Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design admits students who have a desire to explore new possibilities; work hard to realize their personal best; and are eager to produce original, innovative work. Although a variety of evaluation criteria are necessary for a sound admission decision, evidence of a student’s potential is the primary consideration in the admissions process.
Declaration of Campus for Admissions
Students who apply to RMCAD will be asked to select a campus distinction at the time of application.
Students must reside within 75 miles of the RMCAD campus to declare themselves a “hybrid student.” Students residing outside of this radius are required to attend the online program.
Students may petition to change their campus distinction one time in an academic year. For specific requirements to petition for a change of campus, please consult your Student Advisor or the Office of Student Support.
Change of Campus
RMCAD students wishing to change their campus distinction (hybrid to online or online to hybrid) can do so under the following conditions:
- The student requests the change and if approved, can only be performed at the end of a Financial Aid Academic Year.
- First-time freshmen must petition for the change of campus before the completion of 36 credit hours.
- Transfer students must petition for the change of campus before the completion of 60 credit hours.
- Petitions to change campus are subject to approval and will not be accepted outside of the standards listed above.
- Art Education and Fine Art are only offered on campus and are not available solely online.
Major Declaration for Admissions
Students who apply to RMCAD will be asked to select a major at the time of application. If students do not know which program they wish to pursue, they may apply for General Admission or “Undeclared”. Students must declare a major by the end of their first academic year, or two semesters, and prior to earning 30 credits.
Undergraduate Admissions
U.S. Applicants
- Application for Admission
Applicants must submit a completed Application for Admission and a $50 application fee. Applications can be completed online at www.rmcad.edu. A paper copy of the application can be printed from our website. Mail the completed application to the Admissions Department at 1600 Pierce St. Lakewood, Colorado, 80214
- Transcripts
Official transcripts should be sent directly to RMCAD via email at transcripts@rmcad.edu. Transcripts opened by the student will not be considered official. Transfer students may be asked to submit a high school transcript as well as a transcript(s) from the institution(s) of higher education previously attended, pending a review of completed college credits and college GPA.
New students must submit official transcripts from every institution of higher education that the student has attended in order to complete the registration and enrollment process. In special circumstances, submission of official transcript(s) can be waived at the President’s discretion. If the student is a recent high school graduate, an official high school transcript showing a graduation date is acceptable. Students who do not provide official transcripts from every institution previously attended before their scheduled start date are eligible to change their start date one time to allow time for the submission of required official transcripts.
All transcripts submitted by students from other schools previously attended become a part of their official record. The College does not re-release them.
- Cumulative GPA
All applicants must either possess a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher or possess a high school equivalency diploma with a GED score of 165 or higher if taken in 2016 or 500 or higher if taken before 2016. Home-schooled students must submit satisfactory GED scores or submit proof of graduation by an accrediting body that is recognized by RMCAD.
- Academic Success Plan (ASP) Program
Applicants who are admitted with a cumulative grade point average below 2.0 or a GED with a score less than 165 taken in 2016 or less than 500 if taken prior to 2016 will be required to participate in the Academic Success Plan (ASP). Students participating in the Academic Success Plan (ASP) will create an individualized plan with their Student Advisor and an Academic Mentor from the Student Learning Center (SLC) who will assist them in their success at RMCAD. Students on the Academic Success plan may be required to enroll in ASP 1000 - Academic Success Plan (ASP) Lab as a zero credit course. Students admitted under the requirement to participate in the Academic Success Plan (ASP) Program are considered admitted in probationary status and may be suspended at the end of the first semester if they do not achieve a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
- ACT or SAT test results
RMCAD recommends but does not require the submission of ACT or SAT scores for undergraduate U.S. applicants.
- Portfolio
Applicants to the BFA programs are encouraged to submit a statement of intent and a portfolio demonstrating the basic skills needed to succeed in art and design coursework. Students who fail to submit a portfolio of artistic work may not be eligible for scholarships. See the “Submitting a Portfolio ” section of this publication for further instructions. Applicants who do not have portfolio work should contact their Admissions Counselor.
- Interview with an Admissions Counselor
An interview with an Admissions Counselor, either in person or by telephone, is required. Through the personal interview, applicants will gain a better understanding of the visual arts education at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design. To arrange an interview time, please contact the Admissions Office at 800.888.2787 or admissions@rmcad.edu.
International Applicants - Undergraduate
International applicants are persons who are not residents of the United States and who already have or will be applying for, a temporary U.S. visa (most commonly the F-1 visa). RMCAD only considers international students for admission who are degree seeking and plan to attend as a full-time hybrid student. Online students are not eligible to apply for a visa. All records should be submitted in the native language. Credentials written in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Translations must be literal, not interpretive.
