California Institute of Arts is the first art institute to grant degrees to students of visual and performing arts in the United States. Given its history and renowned status, the California Institute of Arts is selective about its admission process, with a 25 acceptance rate. Getting an admission might seem complicated, but it is not impossible once you crack the code. This article will guide you through the process, highlighting the requirements and GPA you need and mentioning a few ways your application doesn’t blend in with the rest of the crowd. Let’s see the requirements and GPA to get admission to the California Institute of Arts and how we can fulfill those requirements.
Though California Institute of Arts is a institute with a main focus on Arts, they give a good amount of importance to the student’s GPA. The requirement for the average GPA begins at a minimum of 3.34. The SAT score requirement to get in is a minimum of 1160. However, the GPA as mentioned above and SAT scores are the average; to stand out, it would be beneficial if you aim for scores higher than the average. In addition, California Institute of Arts is searching for students who can participate beyond their curricular requirements, which makes it of utmost importance for you to volunteer in certain clubs and groups with similar values.
California Institute of Arts Admission Requirements and GPA
The Application Process
Let’s say that you strived throughout high school and achieved the required GPA and SAT scores; there still are a few more steps before you get admission to the California Institute of Arts. As mentioned on the California Institute of the Arts official website, there are certain steps to be followed to apply there. A brief run-through of those steps is:
Review the application requirements California Institute of Arts.
Every program has an audition and/or portfolio requirement. A different audition/portfolio requirement depends upon the nature of your program. Here are the basic requirements for every program:
· Art: (BFA, Graphic Design, Photography and media, Art and Technology)
Your portfolio should consist of 15 to 20 of your original works. Work that is still in progress is acceptable. It would be better to send something that defines you and your artistic methods rather than generic work like classroom assignments. While digital Art is acceptable, your portfolio should also consist of work done with physical methods. Every image should be submitted separately, do not send PDFs or links to your website if you have one. Every artwork should have a name and caption accompanying it.
The next requirement is your artist statement. An artist statement is an application letter. It should inform the recruiters of your artistic goals, your artistic process, and what it is about the California Institute of the Arts that interests you as a student.
The final requirement is your video introduction. A video introduction should be 30 to 90 seconds long, consisting of you talking about your art interests, goals, or an in-depth explanation of one of the art pieces from your portfolio. The video is supposed to be an introduction to your Art rather than an introduction to you as a person.
Critical studies
Creative Writing:
You are required to submit a 25-page creative writing sample. It can be 25 pages of a single one of your works, or it could be a compilation of some of them. Any genre is acceptable if each of your writings in the compilation has different genres that are acceptable and recommended because it shows your ability to work with more than a specific type of writing.
You are also required to submit an artist statement. Similar to the one submitted by Art students, an artist statement is your reasons for wanting to apply to the California Institute of the Arts, your goals, influences, and practices as a creative writer.
Lastly, you are required to submit two Letters of Recommendation. At least one of these letters needs to be from a person who has gone through and understands your creative work and process.
Aesthetics and Politics:
You are required to submit a statement of purpose. Your statement of purpose should consist of your academic and artistic interests, a brief connection between those interests and the current political and aesthetic trends, and your reasons for wanting to apply to the program.
The second requirement is a writing sample with a theoretical or political focus. The maximum number of pages required is 20, consisting of either one piece or a compilation of your writings.
Like the Creative Writing program, you are supposed to submit two Letters of Recommendation.
Dance
Choreography
You must submit your artist statement, which should consist of your interests and influences as an artist, your plans as an artist, the reason for your interest in the California Institute of the Arts, and your skills and attributes that separate you from the crowd.
You need to submit your professional resume and three letters of recommendation, advisably from someone who knows your artistic style and Art, as an instructor.
Finally, an artist sample consists of three of your complete works, one of which should be a group choreography, and another should be live documentation of the performance.
Ø Dance
Firstly, your artist statement, which consists of your influences, goals, practices, skills, and reasons for applying to the California Institute of the Arts, is required.
An audition will be taken of students applying to this program. It can be both live, or a video can be sent. Depending on your training, there are different auditions for different genres. However, the recorded audition must include Ballet, Modern Centre Floor, and Contemporary/Modern based solos.
Theater
Acting
You must submit your artist statement, which should consist of your concerns with the Art making process, your artistic goals, an inspiring moment in recent Art, and your reasons for applying to the California Institute of the Arts.
You are supposed to submit a headshot and your professional resume.
Lastly, you are supposed to send a minimum of 2 monologues, one from Shakespeare and one from a contemporary piece. Each monologue needs to be recorded and submitted separately. One should showcase a close-up, and the other should portray your full body movements.
Experience design and production
Please refer to the Art as mentioned above; despite falling under the theater, this program has the same requirements as Art.
Music (BFA)
You must submit a portfolio consisting of three to five of your works that could include instrumental performances, original compositions, and experimental sound practices. Itcould be done in the form of recordings, videos, and writings. One of the pieces should be classical, but you are free to choose the genre for the rest.
You are also required to submit an artistic statement consisting of your interests in music, the reason for your interest in the California Institute of the Arts, your musical involvement, and a brief explanation of the materials of your portfolio.
2. Submit your application and portfolio
After thoroughly going through your application and portfolio requirements, you must compile and submit them to the California Institute of the Arts website. The deadlines change every year, so check and apply before the due date.
3. Submit required supplementary materials
Letters of recommendation are not mandatory for every program, but you should submit one nonetheless. Make sure that it is written by someone who understands your artistic styles and influences.
Tuition fees of California Institute of Arts
If you fulfill the California Institute of Arts Admission Requirements and GPA then you have to pay the estimated fees for 2022-23
Fee Type Per Semester Full Year
Student Activity/Student Life Fee $58 $116
Technology Fee $250 $500
