What undergraduate majors are offered at SVA?
The School of Visual Arts has been authorized by the New York State Board of Regents to confer the degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts on graduates of four-year programs in advertising; animation; cartooning; computer art; film and video; fine arts; graphic design; illustration; interior design; photography; and visual and critical studies.


Is it possible to obtain a degree as a part-time student?
Part-time study is only available to currently enrolled students on a case-by-case basis. However, a variety of courses in the full-time program are scheduled between 9:00 am and 10:00 pm. As such, it is possible that new students can complete a portion of the full-time program in the evening. In addition, a full range of non-degree courses is available through the Division of Continuing Education (CE).


Is it possible to choose two majors?
No. Because each SVA major requires students to complete an intensive four-year studio program, it is not possible to "double major" at SVA. However, cross-registration into other departments is available on a case-by-case basis, with the permission of departmental chairs.


Are liberal arts a part of the SVA curriculum?
Yes. In order to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, students must complete a total of 120 credits broken down as follows: 72 credits in studio course work, 30 credits in humanities and sciences course work, 12 credits in art history course work and 6 elective credits. Fine arts majors complete 18 credits in art history and interior design majors complete 78 credits in studio.


Is SVA accredited?
The School of Visual Arts is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, 215.662.5606. The Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

SVA is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, and is a member of the International Association of Independent Schools for Art and Design, AIAS.


What is the student-teacher ratio at SVA?
SVA offers a student-teacher ratio of approximately 4:1. SVA is fortunate to host one of the largest faculties of art professionals in the world. Though many colleges can claim a faculty of working professional artists, none can match the size and breadth of the SVA faculty. The approximately 900 working artists who choose to teach at SVA bring all that the New York art industry has to offer into our classrooms.

What is SVA's tuition?
SVA is pleased to offer an undergraduate tuition that remains at the lower end of the spectrum for colleges of its size and stature. The full-time undergraduate tuition for the 2009-2010 school year is $26,800. Tuition typically increases 4 percent to 7 percent each year.


How do I apply for financial aid?
Currently, 74 percent of SVA students receive some form of financial aid. To be considered for financial aid, applicants must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available in the Office of Financial Aid and can be filed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Be sure to indicate the Title IV School Code 007468 for SVA in Step 6. Applicants are assigned a specific financial aid advisor who will assist in identifying a variety of financial aid and payment plan options.


What is the SVA CEEB Code?
The CEEB code for the College is 2835.


What is the SVA Title IV School Code?
The Title IV School Code for the College is 007468.


Does SVA offer scholarships?
SVA awards partial tuition scholarships to new students entering the fall semester through the Silas H. Rhodes Scholarship program. Scholarships are primarily available to full-time students seeking admission to the fall semester who possess a minimum 3.0 GPA. Scholarships are based on academic and creative merit. To be considered for a scholarship, first-time freshmen must submit all admissions and scholarship materials postmarked by February 1, 2010. Transfer applicants must submit all admissions and scholarship materials postmarked by process by March 1, 2010. All applicants, including international students, citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for scholarship. There is no scholarship application.


Does SVA have housing?
SVA houses approximately 1,400 students in its five residence halls. Students are permitted to stay in SVA housing throughout their four years of study. As such, not all students can be housed each year. It is recommended that applicants who are interested in housing and whose first choice is SVA complete the application for admission process as early as possible.


How do I schedule a portfolio review or tour?
To schedule a portfolio review or a tour of the campus, call the Office of Admissions at 212.592.2100 or 800.436.4204. It is recommended that applicants call to schedule an appointment two to four weeks prior to the date they would like to visit. Please note that housing is not shown on the general admissions tour but may be available by special prior arrangement.


Does SVA have programs for high school students?
Yes. Each year, more than 650 high school students enroll in pre-college studio courses held on Saturdays during the fall and spring and in an intensive three-week program each July.


What is a portfolio?
A portfolio is simply a collection of work that represents an individual's creative and technical experiences and accomplishments. No two portfolios are alike and each is reviewed based on an applicant's unique background and education. Ideally, portfolios should include work done from the direct observation of life.


