The New York Academy is committed to the principle of equal opportunity and equal treatment for every prospective and current student in accordance with the law. It is the policy of the Academy not to discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, national or ethnic origin or any other protected category in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other Academy-sponsored programs and activities.
Click here for details about our admissions statistics, acceptance rate and student body profile.
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Portfolio Review
Applicants to the Academy’s programs are encouraged to schedule free portfolio review a member of the Admissions team. However, a portfolio review is not a required part of the application process. During the review you be able to learn more about the school and will have the additional opportunity to share information about yourself. Portfolio reviews are evaluative, and reports are shared with the Admissions Committee. Reviewers are not members of the Admissions Committee and do not have grading privileges.
During the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, all reviews will be conducted virtually via Zoom. Reviews are optional. Applicants who do not receive a portfolio review will not be disadvantaged in any way.
Schedule My Portfolio Review
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Free Portfolio Review! Kim Power |
Learn more about CE, CFA and SURP!
Carolina Amarillo |
| Assistant Director of Admissions and Recruitment, MFA 2014, Painting | Assistant Director of Continuing Education, MFA 2022, Painting |
| calendly.com/kimpower | calendly.com/carolinaamarillo |
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Master of Fine Arts Application Instructions
Before You Apply
Applicants to the MFA program must hold a Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent. For more details on degree equivalency, please see the Academy’s FAQs below or contact the Admissions Office admissions@nyaa.edu. Applicants to the MFA program apply for and are accepted into one of the Academy’s concentrations: Drawing, Painting or Sculpture. Candidates who wish to change their declared concentration after acceptance must meet all admission requirements for the new concentration.
Applications are assessed by the Academy’s Admissions Committee through a multi-step review process. Portfolios are first evaluated by each member of the Admissions committee privately in a blind review using the following qualitative measures: technical skill, formal awareness and conceptual development. The portfolios are evaluated again in conjunction with the candidate’s personal statement, letters of recommendation, official transcripts and other supporting documents outlined below during the full Admissions Committee review.
Admissions Committee members use the rubric below that aligns with Thesis evaluation in assessing applications for both review cycles described above.
| Percentage | Criteria | Description |
| 30% | Technical Skill | The ability to render the illusion of form in two and three dimensions and to have access to the history of technical sophistication. |
| 30% | Formal Knowledge | The ability to combine technical skill, design, composition and narrative content into a cohesive visual statement. |
| 30% | Conceptual Awareness | An awareness of the critical underpinnings of contemporary and historical art and an ability to deploy them in a visual medium. |
| 10% | Life Drawings | Level and quality of observational rendering skill. |
Grade Scale
| 4.0 | A | Work of the highest quality |
| 3.7 | A- | Work of high quality |
| 3.3 | B+ | Very good work, better than average ability |
| 3.0 | B | Good work, satisfying course requirements |
| 2.7 | B- | Below average work |
| 2.0 | C | Well below average work, lowest passing grade |
| 0.0 | F | Failure |
2024 Application Deadlines
| MFA Early Consideration Deadline: | January 15 |
| MFA Early Consideration Notification: | February 15 |
| MFA Early Consideration Deposit Due: | April 1 |
| MFA Regular Decision Deadline: | March 20 |
| MFA Regular Decision Notification: | April 15 |
| MFA Regular Decision Deposit Due: | May 1 |
APPLY NOW!
The Academy is accepting applications to the MFA program beginning August 28th. Our admissions process is highly selective, and applicants are encouraged to apply early for inclusion in the incoming class. While this is the case, we understand that later applying candidates may be outstanding additions to our MFA cohort. Consequently, applicant submissions and reviews continue through the spring and summer. Please reach out to admissions@nyaa.edu and kpower@nyaa.edu if you are interested in applying for fall admission.
Application Fee
Those seeking admission to the Academy’s MFA program must complete an online application. The application is FREE. Please see the list of instructions below.
Application Instructions
Applicants must register for a free account to complete the following online. Click here to begin your application. Submit the following application materials through the online portal:
Application Form
Portfolio
Please submit no more than 20 images total consisting of:
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- Five (5) life drawings of the figure from observation in a traditional drawing medium such as charcoal, graphite, ink, etc. Please note that works in painting or sculpture mediums such as acrylic, oil and clay will not fulfill this requirement.
