This plan is an opportunity to demonstrate your strong interest in MICA to the admissions committee. Typically, the Early Decision application pool is smaller than the Early Action or Regular Decision pools. The advantage of applying Early Decision is that, if admitted, it allows you to conclude your college search early in your senior year.  

Early Decision applicants are eligible to receive their financial aid award if they have completed the FAFSA by this deadline. 

Early Decision Application Process:

Step 1: Application Form

Apply using the Common Application. Please select one option to complete your application process. The application fee is $70 total ($60 application fee; $10 portfolio submission fee). If you are unable to use the Common Application please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission at 410-225-2222 or admissions@mica.edu.

Step 2: Portfolio of Artwork

Submit a portfolio of 12-20 pieces of artwork. (Detailed instructions are available Undergraduate Regular Admission Process.)

Step 3: Essay

Choose one of the writing prompts listed on the Common Application and write an essay (250-word minimum).

Step 4: Letters of Recommendation

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 in the Common Application to submit your recommender requests and allow them to upload their letters of support through the application service you selected.

Step 5: Activities and Interests

Compile a list of activities, interests, and honors as explained on the Common Application.

Step 6: Transcripts

Applicants must provide official transcripts of all secondary academic work. Your counselor may submit your transcript through Common Application (if you have chosen that application option), Parchment, email (records@mica.edu) or mail. 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 GED, TASC 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.

Step 7: Test Scores

Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) and/or American College Test (ACT) results are required for all first-time freshmen. The ACT Writing Test is recommended, but not required. MICA's CEEB Code for the SAT is #5399; our ACT Code is #1710. Test results are evaluated in relation to your other academic materials as well as your portfolio of artwork on file.

If English is not your first language, it is strongly recommended that you submit TOEFL or IELTS test scores with your application. MICA requires a minimum TOEFL score of 80 or IELTS score of 6.5. Your application will not be reviewed for admission without at least one test score on file (TOEFL, IELTS, ACT, SAT).

If test scores are not available by the Early Decision deadline, they must be sent by February 1 or any offer of admission may be revoked.

Step 8: Campus Visit

Sign-up for a Campus Visit here.

Step 9: Complete the Early Decision Agreement

Access the form here.

Early Decision Plan Considerations

• Students accepted under the Early Decision Plan have the option of receiving an early financial aid estimate.
• A student considered under the Early Decision Plan agrees to enroll at Maryland Institute College of Art if admitted.
• You may apply to other colleges with the understanding that you will withdraw those applications if admitted to MICA.
• To be considered for the Early Decision Plan, you must submit all of the materials described below by November 1.

Early Decision Financial Planning

If you wish to receive an estimate of your financial aid package along with your admission decision you should complete the MICA Early Decision Financial Aid Online Application or print and return it to the Financial Aid Office by November 1. You will be contacted if additional information is required to complete your estimated financial aid award. Notification of admission will be sent to Early Decision candidates on December 1, along with a tentative financial aid package, if all required information has been received by the deadline.

If you are accepted under the Early Decision Plan, you will be required to submit a non-refundable tuition deposit of $450 and a housing deposit of $550 by the Early Decision Candidate Reply Date, February 1. The tuition deposit is an initial payment of the first semester’s tuition.