Undergraduate Admission

Undergraduate Admission

Applying to MICA: Two Easy Options

You can apply to MICA either by using the Common App or by using MICA's own application.

All applications are weighted equally, so it doesn't matter which you choose.  If you've already started the Common App,  it makes sense for you to complete it in the Common App.  If you've haven't started your application, the MICA Application has no application fee, so you may want to consider using it.  Ultimately, please choose the platform you are most comfortable with. Below are some things to consider when choosing an application

If you have any questions, please reach out to your personal Admission Counselor, or contact us at admissions@mica.edu

Which App Should I Choose?


Apply to MICA

Looking For Graduate Admission?

MICA offers 18 different graduate programs, including M.F.A., MA, MA/MBA, and MPS programs. Many of which are ranked in U.S. News & World Report's top 10.

first year
admission process

December 1, 2025

Spring 2026 Application and FAFSA Deadline

December 1, 2025

Fall 2026 Early Action Application Deadline 

February 1, 2026

Fall 2026 Regular Decision Application Deadline

Rolling Application Review

MICA will continue to review applications on a rolling basis for as long as space is available in our programs

March 15, 2026

Priority Scholarship Deadline - Apply to MICA by March 15 to receive priority consideration for scholarships.

You can apply to MICA through our dedicated MICA Application, or using the Common Application. There is currently no application fee for the dedicated MICA App. The application fee for the Common Application is $60. If you need a fee waiver, please follow the instructions for requesting a fee waiver in the Profile section on Common App.

*By submitting your application to MICA you consent to receive text messages regarding your admission decision. 

The portfolio should be a selection of recent artwork that represents your artistic interests and demonstrates your technical skills and ability. You should include examples of artwork that reflect the full range of your ideas, interests, experience, and abilities in the arts to date. Applicants must submit a portfolio of 10-15 pieces of artwork. After your application is submitted, you will receive instructions on how to upload your portfolio through your Applicant Portal.

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Make sure to provide copies of your transcripts for all secondary academic work. Your high school guidance counselor may submit your transcript through the Common App (if applying via Common App), Parchment, mail, or email to records@mica.edu (We also accept unofficial transcripts!).

If you are attending school in another country, your transcripts must be translated into English by an approved translator. World Education Services (WES) is recommended, but not required.

Homeschool applicants must provide the equivalent of a high school transcript with course or subject titles, duration of study for each title, the content of study for each title, and an assessment of performance or "grade". Preferably, the courses completed at home are part of a curriculum developed and evaluated by a nationally recognized diploma-granting organization or agency. If not connected with such an organization and an official transcript from a state homeschool association or sponsoring public high school is not available, homeschool applicants must obtain and submit GEDTASC or HiSET exam results as confirmation of completing a generally acceptable secondary school curriculum. Individual homeschool transcripts with date of completion do not suffice as official proof of graduation.

The recommendations of teachers, college counselors, or other professionals who can comment on your art and academic experiences are important to your application. Please follow the instructions provided on your chosen application method to submit your recommender requests. 

Test Optional, SAT and ACT: MICA does not require SAT or ACT scores for your application to be considered complete.  If you believe that your test score will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit it for admission consideration. MICA's institution code for SAT is 5399. Our ACT code is 1710. 

For International Applicants:  If English is not your first language you must submit a valid TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo score with your application. MICA requires a minimum TOEFL score of 75 (MyBest scores are accepted), an IELTS score of 6.0, a PTE score of 58, or a Duolingo score of 105. MICA’s institution code is 5399 for TOEFL and IELTS. 

MICA does not require TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or Duolingo scores if you have a minimum SAT score of 470 or ACT score of 18 in the English section, or official transcripts that demonstrate at least two full years of academic success at a high school or college/university in which English is the language of instruction.

*Only for International Students

Before an I-20 form can be issued, please submit the following materials:

Indicate your current immigration status and your intentions regarding immigration by completing the Immigration Information Form. Please complete this form even if you do not plan to study under an F-1 student visa.

Submit an Affidavit of Support and/or Certificate of Finance, as well as a notarized bank statement certifying that sufficient funds are available to support your study at the College.

These materials may be submitted upon receipt of admission notification.

Admission at MICA

So You're Thinking About Transferring

You are considered a transfer student if you have graduated from high school (or earned your GED) and
Completed at least 12 or up to 60 credits in post-high school college courses at a regionally accredited two-year community college or four-year college or university

If you meet these requirements you can apply as a transfer student either by using the Common App or by using MICA’s own application.


Transfer
Admission Process

March 15, 2026

Fall 2026 Regular Decision Application Deadline

Rolling Application Review

MICA will continue to review applications on a rolling basis for as long as space is available in our programs

You can apply to MICA through our dedicated MICA Application, or using the Common Application. There is currently no application fee for the dedicated MICA App. The application fee for the Common Application is $60. If you need a fee waiver, please follow the instructions for requesting a fee waiver in the Profile section on Common App.

*By submitting your application to MICA you consent to receive text messages regarding your admission decision. 

The portfolio should be a selection of recent artwork that represents your artistic interests and demonstrates your technical skills and ability. You should include examples of artwork that reflect the full range of your ideas, interests, experience, and abilities in the arts to date. Applicants must submit a portfolio of 10-15 pieces of artwork. After your application is submitted, you will receive instructions on how to upload your portfolio through your Applicant Portal.

Make sure to provide copies of your transcripts for all colleges and/or universities you have attended. Your school may submit your transcript through the Common App (if applying via Common App), Parchment, mail, or email to records@mica.edu (We also accept unofficial transcripts!). You do not need to provide your high school transcript if you are applying as a Transfer student.

If you are attending school in another country, your transcripts must be translated into English by an approved translator. World Education Services (WES) is recommended, but not required.

Test Optional, SAT and ACT: MICA does not require SAT or ACT scores for your application to be considered complete.  If you believe that your test score will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit it for admission consideration. MICA's institution code for SAT is 5399. Our ACT code is 1710. 

For International Applicants:  If English is not your first language you must submit a valid TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo score with your application. MICA requires a minimum TOEFL score of 75 (MyBest scores are accepted), an IELTS score of 6.0, a PTE score of 58, or a Duolingo score of 105. MICA’s institution code is 5399 for TOEFL and IELTS. 

MICA does not require TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or Duolingo scores if you have a minimum SAT score of 470 or ACT score of 18 in the English section, or official transcripts that demonstrate at least two full years of academic success at a high school or college/university in which English is the language of instruction.

Indicate your current immigration status and your intentions regarding immigration by completing the Immigration Information Form. Please complete this form even if you do not plan to study under an F-1 student visa.

Submit an Affidavit of Support and/or Certificate of Finance, as well as a notarized bank statement certifying that sufficient funds are available to support your study at the College.

These materials may be submitted upon receipt of admission notification.

Undergraduate Admission

International Admission

Wherever you're from, MICA is an inclusive and friendly community that helps all of our students feel, safe, comfortable, and "at home".

From the Experts

Portfolio Preparation

Your portfolio is an important part of your application. It can also be one of the most intimidating to provide. Don't worry. We have multiple resources and opportunities to help you develop and submit a stellar portfolio. You can also have your portfolio reviewed at a National Portfolio Day or request a one-on-one review with one of our Admission counselors.

Connect

Schedule a Chat with an Admission Counselor

MICA offers one-on-one appointments with admission counselors to discuss our programming, curricula, and application procedures. Counselor appointments are currently available for both undergraduate and graduate students.

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