How important is my academic background to the admission process?
An applicant's academic history plays an important role in the admission process. It is SVA's belief that art doesn't come from an empty head. As such, it is important that students demonstrate the ability to succeed in a classroom environment and have an aptitude and interest in humanities course work.


Do I need to submit SAT or ACT scores?
SVA requires applicants to submit the results of either the SAT or ACT. Test scores can play an important role in the review process. However, test scores, whether high or low, cannot replace the insight that is provided in the review of an applicant's academic transcripts.

Transfer applicants who have earned a minimum of 24 college credits, including work in the humanities and sciences, do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores.


Does SVA accept advanced placement credit?
Yes. For exam scores of 4 or 5, SVA will award 3 elective credits in studio for AP art and 3-6 credits in select humanities courses.


How is transfer placement determined?
Approximately 34 percent of SVA students are transfer students. Transfer applicants follow the same procedures for admission as all other applicants. Transfer placement is based on studio course work and the portfolio, not necessarily on the total number of credits previously earned. It is important that transfer applicants submit slide portfolios that contain examples of work from each studio course for which transfer credit is sought. Copies of course descriptions of classes taken at other colleges and universities can be helpful to the transfer review process.


Can I study abroad as an SVA student?
SVA offers both summer abroad and semester abroad programs. Summer Arts Abroad programs are up to three weeks in length and are open to anyone who meets the course prerequisites. Detailed program information is available in the summer Continuing Education catalog and on their website. Third year, matriculated students may apply to the International Exchange Program (IEP) to study abroad for one semester at an affiliated exchange partner institution. A list of affiliated schools is available in the Registration Book or from the exchange program administrator. Countries currently represented in the IEP include France, Germany, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Portugal and the United Kingdom.

Does SVA require international students to take the TOEFL?
Because a large part of an SVA education focuses on the exchange of ideas and critiques, it is important that all students possess a strong working knowledge of English. All applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate a level of proficiency that will allow them to participate fully in class discussions and critiques. This can be demonstrated in a variety of ways, including the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).


Are application deadlines different for international applicants?
Yes. In order to process student visas in a timely manner, there is a recommended application deadline of March 31, 2010 for the summer 2010 semester; May 1, 2010 for the fall 2010 semester and October 1, 2010 for the spring 2011 semester;


As an international student, when will I receive the paperwork needed to apply for a visa?
Accepted international students will receive their I-20 paperwork approximately four weeks after submitting both the enrollment fee and student health forms.


When can I register for classes?
Beginning March 1, 2010, accepted students who have submitted the enrollment fee and student health forms can register directly with their academic advisor by telephone or by appointment. Registration information will be sent to you once the enrollment fee and health forms have been received and accepted.


What is the deadline for admission to the fall 2010 semester?
Admission to the College operates on a rolling admission basis for applicants to the fall 2010 semester. Applications will be accepted throughout the year as space remains available in each program. International applicants should complete the application process by May 1, 2010.


Does SVA have an early action option?
Yes. High school seniors whose first choice is SVA can receive a non-binding early admission decision, early financial aid estimate, guaranteed housing and early registration privileges. In order to be considered for early action to the fall 2010 semester, applicants must complete all aspects of the admission process by December 1, 2009.


Is it possible to get an application status check during my admission process?
The Office of Admissions will not provide applicant status checks or communicate applicant decisions via phone, fax or e-mail. Applicants with questions about the application process may contact their admissions counselor. However, because of the volume of mail received each day, questions about the receipt of particular items may not be answered on demand. If applicants wish to verify the College's receipt of their application materials, it is recommended that application materials be submitted via a trackable method, such as certified mail, UPS, etc.


When is orientation?
Orientation for the fall semester usually begins the Monday before the Labor Day weekend. Orientation for the spring semester usually begins the Thursday prior to the start of spring classes. Orientation offers new students the opportunity to meet faculty, staff and other students and to gain a further introduction to the curricular and extracurricular life they are about to begin.


Does SVA offer internships?
The Office of Career Development offers an internship for-credit program for qualified juniors and seniors. SVA students have completed internships at over 600 different companies.