How to Get Into California College of the Arts
Complete admissions guide with requirements, stats, and insider tips
Admissions Overview
California College of the Arts is a private university located in San Francisco, CA. With an acceptance rate of 73.4%, it is considered moderately competitive.
California College of the Arts is a private-nonprofit university located in San Francisco, CA. It is a small institution with approximately 1,004 undergraduate students. The university is accessible with an acceptance rate of 73.4%. Annual tuition for out-of-state students is $57,946. The graduation...
Acceptance Rate & Statistics
Competitiveness
- Classification
- Moderately Competitive
- Student Population
- 1,004
- Retention Rate
- 57.4%
- Graduation Rate
- 65.7%
Academic Profile of Admitted Students
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 California College of the Arts
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 California College of the Arts
California College of the Arts has a 73.4% acceptance rate. Focus on meeting their academic standards and demonstrating fit with their programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at California College of the Arts?
California College of the Arts has an acceptance rate of 73.4%, making it moderately competitive.
What SAT score do I need for California College of the Arts?
The average SAT score at California College of the Arts 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 California College of the Arts?
Tuition at California College of the Arts is $57,946 for in-state studentsand $57,946 for international students. Additional costs include room and board, books, and personal expenses.
What GPA do I need for California College of the Arts?
The average GPA of admitted students at California College of the Arts is 3.1. A competitive GPA would be above this average, typically 3.3+ to improve your chances.
When is the application deadline for California College of the Arts?
Application deadlines for California College of the Arts 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.
Related Resources
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