How to Get Into Art Center College of Design

Complete admissions guide with requirements, stats, and insider tips

Pasadena, CA Private Moderately Competitive

Admissions Overview

Art Center College of Design is a private university located in Pasadena, CA. With an acceptance rate of 75.0%, it is considered moderately competitive.

Art Center College of Design is a private-nonprofit university located in Pasadena, CA. It is a small institution with approximately 2,054 undergraduate students. The university is accessible with an acceptance rate of 75.0%. Annual tuition for out-of-state students is $51,640. The graduation rate i...

75.0%
Acceptance Rate
2.1K
Students
1050
Avg SAT
3.1
Avg GPA

Acceptance Rate & Statistics

Competitiveness

Acceptance Rate 75.0%
Moderately selective - good academic standing recommended
Classification
Moderately Competitive
Student Population
2,054
Retention Rate
82.2%
Graduation Rate
79.2%

Academic Profile of Admitted Students

SAT Scores 1050
Middle 50%: 950–1150
ACT Scores 21
GPA 3.1
Average unweighted GPA

Application Requirements

Required Materials

  • Common Application or School Application

    Complete the application with personal information and essays

  • High School Transcript

    Official transcripts showing all coursework and grades

  • Standardized Test Scores

    SAT or ACT scores (check if test-optional for recent years)

  • Letters of Recommendation

    Usually 2-3 letters from teachers, counselors, or mentors

  • Personal Essays

    Application essays and supplemental questions

Additional Considerations

  • Application Deadlines

    Early Decision/Action typically November 1-15, Regular Decision January 1-15

  • Application Fee

    Most universities charge $50-100 application fee (fee waivers available)

  • Processing Time

    Decisions typically released in March-April for fall admission

  • International Students

    May require TOEFL/IELTS scores and additional documentation

Tips for Getting Into Art Center College of Design

Academic Excellence

  • • Aim for SAT scores above 1050 (current average)
  • • Maintain a GPA of 3.1+ to be competitive
  • • Take challenging coursework (AP, IB, honors courses)
  • • Show consistent academic improvement over time
  • • Excel in your intended major's prerequisite courses

Stand Out from the Crowd

  • • Develop unique extracurricular activities and leadership roles
  • • Write compelling essays that showcase your personality
  • • Demonstrate genuine interest in the university and program
  • • Get strong letters of recommendation from teachers who know you well
  • • Consider applying Early Decision/Action if the school is your top choice

Pro Tip for Art Center College of Design

Art Center College of Design has a 75.0% acceptance rate. Focus on meeting their academic standards and demonstrating fit with their programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Art Center College of Design?

Art Center College of Design has an acceptance rate of 75.0%, making it moderately competitive.

What SAT score do I need for Art Center College of Design?

The average SAT score at Art Center College of Design is 1050. The middle 50% range is 950-1150. Aim for scores above the average to be competitive.

How much does it cost to attend Art Center College of Design?

Tuition at Art Center College of Design is $51,640 for in-state studentsand $51,640 for international students. Additional costs include room and board, books, and personal expenses.

What GPA do I need for Art Center College of Design?

The average GPA of admitted students at Art Center College of Design is 3.1. A competitive GPA would be above this average, typically 3.3+ to improve your chances.

When is the application deadline for Art Center College of Design?

Application deadlines for Art Center College of Design vary by program and application type. Early Decision/Action deadlines are typically November 1-15, while Regular Decision deadlines are usually January 1-15. Check the official admissions website for specific dates.

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