Undergraduate FAQ
Applying
What is a portfolio?
A portfolio is simply a collection of work that represents an individual's creative and technical experiences and accomplishments. No two portfolios are alike and each is reviewed based on an applicant's unique background and education. Ideally, portfolios should include work done from the direct observation of life. For more information, please check out our portfolio guidelines here after selecting type of student and citizenship status .
Does SVA have an early action option?
Yes. High school seniors whose first choice is SVA can receive a non-binding early admission decision, early financial aid estimate, guaranteed housing and early registration privileges. In order to be considered for early action to the fall 2021 semester, applicants must complete all aspects of the admission process by December 1, 2020.
Can I apply to the spring semester?
Yes, however entry into the spring semester is limited. First-time freshman entry is limited based on program availability. Transfer entry is contingent upon the department chair's approval, based on portfolio quality, credits earned and space in the program.
What is the deadline for admission to the fall 2021 semester?
Admission to the College operates on a rolling admission basis for applicants to the fall 2021 semester. Applications will be accepted throughout the year as space remains available in each program. International applicants should complete the application process by May 1, 2021.
Are application deadlines different for international applicants?
Yes. In order to process student visas in a timely manner, there is a recommended application deadline of April 1, 2021, for the summer 2021 semester, May 1, 2021, for the fall 2021 semester and October 1, 2020 for the spring 2020 semester.
How important is my academic background to the admission process?
An applicant's academic history plays an important role in the admission process. It is SVA's belief that art doesn't come from an empty head. As such, it is important that students demonstrate the ability to succeed in a classroom environment and have an aptitude and interest in humanities coursework.
Do I need to submit SAT or ACT scores?
Applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT test scores to complete the application. If you wish to submit your test results to supplement your application, use CEEB code 2835 for SAT score submission and test code 2895 for ACT score submission. Transfer applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores.
What is the SVA CEEB Code?
(SVA is test optional) The CEEB code for the College is 2835 and the test code 2895 for ACT score submission.
Does SVA require international students to take the TOEFL?
Because a large part of an SVA education focuses on the exchange of ideas and critiques, it is important that all students possess a strong working knowledge of English. All international applicants must demonstrate a level of proficiency that will allow them to participate fully in class discussions. This can be demonstrated in a variety of ways, including the TOEFL. IELTS, PTS and Duolingo. Note, SVA does not accept MyBEST TOEFL scores.
How is transfer placement determined?
Approximately 30 percent of SVA students are transfer students. Transfer applicants follow the same procedures for admission as all other applicants. Transfer placement is based on studio coursework and the portfolio, not necessarily on the total number of credits previously earned. It is important that transfer applicants submit a digital portfolio that contains examples of work from each studio course for which transfer credit is sought. Copies of course descriptions of classes taken at other colleges and universities can be helpful to the transfer review process.
Enrolling
When can I register for fall classes?
Beginning in March, accepted students who have submitted the enrollment fee and student health forms* can register online for classes. Registration information will be sent to you once your enrollment fee has been received and processed.
*International students must also submit sufficient DOF/VOF documents in order to register for classes.
When is orientation?
Visit sva.edu/orientation for full details on Spring 2021 Orientation.
Orientation for the fall 2021 semester typically begins the Sunday before the Labor Day weekend. Orientation for the spring semester usually begins the Thursday prior to the start of spring classes. Orientation offers new students the opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and other students and to gain a further introduction to the curricular and extracurricular life they are about to begin.
As an international student, when will I receive the paperwork needed to apply for a visa?
The Certificate of Eligibility, Form I-20 will be issued by the International Student Office to students who have paid the enrollment fee and have submitted a sufficient DOF/VOF through the Terra Dotta student portal. Access to the Terra Dotta portal will be granted after an applicant enrolls at SVA. You will receive an e-mail when the I-20 is issued followed by an e-mail with the FedEx tracking number for your package.
Financial Aid
What is SVA's tuition?
SVA is pleased to offer an undergraduate tuition that remains at the lower end of the spectrum for colleges of its size and stature. The full-time undergraduate tuition for the 2020-2021 school year is $43,400. Tuition typically increases by 3 percent to 5 percent each year.
How do I apply for financial aid?
Currently, 74 percent of SVA students receive some form of financial aid. To be considered for financial aid, applicants must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available in the Office of Financial Aid and can be filed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Be sure to indicate the Title IV School Code 007468 for SVA in Step 6. Applicants are assigned a specific financial aid advisor who will assist in identifying a variety of financial aid and payment plan options.
Does SVA offer scholarships?
