The essay topic is open-ended; you can select one of the prompts Common App provides or choose your own topic. We recommend that you specifically address why you are interested in transferring to your chosen program at MassArt. Your essay should be between 500 and 750 words.

MassArt requires that students submit a portfolio of at least 15-20 pieces of artwork as part of their application. Transfer students must submit work samples from studio courses they’ve completed previously. Students who have completed studio classes at the college level are encouraged to submit between 20-30 pieces. Additional guidelines for preparing and submitting your portfolio can be found here.

Transfer students with fewer than 48 college credits (not including credits completed while in high school) must submit high school and secondary school transcripts when applying.  High school transcripts are not required if you have earned an Associates Degree or higher. Transcripts must be official and can be sent in one of two ways:

• Directly to MassArt in an envelope stamped and sealed by a high school registrar
• Electronically through the Common App

High school equivalency

If you have completed the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or HiSET, please send your official score report including percentages, as well as your high school transcript. MassArt’s HiSET code is MA1001010.

Home-schooled students

To be considered for admission, home-schooled students must submit transcripts or the GED/HiSET.

 College and Post-Secondary Transcripts

College and post-secondary school transcripts must be official and must include your most recent grades. Transcripts can be sent in one of two ways:

• Directly to MassArt in an envelope stamped and sealed by a college registrar
• Electronically through the Common App

MassArt no longer requires SAT or ACT scores, and we don’t factor them into admission or merit scholarship decisions. Eliminating these test requirements allows us to base our admission decisions on a more holistic review of applications. 

If you decide to submit standardized test scores, we reserve the right to use them in institutional profile reports for enrolled students. MassArt’s SAT school code is 3516, and our ACT school code is 1846. Reports should be sent directly from the College Board, American College Testing, or through the high school guidance office.

Students whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting official TOEFL, IELTS, DuoLingo, or Pearson Test of English scores as part of the application process.

Learn more about applying as an international student.

A letter of recommendation can greatly enhance your application. Choose a reference who can effectively speak to your potential as a student and your motivations, skills, background, and character, as well as your art or academic achievements. We recommend asking someone such as an art teacher, liberal arts teacher, school counselor, employer, or mentor.

You should use the Common App to provide the contact information of the recommender, and they will be able to submit an online form on your behalf. We will also accept a letter of recommendation via mail, or an email sent directly from the reference’s account to admissions@massart.edu. All recommendation letters must be sent by the reference, or be on signed high school, college, or business letterhead and sent in a sealed envelope. We will not accept recommendation letters sent by a student or a family member that have not been signed and sealed by the reference.

You may complete the activity list on Common App or submit a separate resume if you choose. Your list of activities can include employment, community service, school clubs, organizations, and extracurricular interests. Specify what positions you held (if any), the length of your involvement, and awards or prizes you may have received.

MassArt requires proof of graduation for transfer students if you have earned less than 48 college level credits that were towards a degree earning program. To satisfy this requirement, please submit one of the following:

• A final high school transcript from a U.S. high school or U.S.-accredited high school, including date of graduation; signed, stamped, or sealed by a school official; and sent from your high school or a recognized third-party vendor
• Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) results sent directly from the testing organization
  An official copy of documentation sent directly from the International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization indicating that a diploma has been awarded
• Some national exam results: GCE/GCSE exams (O-Level and AS-level), India Secondary School Examinations, Caribbean
• Examination Council (CXC) Exams, and CAPE I, etc.)
• Home-schooled students have the additional option to submit a letter from a local school district official or state education agency certifying that the student received an education substantially equivalent to instruction given to students graduating from high school in a public or private institution

Legal permanent residents of the U.S. must submit a copy of the front and back of their permanent registration card along with their application materials to be considered for admission.