- Fifteen (15) additional images of self-directed work in any medium.
- You may submit up to two views of a single piece (one view per image). Please note the limit of 20 images total still applies.
Image files must be in .jpg format no more than 2500 pixels on the longest side.
The portfolio should represent your strongest work, indicate your major interest and direction, and demonstrate your technical skill and ability. All work should be from within the last three years. For those with unique circumstances wishing to submit images outside the three-year range, please contact admissions@nyaa.edu.
After uploading the portfolio, click on each image to add title, year, medium, dimensions and sequence order for viewing.
Personal Statement
A one-page statement of educational objectives and career goals indicating why you believe these will be advanced by study at the Academy. Applicants are encouraged to discuss work in the portfolio, an understanding of the Academy’s unique mission and indicate how study at the institution will progress individual artistic development and aspirations.
Artist CV or Resume
Submission of a CV or resume enhances the MFA application by giving more insight into a candidate’s creative experience. Please 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.
References
Letters of recommendation from academic professionals are strongly recommended. After creating your application account, go to the references tab and enter the name and contact information for each individual providing a recommendation. Your references will automatically receive an email with submission instructions. Please contact your references to ensure timely submission of your recommendation by the application deadline. If you have any questions, please email admissions@nyaa.edu.
Transcripts
Certified official transcripts conveying an applicant’s academic history and proof of eligibility are required. Transcripts must be emailed or mailed from your previous school(s) to the Academy to be considered official. If you have attended more than one post-secondary institution, a transcript is required from each one.
The Academy accepts electronic transcripts! Please contact your previous institution(s) to have your e-transcript sent to admissions@nyaa.edu.
As many institutions do not issue e-transcripts, we also accept hardcopy. Please request transcripts be mailed from your previous institution to:
New York Academy of Art
ATTN: ADMISSIONS
111 Franklin Street
New York, NY 10013
International Students
International Students MUST submit certified true copies of academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended in the original language issued. If not English, applicants must submit an official evaluation from World Educational Services. www.wes.org
Bachelors Equivalent
For those applicants without a formal undergraduate degree, please contact the Admissions Office for more information on submitting proof of eligibility admissions@nyaa.edu
Art History Requirement
Applicants to the MFA are expected to obtain proficiency in Art History prior to entering the program. For those with less than two semesters (less than two classes) of undergraduate level art history, an assignment will be required. This will help prepare you for entering the MFA program.
Evidence of English Proficiency International Students Only
Those whose first language is not English must also demonstrate evidence of English proficiency by supplying a TOEFL or IELTS score. For more information on English proficiency requirements, please visit our International Students page.
Applying for Transfer of Credits
Applicants seeking to transfer credits should first review the Academy’s policy. The transfer of credit application form must be emailed to the Admissions Office admissions@nyaa.edu and submitted by the filing deadlines listed above. Please include the program to which you are applying in the body of the email. For questions regarding the application or policy, please contact the Registrar registrar@nyaa.edu.
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Certificate of Fine Arts Application Instructions
Before You Apply
Those seeking entry to the CFA program are required to submit an admissions application as outlined below. Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent. For more details on degree equivalency, please see the Academy’s FAQs below or contact the Admissions Office admissions@nyaa.edu.
Applications are assessed by the Academy’s Admissions Committee through a multi-step review process. Portfolios are first evaluated in a blind review using the following qualitative measures: technical skill, formal awareness and conceptual development. The portfolios are evaluated again in conjunction with the candidate’s personal statement, letters of recommendation, official transcripts and other supporting documents.
