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Admissions Policies
Applicants to Massachusetts College of Art and Design are evaluated according to standards that gauge abilities and talent in the arts along with potential, motivation, and desire. There is no one formula that determines an applicant's potential for success. In evaluating the applicant, the admissions committee tries to be flexible, sensitive, and personal.
Application evaluations employ objective and subjective criteria with emphasis on the applicant's portfolio, academic records, and personal characteristics. Admission is offered to those candidates who demonstrate the combination of visual experiences and interests, intellectual capabilities, and personal qualities that are important for success in all programs at the college. Diversity is viewed as an essential goal for the college community, and differences in age, life experiences, education, extracurricular activities, and racial, ethnic, and/or cultural background are valued in the admissions decision.
Admission to degree programs at Massachusetts College of Art and Design is extremely competitive. Each year the number of applicants for admission far exceeds the number of spaces available. This is true at all levels of admission, although the competition for admission to specific programs may vary from year to year.
Admission decisions are made independently of financial aid awards, and the admissions committee does not consider financial need as a factor in granting or denying admission. Soon after admission decisions are made, the Office of Student Financial Assistance reviews financial aid applications from accepted applicants and awards aid to eligible students. Applicants should complete the FAFSA early to receive timely notification of their financial aid awards.
MassArt is dedicated to welcoming all students without discrimination, and strongly encourages all students to apply to MassArt as well as for financial aid. Learn more about resources for students who are not on visas including DACA and undocumented students.
non-discrimination policy
Massachusetts College of Art and Design is committed to an admission policy which does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, color, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran status, religion, age, or disability. We seek to provide opportunities and experience for all students on an equal basis. Application questions marked as optional are used for summary reporting purposes to ascertain compliance with the college's guidelines only. These answers are not used as a basis for admission or in any discriminatory manner.
admissions@massart.edu • T: 617.879.7222 • F: 617.879.7250