Academic Transcripts

Applicants to CalArts’ program must meet our academic transcript requirements in order to be eligible for admission. Once you create an application account to begin your CalArts application, please upload unofficial transcripts as part of your application. 

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How to submit your transcripts with your application

Once you begin your application to CalArts, you are required to upload copies of academic transcripts from all institutions attended - these are your unofficial transcripts. Only the unofficial transcripts are required for the application. However, if you are accepted, you will need to submit official transcripts (which must be sent directly by the institution).

Unofficial and official transcripts need to be in English and must contain all of the following:

• Your name
• The name of the institution
• Level of education
• Dates of attendance
• Date of completion (or anticipated date of completion)
• Grades/marks received
• Credits
• Grading legend

Missing information can significantly delay a decision on your application. We will not issue an acceptance letter without the necessary transcripts. 

You may also submit official transcripts electronically using any credentialing service (Naviance, Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, Scribbles, eTranscript, SPEEDE network).

Do not mail hard copies of official or unofficial transcripts.

Transcript requirements

Undergraduate (BFA) applicants

Graduation from an accredited secondary school or its CalArts-approved equivalent is required to enter (and graduate) from either the undergraduate certificate or the BFA program. Equivalence may be established by completing the General Educational Development (GED) examination or a comparable regional test such as the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE).

Graduate (MFA and MA) applicants

College academic transcripts are required of all MFA/MA applicants. College transcripts should cover all work undertaken and should be sent for each institution attended. Completion or the expected completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution is required of all MFA/MA applicants. High school transcripts are not needed from graduate applicants. 

Doctorate (DMA) applicants

Graduate school academic transcripts are required of all DMA applicants. Transcripts should cover all work undertaken and should be sent for each institution attended. Completion or the expected completion of a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution is required for all DMA applicants. High school transcripts are not needed from DMA applicants. 

Transfer applicants

Transcripts are also required of transfer applicants. Be sure to review Transfer Applicant Requirements for additional requirements.

International Academic Transcripts

If you studied at an institution outside the United States, please consult our International Student Guidelines to determine what requirements apply to your application.

Upon admission to CalArts

As soon as you learn of your admission to CalArts, please arrange to have your in-progress, official transcripts sent to CalArts. If you decide to join us at CalArts, you will be required to submit final official transcripts with degree conferral and graduation date. Official transcripts can be submitted electronically using any credentialing service (Naviance, Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, Scribbles, eTranscript, SPEEDE Network) or by physical mail.

Applicants from Chinese institutions may request and submit official transcripts directly through CHESICC. Requests are processed by CHESICC and will be sent electronically to the CalArts Office of Admissions. Do not submit a paper copy of your transcript if you have requested transcripts through CHESICC.