcripts before you can register for classes. You are responsible for contacting each school you have attended and requesting that your transcripts be mailed directly to the RMCAD Admissions Office.
If your GPA is below 2.0 you can still apply, but you will be required to write an essay explaining your low GPA and how you intend to be successful in your studies at RMCAD. Upon review you may be granted provisional admission.
If you were home-schooled and don’t have a GED, or you completed coursework at one or more schools outside the United States, please contact your Admissions Counselor for assistance.
3. Submit your portfolio
Please see the Portfolio Page for more information.
RMCAD acknowledges that students often enter college with varying degrees of art experience and that some applicants may not have a current or traditional portfolio. If you do not have a portfolio please ask an Admissions Counselor about substitute arrangements that may include alternative experiences or examples that illustrate your interest and potential in a professional art and design education.
Students declaring Interior Design as their intended area of study are not required to submit a portfolio.
4. Submit a personal statement
Please submit a typed personal statement, no longer than one (1) page in length, which provides insight to your goals, interests, educational and artistic aspirations.
5. Complete an interview with an admissions counselor
Once you've submitted your application form, an Admissions Counselor will contact you to schedule an interview. For US Citizens, an interview either in-person or by telephone is required. International applicants may also qualify for an interview via e-mail. Through the personal interview you will gain a better understanding of the visual arts education at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design.
6. Take either the ACT or SAT (US Citizens Only)
Standardized tests (ACT or SAT) are required of all first-time freshmen applicants only who are under the age of 24 years. Scores are evaluated primarily for the purpose of academic counseling and placement, but may be used as a factor in the admission decision.
You may elect to have your scores sent to us at the time you take the test, or a copy of your scores can be included with your high school transcripts. Our school code for ACT is 5359, our code for SAT is 1943.
Note for International Applicants
International applicants are persons who are not residents of the United States and who already have, or will apply for a temporary U.S. visa (most commonly the F-1 visa). We strongly suggest international applicants apply at least six months prior to their intended start date.
All records should be submitted in your native language. Credentials written in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Translations should be as literal as possible.
In addition to the steps above you will need to complete the following steps:
1. Submit TOEFL scores or equivalent
All classes at RMCAD are taught in English. If English is not your native language please submit official copies your completed Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). To be admitted you will need to achieve one of the following minimum scores:
- Computerized Test: 173
- Written Test: 500
- Internet: 61
RMCAD’s ID code is 1943. Please use this code when registering for the exam.
You may be required to successfully complete an English as a Second Language (ESL) course before being admitted.
2. Submit official financial documents
International students must submit an official bank statement verifying sufficient funds to cover the cost of the attending RMCAD and living expenses for one year. Contact the Admissions Office to find out the current required amount.
3. Obtain immigration documents
Immigration documents will be issued once RMCAD has received all required documents and you have been accepted. After your tuition deposit has been processed we will send you an I-20 form. This form can be used to obtain a student visa. The I-20 form can only be issued to regular full-time students admitted into a degree program or special program.
To avoid complications and delays international students transferring to RMCAD from another American school should contact the Admissions Office immediately to determine if you are eligible to transfer.