SVA awards partial tuition scholarships to new students entering the fall semester through the Silas H. Rhodes Scholarship program. Scholarships are primarily available to full-time students seeking admission to the fall semester who possess a minimum 3.0 GPA. Scholarships are based on academic and creative merit. To be considered for a scholarship, first-time freshmen must submit all admissions and scholarship materials postmarked by February 1, 2021. Transfer applicants must submit all admissions and scholarship materials postmarked by March 1, 2021.
Spring 2021 applicants must submit all admissions and scholarship materials postmarked by November 1, 2020. All applicants, including international students, citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for scholarship. There is no scholarship application.
What is the SVA Title IV School Code?
The Title IV School Code for the College is 007468.
Getting to Know SVA
Is SVA accredited?
The School of Visual Arts is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (msche.org), 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, 267.284.5000. The Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
The School of Visual Arts is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (nasad.arts-accredit.org).
The Interior Design program leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (accredit-id.org), 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 305, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503-4014.
What undergraduate majors are offered at SVA?
The School of Visual Arts has been authorized by the New York State Board of Regents to confer the degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts on graduates of four-year programs in Advertising; Animation; Cartooning; Computer Art, Computer Animation and Visual Effects; Design; Film; Fine Arts; Illustration; Interior Design; Photography and Video; and Visual and Critical Studies.
Is it possible to choose two majors?
All applicants must select one program to major in. Since SVA majors require students to complete an intensive four-year studio program it is not possible to double-major at SVA. However, cross-registration into other departments is available on a case-by-case basis, with the permission of departmental chairs.
Is it possible to obtain a degree as a part-time student?
Part-time study is only available for the BFA Design program on a case-by-case basis. Students can complete the entire program through the Division of Continuing Education. Prospective students can apply for evening matriculation status through the Office of Admissions, following the same procedures outlined for the full-time study. Also, a variety of courses in the full-time program are scheduled between 9:00am and 10:00pm.
Does SVA have programs for high school students?
Yes. Each year, more than 600 high school students enroll in pre-college studio courses held on Saturdays during the fall and spring and in an intensive three-week program each July.
How do I schedule a portfolio review or tour?
The Admissions Office offers many virtual events, tours, and opportunities for portfolio reviews. Please see our Visit Us section.
Does SVA have housing?
SVA houses approximately 1,400 students in its four residence halls. Students are permitted to stay in SVA housing throughout their four years of study. As such, not all students can be housed each year. It is recommended that applicants who are interested in housing and whose first choice is SVA complete the application for admission process as early as possible.
Can I study abroad as an SVA student?
SVA offers both summer abroad and semester abroad programs. Summer arts abroad programs are up to three weeks in length and are open to anyone who meets the course prerequisites. Third-year matriculated students may apply to the International Exchange Program (IEP) to study abroad for one semester at an affiliated exchange partner institution. A list of affiliated schools is available in the Registration Book, available for download down below, or from the exchange program administrator. Countries currently represented in the IEP include Belgium, China, The Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Does SVA accept advanced placement credit?
Yes. For the exam score of 5, SVA will award three elective credits in studio for AP art, and three credits for scores of 4 or 5 in selected Art History and Humanities and Sciences courses. Neither credits nor exemptions are given for English Language AP examination.
Does SVA offer internships?
Career Development offers an internship-for-credit program for qualified juniors and seniors. SVA students have completed internships at over 600 different companies. To learn more about these opportunities, please visit here.
Admissions COVID-19 FAQ's
SVA leadership is in contact with health authorities at the New York State Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for guidance. For the latest information about SVA’s response to the coronavirus and additional resources from health authorities, see sva.edu/coronavirus.
In compliance with state and local orders for tri-state area residents to remain at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, all nonessential SVA employees are working remotely and available via email, phone, and live chat.
Do foreign transcripts need to be evaluated by an evaluation agency?
Yes. Applicants who have academic documents from institutions outside of the U.S. are required to provide original, attested, or certified true copies of academic records for all institutions attended beginning with the first year of secondary school or high school.
SVA strongly recommends submitting course-by-course evaluations of international academic records from the following approved external evaluation agencies:
- Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) for both secondary school (high school) and college transcripts.
- World Education Services (WES) for college/university transcripts only. We do not accept WES high school evaluations.
Please refer directly to their websites for COVID-19 updates.
Note: Official high school transcripts that adhere to Chinese and Korean national grading scales often do not require an external evaluation. If we are unable to evaluate your credentials, Admissions will contact you. All transcript documents must be issued in English or accompanied by an official translation.
Can I submit my official transcripts by email?
