Applicant Types

Are you confused about what type of applicant you are? The definitions below should clarify things for you.

First-time Freshman Applicant
If you have not had any formal education beyond high school, you are considered a first-time freshman applicant, even if you have been out of high school for several years. Application requirements.

Transfer Students

A transfer applicant is someone who has completed their secondary education and has acquired or was pursuing a degree from a four-year liberal arts college, university, two-year community college, or other college of art or design. Students should consult the procedures for first-time freshmen as well as special transfer application requirements.

International Students

Any applicant who is not a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States is considered an international applicant. Students must fulfill special international student requirements in addition to the first-time freshman requirements, and when applicable, transfer requirements.

Spring Applicants

A limited number of spaces in select areas are available for students who hold previous college credit to enroll in the spring semester. The priority deadline for spring admissions was October 15th; however, we continue to accept applications on a space-available basis. Please review spring guidelines and submit your application materials as soon as possible. Feel free to contact Admissions at 617-879-7222 with any questions.

Special Students

Students with undergraduate degrees who want to enroll in a one- or two-semester program of advanced study in one concentration may apply for special student status in the undergraduate program. Students most often choose this option to help them develop a portfolio that will strengthen a graduate school application. The number of spaces for special students is extremely limited. No financial aid is available for special students.

Special student applicants should complete the undergraduate transfer requirements. The portfolio should demonstrate advanced conceptual and technical skills. The required essay should specifically address why you are applying as a special student and your goals within a specified department.

Visiting Students

Students enrolled in an undergraduate program in a member college of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD) who are applying to attend MassArt as a visiting student should refer to information on AICAD Mobility Programs available from the registrar or advising office at their home institutions.

All other students should complete the undergraduate transfer application requirements. The required essay should specifically address your reasons for applying as a visiting student. Please note that visiting students can enroll for up to two semesters.

Readmission Candidates

Students who withdrew from MassArt and want to return must meet the same application requirements and procedures as transfer students. Your statement should address your reasons for leaving MassArt, your activities while you were not enrolled, and your reasons for seeking readmission at this time. Request the registrar to forward a copy of your Massachusetts College of Art and Design transcript and tally sheet to the admissions office.

Please note that you do not need to submit a high school transcript and SAT/ACT scores.

Early Admission Applicants

Candidates of exceptional merit can be considered for admission after completion of their junior year of high school prior to graduation.

This should not be confused with Early Action, the optional early deadline for first-time freshmen and select transfer students. Students actually graduating at the end of their junior year should follow regular application procedures.

Early Admission candidates must be able to meet all high school requirements and obtain their high school diplomas after completing the foundation program at MassArt. Only highly motivated and mature students who have excellent high school records and exceptional art ability should consider this option.

Certificate Program Applicants

MassArt‘s certificate programs are for working adults seeking rigorous programs which combine theory and practice. Students who seek expertise in a particular area but do not want to pursue a full degree may choose to enroll in one of four certificate programs. Certificate courses are taught by MassArt faculty and provide students with the solid professional skills required to enter the workforce as a practicing designer.

Programs are offered in the areas of Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, and Furniture Design. Please visit the certificate programs section for more information about coursework and the application process.

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