Admissions Committee members use the rubric below that aligns with Thesis evaluation in assessing applications for both review cycles described above.
| Percentage | Criteria | Description |
| 30% | Technical Skill | The ability to render the illusion of form in two and three dimensions and to have access to the history of technical sophistication. |
| 30% | Formal Knowledge | The ability to combine technical skill, design, composition and narrative content into a cohesive visual statement. |
| 30% | Conceptual Awareness | An awareness of the critical underpinnings of contemporary and historical art and an ability to deploy them in a visual medium. |
| 10% | Life Drawings | Level and quality of observational rendering skill. |
Grade Scale
| 4.0 | A | Work of the highest quality |
| 3.7 | A- | Work of high quality |
| 3.3 | B+ | Very good work, better than average ability |
| 3.0 | B | Good work, satisfying course requirements |
| 2.7 | B- | Below average work |
| 2.0 | C | Well below average work, lowest passing grade |
| 0.0 | F | Failure |
2024 Application Deadlines
| CFA Early Consideration Deadline: | March 20 |
| CFA Early Consideration Notification: | April 15 |
| CFA Early Consideration Deposit Due: | May 1 |
| CFA Regular Decision Deadline: | May 20 |
| CFA Regular Decision Notification: | June 5 |
| CFA Regular Decision Deposit Due: | June 25 |
The Academy is accepting applications to the CFA program beginning August 28th. Our admissions process is highly selective, and applicants are encouraged to apply early for inclusion in the incoming class. While this is the case, we understand that later applying candidates may be outstanding additions to our CFA cohort. Applicant submissions and reviews continue through the spring and summer. Please reach out to admissions@nyaa.edu and jjuarbe@nyaa.edu if you are interested in applying for fall admission.
Application Fee
Those seeking admission to the Academy’s CFA program must complete an online application. The application is FREE. Please see the list of instructions below.
Application Instructions
Applicants must register for a free account to complete the following online. Click here to begin your application. Submit the following application materials through the online portal:
Application Form
Portfolio
Please submit no more than 20 images total consisting of:
-
- Five (5) life drawings of the figure from observation in a traditional drawing medium such as charcoal, graphite, ink, etc. Please note that works in painting or sculpture mediums such as acrylic, oil and clay will not fulfill this requirement.
- Fifteen (15) additional images of self-directed work in any medium.
- You may submit up to two views of a single piece (one view per image). Please note the limit of 20 images total still applies.
Image files must be in .jpg format no more than 2500 pixels on the longest side.
The portfolio should represent your strongest work, indicate your major interest and direction, and demonstrate your technical skill and ability. All work should be from within the last three years. For those with unique circumstances wishing to submit images outside the three-year range, please contact admissions@nyaa.edu.
After uploading the portfolio, click on each image to add title, year, medium, dimensions and sequence order for viewing.
Personal Statement
A one-page statement of educational objectives and career goals indicating why you believe these will be advanced by study at the Academy. Applicants are encouraged to discuss work in the portfolio, an understanding of the Academy’s unique mission and indicate how study at the institution will progress individual artistic development and aspirations.
Artist CV or Resume
Submission of a CV or resume enhances the MFA application by giving more insight into a candidate’s creative experience. Please 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.
References
Letters of recommendation from academic professionals are strongly recommended. After creating your application account, go to the references tab and enter the name and contact information for each individual providing a recommendation. Your references will automatically receive an email with submission instructions. Please contact your references to ensure timely submission of your recommendation by the application deadline. If you have any questions, please email admissions@nyaa.edu.
Transcripts
Certified official transcripts conveying an applicant’s academic history and proof of eligibility are required. Transcripts must be emailed or mailed from your previous school to the Academy to be considered official. If you have attended more than one post-secondary institution, a transcript is required from each one.
The Academy accepts electronic transcripts! Please contact your previous institution(s) to have your e-transcript sent to admissions@nyaa.edu.
As many institutions do not issue e-transcripts, we also accept hardcopy. Please request transcripts be mailed from your previous institution to:
New York Academy of Art
ATTN: ADMISSIONS
111 Franklin Street
New York, NY 10013
International Students
International Students MUST submit certified true copies of academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended in the original language issued. If not English, applicants must submit an official evaluation from World Educational Services. www.wes.org
Bachelors Equivalent
For those applicants without a formal undergraduate degree, please contact the Admissions Office for more information on submitting proof of eligibility admissions@nyaa.edu
Evidence of English Proficiency International Students Only
Those whose first language is not English must also demonstrate evidence of English proficiency by supplying a TOEFL or IELTS score. For more information on English proficiency requirements, please visit our International Students page.
