Admissions

Thank you for your interest in CalArts. We hope the information on these pages will help guide you through the CalArts admissions process.

We welcome applications for admission from individuals engaged in the visual, performing, media or literary arts. The main criterion for admissions to CalArts is artistic merit, as assessed by the faculty of the individual programs. Each applicant is asked to demonstrate his or her abilities through live auditions and/or portfolio submissions.  Other important considerations include previous educational records, recommendations, and a personal artist’s statement submitted by the applicant.

We recommend beginning your search at the Apply to CalArts section to get an overview of our requirements, followed by the Portfolio/Audition information to learn about the specific requirements to each program. We encourage you to also visit the individual school pages to view work and to learn more about your program of interest.

The Admissions staff is here to help you through the application process.  If you have any questions or need help along the way, please do not hesitate to contact us.   

Molly Ryan
Executive Director, Admissions

California Institute of the Arts Office of Admissions
24700 McBean Parkway Valencia, CA 91355
admissions@calarts.edu
800.545.ARTS