APPLICATION PROCEDURES

For MFA procedures click here.

LCAD has a rolling admissions policy. Our application form is available here. While many schools have a “hard” deadline for applications (meaning they won’t accept those either postmarked or received after that date), schools that use rolling admissions accept applications until they’ve filled all the spots in their freshman class.

LCAD accepts applications for the Fall semester as early as November 1 of the year preceding anticipated enrollment and for the Spring semester as early as July 1 of the year preceding anticipated enrollment.

FRESHMAN ELIGIBILITY

To gain admittance to the Bachelor of Fine Arts program, you must be a high school graduate or equivalent, and have achieved above-average performance in academic subjects.

1. Application and Fees

Complete and submit an LCAD application with a $45 non-refundable application fee. LCAD honors the College Board Application Fee Waiver Form. The application fee is waived for applications submitted on the LCAD web site.

2. Transcripts

Submit an official transcript from your high school that shows proof of graduation or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). If you are currently enrolled in high school, please submit transcripts showing your current progress and projected date of completion.

Official, sealed transcripts must be sent from your high school directly to the Office of Admissions. All transcripts must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation of the original.

3. Test scores

SAT 1 or ACT scores are required for applicants currently in high school.

 

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

In addition to being responsible for following the same application procedures as first-time students, all international students have additional documentation requirements.

International students are eligible for admission only after document validation and transcript and portfolio review evaluations have been completed.
International applicants must submit a certified English translation of all academic records and an evaluation conversion to the US semester unit system.

1. Submit official transcripts for high school and all college courses completed. Please also list current coursework in progress.

2. Submit one letter of recommendation.

3. Submit a one- to two-page typewritten personal statement. Please refer to the “Application Procedures” listed above for guidelines.

4. Students whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL exam (the Test of English as a Foreign Language) and achieve a minimum score of 550, or a computer-based score of 213.
International students are required to take an English proficiency test during Orientation Week. The TOEFL exam may be waived only at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. (Through the completion of English as a Second Language courses and/or having attended schools in the United States for an extended period of time, the Admissions Committee may determine that the student has the required proficiency in English, and has the ability to communicate appropriately with proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.)

5. Submit a Declaration of Finances from your parent(s), sponsor, or sponsoring agency. The declaration must show a guarantee of payment for one year’s tuition, supplies, and all living expenses.

6. The official bank statement must be in English, or be accompanied by a certified English translation, and must delineate funds in US currency.

7. Upon your acceptance into the BFA or Certificate program, and once LCAD has received your Declaration of Finances and non-refundable $250 deposit fee, we will send you an I-20 document. The completed I-20 must be taken to the US Embassy or Consulate in your country to obtain an F-1 Student Visa.

ADMISSIONS NOTIFICATION

Upon successful completion of all admission requirements—including your completed LCAD admissions form and submitting all of your transcripts, relevant test scores, and all other required documentation—then within three weeks of your acceptance you will receive written notification of your admission to LCAD by the Director of Admissions.

PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS

To apply for admission to LCAD, you are required to present a portfolio of your best work that demonstrates your strengths, interests, and individual growth. LCAD recognizes that students enter college with diverse artistic backgrounds; therefore, each portfolio is evaluated on an individual, specific basis.

Portfolio Guidelines

1. Submit a minimum of 12 images that demonstrate your best and most recent work. The work can include class projects, professional work experience, or personal assignments.

2. Demonstrate your ability to draw from direct observation, rather than from reference to materials such as photographs.

3. Select your best examples in drawing, composition, color, and concept. A minimum of six drawings may include still life, self-portrait, the human figure, and landscape. The remaining six pieces of your portfolio should demonstrate your strengths in your area of interest, which may include work in painting, two dimensional, three-dimensional, graphic design, illustration, and animation.

Sending Your Portfolio

1. Submit your portfolio to

The Office of Admissions
Laguna College of Art & Design
2222 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

When submitting your portfolio by mail, a digital (CD or DVD) or a slide presentation is preferred. Digital portfolio images should be saved as .jpg files. Slides should be mounted in an 8.5” x 11” plastic sheet. Slides should be labeled at the top with your name, the work’s title, dimensions, media, completion date, and any other relevant information. Portfolios with prepaid return postage will be returned via the US Postal Service. LCAD is not responsible for loss or damage.

2. Your portfolio should include an inventory list that identifies each work by number, title, size, media, and completion date.

Transfer Portfolio Guidelines/Transfer of Studio Art Credits

A transfer portfolio must be submitted for each studio art course you wish to be considered for transfer. Because it serves a more specific purpose, a transfer portfolio will likely be different from the admissions portfolio you submit for entrance into the college. This is very important to understand if you wish to transfer studio art credits.

Transfer portfolio evaluations must take place prior to orientation and registration. The college will be looking for evidence of the work you completed in the specific course or courses you wish to apply toward required courses in the LCAD curriculum. A comprehensive review of the actual work is preferred, but slides or works on a digital format are accepted. Submit at least 6 to 10 examples from each studio class.

PLEASE NOTE:
1. Include images from coursework that demonstrate your organizational skills, such as two-dimensional and three-dimensional design classes.
2. Include images in your area of concentration/major for advanced studies.
3. A grade of “C” or better is the minimum grade required for transfer studio eligibility. Your portfolio must reflect the overall strength of the course you have completed.
4. The title and description of the course, as well as any information you feel pertinent for the reviewer to know, should be included in the portfolio.
5. Your work must be organized in a chronological manner.
6. All fragile media must have a cover sheet.
7. Label the outside of your portfolio with your name and “Transfer Portfolio.”
8. Portfolios cannot be evaluated until the Registrar has reviewed your transcripts.
9. Your portfolio will be evaluated by either a college studio dean, department chair, or designated department faculty. The evaluator will give the results to the Registrar.
10. When you register for LCAD classes, the results of your evaluation will be in your advising folder so that your academic advisor can register you for the appropriate courses.
All course transfer eligibility is dependent upon a minimum final grade of a “C” or better in a course from an accredited American postsecondary institution. International transfers are considered on a case-by-case basis. International students must provide an English translation of their foreign transcripts and evaluations of the transcripts into the American semester unit system.

For information on transferring liberal arts courses, please contact the Office of Admissions at 800.255.0762, ext. 248.