All international students studying on an F1 visa will be required to attend RMCAD full time during the spring and fall semesters if the students are registered as hybrid students. This means international students will be required to be enrolled full-time taking six credits each eight-week term during the Fall and Spring semesters. Students on an F1 visa are entitled to a vacation term of one semester during the summer semester only provided they intend to register for classes in the fall semester.
- Application for Admission
Applicants must submit a completed Application for Admission and a $50 application fee. International applicants must provide their full legal name, birth date, and place of birth. If applying online, this information should be entered under the comments section of the online application, and a signature page requested from the Admissions Counselor. Online applications may be submitted through the RMCAD website at www.rmcad.edu.
- Transcripts
Official transcripts for all courses completed at colleges outside of the United States must be submitted to an approved evaluation agency before transfer credit will be awarded by RMCAD. International applicants are required to submit official transcripts for translation and evaluation. The organization RMCAD currently designates for this is Educational Credential Evaluators Inc. (ECE): ECE, P.O. Box 514070, Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470, USA. Telephone: 414.289.3400. Email: eval@ece.org. Website: www.ece.org.
ECE prepares evaluation reports that identify the United States equivalents of education completed in other countries. An online ECE application is available at the website listed above. Applicants should request a course-by-course evaluation for college/university studies. A general evaluation may be used for high school/secondary school transcripts. Applicants must submit official transcripts from each college attended to RMCAD’s Office of the Registrar (ECE will not forward transcripts to RMCAD) and must request that a copy of their evaluation be sent directly to RMCAD, as the default option on the ECE website. Completing the application without requesting the default option sends an evaluation only to the applicant. Applicants are responsible for paying all fees incurred for evaluations. ECE turnaround time is up to five weeks, so early submission is recommended. Upon receipt of the ECE evaluation, RMCAD’s Office of the Registrar will determine which credits will be accepted based on the guidelines outlined by policy. For more information about transcript evaluation agencies, contact the RMCAD Registrar’s Office at 303.754.6046 or registrar@rmcad.edu.
International applicants must provide official transcripts as well as the Official ECE evaluation and acceptable TOEFL scores or must provide proof of English language proficiency by way of successful completion of a college-level English Composition course, or ESL equivalent. Please note courses taken to demonstrate English proficiency must be approved by the academic department before TOEFL waiver and acceptance.
International students with a cumulative GPA less than 2.0 will not be admitted in to the college.
- Portfolio
All international applicants to BFA programs must submit an artist statement and portfolio of visual work that demonstrates the basic skills needed to succeed in art and design coursework. Students who fail to submit a portfolio of artistic work may not be eligible for scholarships. See the “Submitting a Portfolio ” section in publication for further instructions. Applicants who do not have portfolio work should contact their Admissions Counselor.
- Interview with an Admissions Counselor
An interview with an Admissions Counselor, either in person, by email, or by telephone, is required. Through the personal interview, applicants will gain a better understanding of the visual arts education at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design. Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to schedule an interview at 303.753.6046 or admissions@rmcad.edu.
- Official TOEFL Scores or Acceptable Equivalent
Because English is the language of instruction at RMCAD, all students are required to be proficient in English. Non-U.S. resident students must submit proof of English proficiency by providing official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or other proof of English proficiency. TOEFL must reflect a minimum score of 213 on the computerized test, a score of 550 on the written test, a score of 75 on the internet-based test, a score of 6 on IELTS, or successful completion of an English as a Second Language (ESL) course. Each situation is handled on a case-by-case basis.
- Official Financial Documents
International applicants applying for admission to the College must submit an official bank statement verifying sufficient funds to cover the cost of attending RMCAD and living expenses for one year. Contact the Admissions Office for information on the current amount required.
- Immigration Documents
Immigration documents will be issued once RMCAD has received all required documents and the applicant has been accepted. Once the College has accepted the applicant, he or she will be sent an I-20 form, which is needed to obtain a student visa. The I-20 form can be issued only to regular full-time students admitted into a degree program. International students transferring to RMCAD from another school in the United States should contact the Admissions Office immediately to determine eligibility to transfer.
Graduate Admissions
To apply for graduate programs, applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
U.S. Applicants
- Application for Admission
Applicants must submit a completed Application for Admission and a $50 application fee. Applications can be completed online at www.rmcad.edu. A paper copy of the application can be printed from our website. Mail the completed application to the Admissions Department at 1600 Pierce St. Lakewood, Colorado, 80214.
- Transcripts
To apply for graduate programs, applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Official transcripts should be sent directly to RMCAD at transcripts@rmcad.edu. New students must submit official transcripts to be registered for classes. Students who do not provide official transcripts before their scheduled start date are eligible to change their start date one time to allow time for the submission of required official transcripts.
