Our interdisciplinary community connects creativity to issues and industry. It's why we’re one of the world’s top-ranking art and design colleges.

HOW TO APPLY

Get a quick overview of the application process, including deadlines, requirements, and contact information

Admissions at a glance

Applying to art school admissions at CCA is easy. Basic application requirements include the following materials:

CCA does not require SAT or ACT as part of the application review process. We understand many high schools and colleges have shifted their grading standard for online coursework to credit/no-credit or an equivalent system during 2020. We will accept these grades for the fall 2021 application and this will in no way negatively impact the application review.

Some applicants will need to submit additional materials with their application, such as language test scores, additional letters of recommendation, or more work samples for their portfolio. See individual requirements by applicant status below. First-year and transfer students can apply to college using the Common Application.

Apply based on your applicant status

Requirements vary based on the type of student you’ll be when you enter CCA. The information you provide helps us get the best picture possible of where you’d fit in, what you’re hoping to do here, and why you’ll thrive in our rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum. Select a link below to learn more.

Applicants have specific dates for admission and financial aid deadlines. If you have questions at any point in the application process, reach out to an Admissions team member for help. You’ll find our contact information and admissions deadlines below.

Deadlines

Submit your application on time to start making art that matters at CCA. Each deadline is determined by applicant status. Here are key due dates for submitting your admissions and scholarship applications. Priority applicants receive additional consideration.

Undergraduates: Fall semester

AUG01

2020 undergraduate application becomes available

Apply for admission to CCA.

NOV15

Undergraduate fall priority deadline: Early action

Deadline to submit application for an early response from CCA.

FEB01

Undergraduate fall priority deadline: First-year scholarships

First-year applicants must submit application by this deadline to be considered for all undergraduate institutional scholarships, including diversity, merit, named, and all-college honors.

MAR01

Undergraduate fall priority deadline: Transfer scholarships

Transfer applicants must submit application by this deadline to be considered for all undergraduate institutional scholarships, including diversity, merit, named, and all-college honors.

JUN01

Undergraduate deadline to confirm attendance and submit deposit

Admitted undergraduate students must confirm attendance and submit the $300 enrollment deposit for the fall semester by this date.

Undergraduates: Spring semester

OCT01

Undergraduate spring priority deadline for first-year and transfer students

Deadline for first-year and transfer applicants to submit applications for spring semester.

Graduate students

OCT01

2021 graduate application becomes available

Apply for admission to CCA.

JAN10

Graduate application priority deadline

Deadline to submit application for institutional scholarship consideration and admission for the following academic year. Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

MAY01

Graduate deadline to confirm attendance and submit deposit

Admitted graduate students must confirm attendance and submit the $500 enrollment deposit for the fall semester by this date. MFA in Comics enrollment deposit deadline is April 15.


Go on a virtual tour

Explore where all the making happens on our Oakland and San Francisco campuses—from state-of-the-art studios to inspiring green spaces to places to enjoy lunch with friends. Click around campus at your own pace and get an in-depth look at how theory meets practice in our interdisciplinary settings.