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HOW TO APPLY

Join our radiant community

At AAC, admissions isn’t about making it difficult to invest in your world-changing art. Instead, we’re here to help you make your dreams a reality. All you have to do is take the first step. Your roadmap is right here.

Universal Application Requirements & Procedures

No matter what, the following info is probably worth checking out.
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What you need to know: Portfolio

You will need to submit 8-10 original works of artwork, design, or creative writing. Your portfolio can contain any combination of these media (now’s your chance to wow us with creativity, so go weird or go home!). Please submit original work that demonstrates your personal ideas and interests along with technical abilities. Images of journal or sketchbook pages are encouraged when reviewing in person, but should not take up more than 2 slots if submitting online. Adobe Certificates will not be accepted as portfolio pieces. 

Once you’ve got everything together, there are several ways you can submit your portfolio:

What you need to know: Transcripts

High school: While the Art Academy of Cincinnati accepts self-reported grades for current high schoolers, an official high school transcript with graduation date and final GPA will need to be submitted by August 1 for Fall applicants and January 1 for Spring applicants.

College: If you have taken any college courses or have Advance Placement (AP), College Credit Plus (CCP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) credits, official transcripts and scores will need to be submitted prior to transferring any credits, or an acceptance offer can’t be made.

Official transcripts should either be mailed to the Art Academy of Cincinnati Admissions Department, or emailed to admissions@artacademy.edu

GPA Requirement: Students must have a 2.0 or higher GPA to be considered for admittance. If you fall below 2.0, we can accept an ACT score of at least 22, an SAT score of at least 1020, or a personal essay. This essay can cover your artistic processes, personal or work experience, milestones you are proud of passing, and why you think AAC is a good fit for you. Please write candidly in your own voice without worrying about perfect grammar or syntax, and email your final essay to your admissions counselor or admissions@artacademy.edu

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Need More Details? You’ve Got ‘Em.

Students wishing to apply for a first-time Bachelor’s degree should simply follow the instructions above. If your story is a little different, we’ve got your back.

Associates in Graphic Design

This two-year undergrad degree combines Liberal Arts
and Studio coursework in the practice of graphic design. Follow the process for applying for a BFA (outlined above!).

Need more info? Get it here.

Transfer Students

Coming to AAC from another college? Submit all the items noted above as well as all official transcripts to our Admission office. You may be eligible for awards based on portfolio merit.

Need more info? Get it here.

International Students

We believe diversity enriches our environment to produce modern thinkers while strengthening our creativity, practices, and campus culture. To join our collective of rule-breaking makers, we’ll need materials translated into English, copies of your passport or visa, financial information, an English Language Proficiency assessment, and all other materials mentioned above.

Need more info? Get it here.

DACA Students

Our staff is ready to help students of all backgrounds including those with DACA status, as they pursue the chance to further their creativity. We consider DACA and Undocumented students domestic; please complete the above general application steps. However, please list your birth country on your application if you feel comfortable doing so. We will not require a visa for your application process.

Need more info? Get it here.

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Applying to a graduate program?

Our summer Master of Arts in Art Education program accommodates the schedules of working artists and educators. It’s a studio-centered curriculum that’s designed to get you where you want to be!

Applying for readmission?

Previously enrolled at AAC? If you’ve been gone for more than one year, you’ll need to reapply and resubmit your portfolio for consideration.
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Still in high school?

If you’re a teacher interested in partnering with AAC, reach out to our team!

Don’t see your specific scenario outlined above? Don’t sweat - our admissions guides will get you the details you need.

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Due To Inclement Weather

Classes are cancelled

January 25th, 2023

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