Transcripts (official or unofficial) submitted by students from other schools become a part of their official record. The College does not re-release them. Students who have completed coursework at colleges outside the United States should ask their Admissions Counselor for more information about transfer credit evaluation.
- Statement of Purpose
A statement of purpose is required. In 500-750 words, the applicant should concisely describe his or her academic and career goals and how those goals align with the mission of the program.
- Cumulative GPA
All applicants for admissions to RMCAD’s graduate programs must possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Exceptions to the GPA requirement can be made based on applicants’ other documents including CV/Resume, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, statement of purpose, and other documents the candidate would like to submit for review.
- Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Test Scores
The GRE and other standardized test scores are not required for admission. However, applicants may submit any material they wish to be reviewed in the admissions process, including test scores, letters of recommendation, or other documents attesting to the applicant’s academic goals.
- Professional Evidence
All applicants for admissions to RMCAD’s graduate programs must submit a professionally formatted resume or curriculum vitae. Students may select to submit letters of recommendation.
International Applicants - Graduate
International applicants are persons who are not residents of the United States. Credentials written in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Translations must be literal, not interpretive.
All international students studying on an F1 visa will be required to attend RMCAD full time during the spring and fall semesters if the students are registered as hybrid students. This means international students will be required to be enrolled full-time taking six credits each eight-week term during the Fall and Spring semesters. Students on an F1 visa are entitled to a vacation term of one semester during the summer semester only provided they intend to register for classes in the fall semester.
- Application for Admission for International Applicants
Applicants must submit a completed Application for Admission and a $50 application fee. International applicants must provide their full legal name, birth date, and place of birth. If applying online, this information should be entered under the comments section of the online application, and a signature page requested from the Admissions Counselor. Online applications may be submitted through the RMCAD website at www.rmcad.edu.
- International Transcripts
Official transcripts for all courses completed at colleges outside of the United States must be submitted to an approved evaluation agency before transfer credit will be awarded by RMCAD. International applicants are required to submit official transcripts for translation and evaluation. The organization RMCAD currently designates for this is Educational Credential Evaluators Inc. (ECE): ECE, P.O. Box 514070, Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470, USA. Telephone: 414.289.3400. Email: eval@ece.org. Website: www.ece.org.
ECE prepares evaluation reports that identify the United States equivalents of education completed in other countries. An online ECE application is available at the website listed above. Applicants should request a course-by-course evaluation for college/university studies. A general evaluation may be used for high school/secondary school transcripts. Applicants must submit official transcripts from each college attended to RMCAD’s Office of the Registrar (ECE will not forward transcripts to RMCAD) and must request that a copy of their evaluation be sent directly to RMCAD, as the default option on the ECE website. Completing the application without requesting the default option sends an evaluation only to the applicant. Applicants are responsible for paying all fees incurred for evaluations. ECE turnaround time is up to five weeks, so early submission is recommended. Upon receipt of the ECE evaluation, RMCAD’s Office of the Registrar will determine which credits will be accepted based on the guidelines outlined by policy. If official transcripts from all schools are not received by the end of the first 8-week term, students may elect to waive their right to transfer in credit from institutions for which we have not received official transcripts, or they will be administratively withdrawn. For more information about transcript evaluation agencies, contact the RMCAD Registrar’s Office at 303.754.6046 or registrar@rmcad.edu.
- Official TOEFL Scores or Acceptable Equivalent
Because English is the language of instruction at RMCAD, all students are required to be proficient in English. Non-US resident students must submit proof of English proficiency by providing official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or other proof of English proficiency. TOEFL must reflect a minimum score of 213 on the computerized test, a score of 550 on the written test, a score of 75 on the internet-based test, a score of 6 on IELTS, or successful completion of an English as a Second Language (ESL) course. Each situation is handled on a case-by-case basis. The language requirement may be met based upon interviews with the faculty and staff if the student’s native language is English, or if the applicant has graduated from a high school in the U.S. or obtained a degree from an accredited U.S. college or university.
- Official Financial Documents
International applicants applying for admission to the College must submit an official bank statement verifying sufficient funds to cover the cost of attending RMCAD for one year. Contact the Graduate Admissions Office for information on the current amount required.
- Statement of Purpose
A statement of purpose is required. In 500-750 words, the applicant should concisely describe his or her academic and career goals and how those goals align with the mission of their specific degree program.
- Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Test Scores
The GRE and other standardized test scores are not required for admission. However, applicants may submit any material they wish to be reviewed in the admissions process, including test scores, letters of recommendation, or other documents attesting to the applicant’s academic goals.
- Professional Evidence
All applicants for admissions to RMCAD’s graduate programs must submit a professionally formatted resume or curriculum vitae. Students may select to submit letters of recommendation.
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