Applying for Transfer of Credits
Applicants seeking to transfer credits should first review the Academy’s policy. The transfer of credit application form must be emailed to the Admissions Office admissions@nyaa.edu and submitted by the filing deadlines listed above. Please include the program to which you are applying in the body of the email. For questions regarding the application or policy, please contact the Registrar registrar@nyaa.edu.
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Summer Undergraduate Residency Application Instructions
Before You Apply
Applicants must complete the Academy’s online Summer Undergraduate Residency Program application form. The program is open to current students in US and international institutions with a demonstrated ability in art. Applicants majoring in fields other than studio art are eligible to apply.
Acceptance to the Summer Residency is competitive. Applications are assessed by the Academy’s Admissions Committee through a multi-step review process. Portfolios are first evaluated in a blind review using the following qualitative measures: technical skill, formal awareness and conceptual development. The portfolios are evaluated again in conjunction with the candidate’s personal statement, letters of recommendation, official transcripts and other supporting documents.
2024 Application Deadlines
Applicants must submit their completed applications by the deadline listed below. The schedule for the annual admission cycle is as follows:
| SURP Application Deadline: | February 19 |
| SURP Notification: | March 4 |
| SURP Non-refundable Deposit Due:
SURP Tuition Payment Due: |
March 25
May 15 |
Those seeking admission to the Academy’s CFA program must complete an online application. The application is FREE. Please see the list of instructions below.
Application Instructions
Applicants are required to complete and submit the following through the online application form by the deadline listed above. The application is FREE. Click here to begin your application.
Online application form
Please click here to create your account and begin your application.
Portfolio
Please submit 6 to 15 images of your work. Image files must be in .jpg format no more than 2500 pixels on the longest side.
The portfolio should represent your strongest work, indicate your major interest and direction, and demonstrate your technical skill and ability. All work should be from within the last three years. Those submitting images of three-dimensional work should include no more than two views of each sculpture.
Personal Statement
A one-page statement of educational objectives and career goals indicating why you believe these will be advanced by study at the Academy. Applicants are encouraged to discuss work in the portfolio and indicate how study at the Academy will progress individual development.
References
At least one letter of recommendation. Letters of recommendation from academic professionals are strongly recommended. Please contact your references to ensure timely submission of your recommendation by the application deadline. If you have any questions, please email admissions@nyaa.edu for assistance.
Unofficial Transcript
A copy of your most recent undergraduate transcript must be submitted to the Academy. Please upload an unofficial copy.
For questions regarding the application or scholarships, please contact the Admissions Department at 212.842.5961 or admissions@nyaa.edu
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After Acceptance: Submit your Enrollment Deposit
Congratulations on your acceptance and welcome to the New York Academy of Art! Please review the information and links below on how to submit your enrollment deposit and confirm at your spot at the Academy.
Please read the information below regarding your non-refundable deposit. Login to the Academy Portal or click the link in your acceptance email to submit your decision.
MFA Enrollment Decision & Deposit
The Academy requires an $850 non-refundable deposit from accepted applicants to confirm their place in the MFA program. The deposit will be deducted from the first semester tuition invoice.
CFA Enrollment Decision & Deposit
The Academy requires an $850 non-refundable deposit from accepted applicants to confirm their place in the CFA program. The deposit will be deducted from the first semester tuition invoice.
SURP Enrollment Decision & Deposit
The Academy requires a $500.00 non-refundable enrollment deposit from accepted applicants to confirm their place in the SURP program. For those requesting dormitory accomodations, an additional $500.00 non-refundable housing deposit is required. The enrollment and housing deposits will be deducted from the final tuition and fee invoice.
Deferral Policy
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.Deferred applicants are guaranteed a place in the program beginning the next academic year. However, scholarship awards are not guaranteed. Deferred applicants will be reconsidered for a scholarship award during next admissions review.
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Transfer of Credit
The Academy’s Transfer of Credit form and policy can be found through the link below. Please note that applications for credit transfer will be reviewed by the Committee separately from the program application. Completed forms are due to the Registrar’s office by May 1. Questions? Email registrar@nyaa.edu.