SVA accepts secure electronic transcripts from Parchment Exchange (Naviance), National Student Clearinghouse, SCOIR, or Scrip-Safe. Check with the registrar's office at your institution to see if your school is a member. Please note that SVA does not encourage the submission of student record data via email. However, due to the unprecedented circumstances of COVID-19, we are currently accepting emailed transcripts from school officials. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be emailed directly from a school's official email address. Transcripts cannot be self-reported by a student.
Is SVA still processing application materials sent through postal mail?
Yes. Please allow additional time for these items to be processed. New admissions and scholarship decisions will be communicated by email only.
Can my application be reviewed without SAT/ACT test scores?
Applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT test scores to complete the application. If you wish to submit your test results to supplement your application, use CEEB code 2835 for SAT score submission and test code 2895 for ACT score submission. Transfer applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores.
Can my application be reviewed without TOEFL/IELTS test scores? Can I submit Duolingo scores?
A Demonstration of English Proficiency is required for all applicants whose first or primary language is not English. SVA accepts the following tests to demonstrate your English proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson PTE, and Duolingo. An admissions decision will be rendered on a case-by-case basis with consideration to all application materials, including English proficiency test scores, transcripts and Statement of Intent.
Instructions on how to submit Duolingo scores can be found here.
Does SVA require AP scores to be submitted? How can I submit AP scores?
SVA does not require that all students submit AP scores. Students that have elected to complete the test must submit their AP scores by the end of their first semester at SVA in order to be evaluated for possible transfer credit.
Below you will find more information regarding our AP exam guidelines:
- Students who receive a 5 on the AP Art Exam can be awarded 3 Studio elective credits.
- Students who receive a 4 or 5 in selected Art History and Humanities & Sciences courses may be awarded elective credit.
- Neither credits nor exemptions are given for the English Language AP examination.
I was accepted into the EVA program. May I submit a Duolingo score for further BFA consideration?
To be reconsidered for the BFA program, an admitted EVA student will be required to submit an updated Demonstration of English Proficiency test score by June 1.
The score requirements for the BFA Program are as follows:
- 80 or above on the internet version of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- 53 or above on the Pearson PTE Academic
- 6.5 or above on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- 115 or above on the Duolingo English Test.
An admissions decision will be rendered on a case-by-case basis with consideration to all application materials, including English proficiency test scores, transcripts and Statement of Intent.
I haven’t yet received my physical acceptance packet. Can SVA resend the package?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SVA staff are working remotely. We are unable to send physical mail at this time. The acceptance email you received serves as your official notification. You can also log into the SVA application portal here to access information on your admission to SVA.
I received a scholarship offer from SVA. How can I accept my award?
Admissions has discontinued sending documents by postal mail due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have already received your physical scholarship acceptance form, you may return the completed form by email to admissions@sva.edu. To accept your merit award, you will need to enroll at SVA by submitting the nonrefundable enrollment fee at sva.edu/enroll. You can accept the terms of your scholarship on the “Your Enrollment Steps” page of the SVA applicant portal. Under "Scholarship" the terms and conditions are laid out. Please mark the checkbox that you understand the conditions and save when prompted.
If you are unable to return the scholarship acceptance form or accept the terms in the applicant portal, we also request that you reply to your scholarship offer email to accept the terms of the award by May 1.
I have been accepted to SVA, but I would like to defer my admission. Can I defer my admission?
Accepted students can request to defer their admission to a future term. All deferrals are reviewed and considered on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to request a deferral, please contact your Admissions Counselor directly.
Students who attend another institution prior to starting at SVA will be required to submit official updated transcripts and portfolio to aid in the transfer evaluation process. A student’s placement is contingent upon portfolio quality, credits earned, the department chair’s approval, and the sequence of the current curriculum.
Where and how can I send my college transcripts for a re-evaluation?
If you have completed additional credits that you would like to be evaluated for possible transfer, please send official transcripts. Once we receive and process your additional transcripts, you will be issued a new transfer evaluation.
SVA accepts secure electronic transcripts from Parchment Exchange (Naviance), SCOIR, or National Student Clearinghouse. Check with the registrar's office at your institution to see if your school is a member. Please note that SVA does not encourage the submission of student record data via email. However, due to the unprecedented circumstances of COVID-19, we are currently accepting emailed transcripts from school officials. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be emailed directly from a school's official email address. Transcripts cannot be self-reported by a student.
Will the start of the Fall 2021 semester be delayed?
During this period of isolation and remote learning, SVA is committed to providing the best possible education and support to its students, while keeping their safety and well-being as its top priority. We encourage our accepted students to closely monitor updates here.
Fall 2021 courses will begin on September 7, 2021.
View the academic calendar for a full list of important academic dates and deadlines.