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Before applying, please make sure to familiarize yourself with the MFA Photography and Media program, faculty, facilities, curriculum, and student work.
If you’re interested in character design and storytelling in animation, consider applying to the Character Animation or Experimental Animation programs instead. CalArts does not offer specific programs in illustration or comics.
You cannot make any changes to your application after it has been submitted.
Create an account to begin the application process. This is where you’ll complete each step in the application and receive updates on your application status. Add your personal background and academic history.
We want to know what your artistic interests are and how you represent them in your practice. Your work can be in any medium, and we encourage applicants to submit a variety of types of work. In order for your portfolio to be seriously considered by the faculty reviewing your work, it is important to follow the following guidelines. Please read through the requirements carefully, and direct any questions to your Assistant Director for Admissions.
If you experience technical difficulties while uploading your portfolio, please email admissions@calarts.edu.
An artist statement is very important in the admissions process and should answer the following three questions:
Your statement should be between 500 and 1,000 words.
MFA students are required to submit a video introduction. Although we’d love to meet you in person, this wouldn’t be practical, so we ask that you send a brief video introducing yourself.
Two letters of recommendation are required. At least one recommendation should be written by a person who understands your work, such as a performance instructor or art teacher.
All letters of recommendation should be received by the application deadline, so it’s important that you contact your recommenders months before. We ask that you submit the requests for your letters of recommendation through the online application, as it will allow you to track when we receive your requested letters.
If this is not possible, you may download the Letter of Recommendation Form (pdf) and have your recommender send their letters by mail to the Office of Admissions. Please choose only one method-either through the online application (preferred) or by mail-per recommender. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted via credentialing services such as Parchment or Naviance.
Mailed letters of recommendation should be sent to:
CalArts Office of Admissions
24700 McBean Pkwy.
Valencia, CA 91355
United States of America
Please note: Letters of recommendation must be written in English or accompanied by a certified English translated document.
Applicants who have passed the preliminary selection process will be notified in mid-February. At that time, candidates will be invited to visit CalArts in March for an interview and to meet faculty and students. The interview is required of invited candidates and is an important component of the final selection process. Video chat interviews are available in exceptional cases, however, we like to emphasize the importance of having an in-person interview as part of the application process for prospective students. Additionally, it gives you an opportunity to see the school and meet and talk to the faculty.