Founded in 1982 by artists, scholars and patrons of the arts, the New York Academy of Art is the center of creativity, learning, and expertise in progressive figurative and representational art. Through an enduring commitment to traditional skills and a strong engagement with contemporary discourse, the Academy will empower a new generation of artists. Click the links below to find out more about our programs.
The New York Academy of Art Admissions Department enrolls a talented and diverse student body composed of some of the world’s most creative individuals interested in an education centered on progressive figurative and representational art. Our students add to a vibrant campus community and will become the leaders and innovators of the global art world. We uphold a commitment to meritocracy and fair access to our admissions process for students from all backgrounds.
FAQ’s
MFA vs. CFA? Which program is for me?
The MFA is a specialized terminal degree at the graduate level for students seeking advanced education in fine arts. It is a concentrated two-year, 60-credit program that requires 85% of coursework to be completed in studio art. Students specialize in one of three concentrations, Drawing , Painting or Sculpture. Those with a Bachelor’s degree in art or extensive experience in art should apply to the MFA. Please visit our MFA student gallery to see work by current MFA students.
The New York Academy of Art Certificate of Fine Art (CFA) Program is a twelve-month, 36-credit studio sequence that provides students the opportunity to develop their personal vision and specialized skills within an active and inspiring fine arts school. Those without an undergraduate degree in art, new to the field or seeking rigorous training in the fundamentals of traditional techniques should apply to the CFA program. Those seeking to prepare for entrance into a competitive MFA program should apply to the CFA.
Am I required to have an undergraduate degree in art?
Applicants are not required to have an undergraduate major in art. The Academy accepts applications from candidates with degrees in other majors and disciplines.
Is a portfolio required for admission?
Yes. Each applicant must submit a portfolio of original works of art. Please review the portfolio instructions on the Application Guide page for details on the requirements for each program application.
I took art classes at several colleges and/or art schools? Do I submit them all?
Applicants may submit transcripts or records of study from all institutions attended including non-degree granting.
Can I see sample portfolios from other applicants?
Unfortunately, we cannot send you portfolios of work submitted by past or current applicants. Please visit our Current Student Work page and @newyorkacademyofart to view student work.
What if my transcripts are not in English?
If not English, applicants must submit an official evaluation of their transcripts. A list of evaluators may be found on the International Applicants page.
Can I apply while I am still enrolled in my undergraduate program?
Yes. Applicants currently enrolled in an Bachelor’s program may apply to the Academy’s programs. The applicants expected graduate date must be prior to the start of classes for the MFA and CFA programs. Accepted applicants will be required to submit a final official transcript showing completion of the Bachelor’s degree.
Can I apply to begin in the spring semester?
No. Due to the structure of the MFA and CFA curriculum, accepted candidates must begin in the fall semester.
Do you accept transfer students?
Yes. Applicants are required to declare their intended concentration during the admissions process. Please review the Academy’s Transfer of Credit policy and application on the Registrar page.
Can I change my intended concentration after acceptance?
To change the declared concentration after acceptance, the candidate must submit a written letter to the Admissions Committee outlining the reasons for switching. Proof must be provided that the applicant meets all admission requirements for the new concentration. This may require submission of new portfolio images.
How many recommendations can I submit?
The Academy requires at least two letters of recommendation for the MFA and CFA programs and at least one letter of recommendation for the SURP program. Applicants may request/submit up to four.
Who should my recommenders be?
Letters of recommendation from academic professionals are strongly recommended. Applicants are advised to ask current or former faculty with whom they have studied for letters. The Academy will not accept recommendations from an applicant’s relatives.
I took Continuing Education classes at the Academy. Can my recommendation letters be from an Academy faculty members?
Yes. Recommendations from Academy faculty are accepted. Applicants are to submit only one recommendation from an Academy CE Instructor.
I am taking Continuing Education classes at the Academy. Do I still need to do a full application?
Yes. Applicants currently enrolled in an Academy Continuing Studies class or program must still complete the full application for the MFA, CFA or SURP programs.
What should I include in my personal statement?
Applicants are encouraged to discuss their backgrounds in art, the work in their portfolio, why they would like to attend the program, what they hope to accomplish and how they connect with the Academy’s mission, philosophy and vision. Please review the Application Guide for details on the statement for each program.
May I submit an artist’s statement instead of a personal statement?
No. Applicants must submit a personal statement as described above. You may submit an artist’s statement in addition to the personal statement.
How long should the personal statement be?
Personal statements should be no more than one page.
Do you require the GRE?
No. The GRE is not required for admission to the Academy.
What should I include on my artists CV?
The CV should include educational background, professional experience, awards, residencies, exhibitions, etc. For more details on developing a CV or resume, please visit the College Art Association’s resource page.
What is the Early Consideration deadline?
Those applying for early consideration receive priority consideration for the Academy’s merit scholarships. Early consideration at the Academy is non-binding.
If I am rejected from Early Consideration, may I reapply for Regular Decision?
No. Applicants rejected from the early consideration deadline may reapply again in the next admissions cycle.
Can I submit original artworks for my portfolio?
No. The Academy does not accept original works of art. All work must be photographed and submitted in digital format (uploaded through the Academy’s online application).
Do you have a waitlist?
Yes. The Academy’s waitlist is ranked. The number of students accepted from the waitlist varies from year to year.
If I am on the waitlist, can I submit supplementary materials to help my application?
No. Waitlisted applicants may not submit supplementary materials or alter their original application.
If I was rejected, can I reapply next year?
Yes. Applicants rejected may reapply in the next admissions cycle.
Can I defer admission? For how long?
Yes. Accepted applicants may defer for one year. The deposit fee and contract must be submitted to officially defer. Deferred applicants who do not enroll after one year must reapply.
If I defer for one year, is my scholarship guaranteed?
No. Deferred applicants are guaranteed a place in the program for the next year. However, scholarship awards are not guaranteed. Deferred applicants will be reconsidered for a scholarship award during next admissions review.
If I defer for one year, can I submit new portfolio images and supporting application materials for my scholarship reconsideration?
No. Deferred applicants will be reconsidered for a scholarship award using their original application submission. To submit new portfolio images and supporting materials, you must reapply.
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