MICA understands that sometimes you have a change of heart and need to make a move. Transfer students are a valuable part of our family, and the Office of Undergraduate Admission is here to help you make a smooth transition. We can help you with the application process, set up a visit, connect with a MICA representative or admissions counselor, and ultimately can help you choose your own adventure.

Transfer Admission Process

Transfer Admission Dates and Deadlines

Transfer Admission Process

Step 1: Application Forms

The MICA Transfer Application for Fall 2018 is available through the Common Application.  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

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. For transfer students, the portfolio is also used to evaluate your post-secondary art experiences in order to determine equivalency to MICA coursework.

Transfer students should prepare a portfolio of 15-30 pieces of artwork that demonstrates a knowledge of college-level coursework. The portfolio should include items that represent basic skills in drawing, painting, color, and design. If enough coursework has been completed, the portfolio should also reflect experience in a major field of study.

The portfolio allows the review committee to evaluate which studio courses will transfer to MICA and determines class standing in your departmental major. Therefore, your portfolio should represent as much work as possible from all studio courses taken while attending other post-secondary institutions.

Please follow the instructions provided in the Common Application to upload your portfolio submission to the MICA Undergraduate SlideRoom Portal in Slideroom.

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 may be emailed directly from your recommender to records@mica.edu.

Step 5: Activities and Interests

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

Step 6: Transcripts

An unofficial transcript may be submitted to complete your application, however, an official transcript must be sent directly from your school to MICA to receive eligible credits.   

Note: Only courses carrying a grade of C or better will qualify for transfer credit. Up to 60 credits required for the BFA degree may be transferred from other accredited colleges. Exceptions will be made in certain cases. Liberal arts courses in which the course content parallels that of courses offered at MICA will be considered for transfer credit. Transfer of studio courses is determined by portfolio review and course equivalency. In some cases, MICA may consider waiving course requirements after an evaluation of art achievements gained outside formal school programs.

Step 7: Test Scores

The College Entrance Examination Board Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) and/or the American College Test (ACT) are NOT required for transfer admission. However, if English is your second language, you must submit test scores from TOEFL or IELTS exams by June 1 (detailed instructions are included in Step 2 of International Admission Process and Deadlines).

Step 8: Course Descriptions

Transfer applicants must submit course descriptions for all courses for which they are requesting transfer credit. Course descriptions should be copied from your college online course catalog and pasted into a Word document. The document should be emailed to records@mica.edu.

Transfer Admission and Financial Aid Dates and Deadlines

Transfer Regular Decision  - Spring 2019

Transfer Early Action I - Fall 2019

Transfer Early Action II - Fall 2019

Transfer Regular Decision - Fall 2019