A complete CCA application includes five requirements:

• Application ($60 nonrefundable fee required)
• Personal essay
• Transcripts
• Two letters of recommendations
• Portfolio

CCA recommends you participate in interviews, or National Portfolio Days, as well as the submission of your SAT, ACT, or AP test scores for placement exam waivers.

The following students have additional application requirements:

• Transfer students
• Second-degree applicants
• International applicants

Application

We encourage all applicants to apply online. A paper version of the application form (PDF) is available to download.

You must submit the completed application, including the nonrefundable $60 application fee, to the Enrollment Services Office.

CCA honors the College Board Application Fee Waiver Form.

Personal Essay

A one- to two-page essay must accompany the application. The essay is considered part of your portfolio. It allows us to learn more about you and is your opportunity to help us complete the picture of you, in addition to your grades, portfolio, test scores, and recommendations.

Your essay should address the major influences on your decision to pursue art, architecture, design, or writing. It should also address how you see yourself contributing to the CCA community, specifically with respect to the college’s values, summarized below.

CCA understands the important role of artists, designers, architects, and writers in solving social, cultural, environmental, and economic problems. The educational experience we provide supports the following values:

• cultivating intellectual curiosity, risk taking, collaboration, innovation, compassion, and integrity
• fostering social justice and community engagement
• promoting diversity on our campuses
• advocating sustainability and environmental responsibility

Transcripts

You must submit an official transcript from your high school or college. High school transcripts must show proof of graduation or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Official, sealed transcripts from your institution must be sent from the school directly to the Enrollment Services Office.

If you have attended college or received college credit while in high school, please submit official transcripts from the college(s) attended.

All transcripts must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation of the original.

Home-schooled applicants should submit detailed syllabi of courses (equivalent to grades 10–12) and details of curriculum you are pursuing through any public or private agency (including community college transcripts, if applicable).

Two Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation from current or recent instructors or school counselors must be submitted to the Enrollment Services Office. If you do not have access to instructors, you may include letters from employers or other professional references. We highly recommend that you take advantage of our electronic recommendation process. This will ensure we receive your recommendations in a timely fashion, and it is convenient for your recommenders.

When submitting your electronic application, you can provide the email address for your recommenders. Your recommenders will receive the recommendation form electronically and then return it electronically to CCA.

Mailed letters, including the completed recommendation form, should be sent in sealed envelopes directly to CCA or mailed with your application.

Please Note the online application requires use of the online recommendation form in order to submit your application. If you are intending to mail your letters of recommendation, you will be required to add the email addresses and names of your recommenders even if they do not intend to complete the form.

Portfolio

A portfolio representing your art experience must be submitted to the Enrollment Services Office. The portfolio consists of your artwork and a personal essay. The portfolio allows the admissions committee to gain an understanding of your interests, experience, and creative potential. CCA recognizes that students enter college with diverse artistic backgrounds; therefore, portfolios are evaluated on an individual basis, keeping in mind the specific educational background and experiences of each applicant.

Applicants may submit their portfolio for review using SlideRoom. The digital platform allows you to create an inventory of your best work, which includes title, date, medium, dimensions, and notes. Both still and video works can be uploaded. Applicants can upload images to SlideRoom, then view and rearrange their work until the final submission is made. Each portfolio submission has a $10 fee. (SlideRoom allows you to upload up to 20 images.)CCA asks for a portfolio to consist of 10-20 digital images. You are neither required to submit the maximum of 20 images nor is an applicant penalized for submitting fewer than 20.

See Portfolio Preparation for more information.

Interview

While an interview is not required, prospective students are invited to meet with an admissions representative at National Portfolio Days, college-sponsored events, or a scheduled appointment on either campus throughout the year.

Test Scores

SAT I or ACT scores are highly recommended for first-year students only. You may also submit your AP and IB exam scores. SAT, ACT, AP, and IB exam scores may be used in waiving placement exams upon entering CCA.

See Transfer Credit for more information.