The Visual Arts Program at the North Carolina School of the Arts is for talented, motivated high school juniors and seniors.

Admission to the Visual Arts Program
Enrollment in Visual Arts is primarily limited to North Carolina residents who qualify for in-state tuition status, as defined in the North Carolina General Statute 116-143.1.

This program is designed for incoming high school juniors or seniors. The presentation of a portfolio (10-15 pieces of work) and an interview are prerequisites for admission. Although many students have had previous art training, this is not a requirement. Final decisions concerning admission are based on the artistic potential of each applicant, letters of recommendation, and a high school transcript.

Continuance in the Visual Arts Program
To remain in the Visual Arts Program, the student must maintain a 3.0 average in studio art classes and an average of 2.0 in the general studies courses. Failure to meet this requirement will result in a one-term probationary period in which the student must attain a 3.0 average in each studio art class to continue in the program. Students are evaluated by the faculty each term and are invited to continue only as long as they demonstrate substantial growth toward artistic excellence.

• Application
• Scheduling an Interview
• Visual Arts Requirements
• Interview Dates
• International Applicants
• Notification of Decision
• Other Requirements
• Final Steps

• The application for admission must be completed in full.
• Applicant signature is required along with the parent signature.
• Mail the application to the Office of Admissions along with the nonrefundable application fee ($60 for U.S. Citizens/Permanent U.S. Resident/$110 for international applicants).
• Applicants are encouraged to submit their application by the suggested application deadline to secure the audition date they desire and to allow time for travel arrangements.
• All required documentation must be on file in order for the applicant to find out if they have been accepted by the Admissions Review Committee into the North Carolina School of the Arts.

Application Information in Admissions

• All applicants must interview in person.
• Applicants must write the date and city in which they desire to audition on the application.
• Written confirmation of the interview date, time and location will be mailed to the applicant from the Office of Admissions after the application has been processed. 
• Please allow ten working days for processing.
• Interviews will not be scheduled by phone.
• Applicants are encouraged to submit their application by the suggested application deadline to secure the interview date they desire and to allow time for travel arrangements.
• Applicants are encouraged to submit all required documentation prior to their interview.
• The North Carolina School of the Arts reserves the right to cancel and reschedule interviews, or make other arrangements with the applicant.

• A resume detailing the applicant’s artistic experience and educational objective.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation are required.
  • One (1) letter is to come from an arts instructor.
  • One (1) letter is to come from an academic instructor.
  • A third letter may be submitted from an arts or academic instructor to help supplement or complete the applicant file. This letter is optional.
• All letters are to be mailed directly to the Office of Admissions to be placed in the applicant’s file.  Always list the Office of Admissions as the recipient.

   

  Note:  A form is provided for recommendations.  All recommendations should be dated and signed by the writer and mailed directly to the Office of Admissions.  Materials that do not bear the Office of Admissions as the recipient may be sent to other departments.

• Transcripts
  Applicants to Grades 11 and 12

  • Official transcript from each school attended with a validation seal or signature of a school official or registrar.  Copies are unacceptable.
    • Entering 11th grade:  transcript from 8th, 9th and 10th grades.
    • Entering 12th grade:  transcript from 9th, 10th and 11th grades.
  • Transcripts must include the courses in which the student is enrolled at the time of application.
  • For 12th grade applicants, official SAT or ACT score if taken (do not send the student copy).
  • Standardized test scores, including state and national testing, since grade 7 must be included for entering 11th and 12th grade applicants if not reported on the high school transcript.

            Home-Schooled Applicants

• Official transcripts from each traditional school attended with a validation seal or signature of a school official.
• Titles and descriptions (including topics) of courses completed in each year of home schooling.
• A course-by-course listing of credits earned and tests used.
• Documentation verifying mastery of coursework.
• Attendance records.
• Results of nationally recognized standardized achievement tests taken.
• Verification of home school’s continuing compliance with state law.
• An expository writing sample.

Portfolio Requirements

• Applicants must present at least 20 examples of work.
• Examples of work can include drawing, graphic design, painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, or any medium of choice including sketchbooks.
• Do not bring DVDs, videos, PowerPoint or other digital media that needs to be viewed on a computer or other electronic device.
• All digital media must be represented by high quality, black and-white or color prints (8” x 10” or larger).
• Works may be submitted in a single or in multiple mediums of interest.
• In addition to bringing actual artwork, applicants may supplement their portfolios with slides or other high resolution photographic documentation of large sculptural pieces, murals, temporary projects not easily transported, and/or pieces no longer in the applicant’s possession.

In addition to the required documentation listed for the undergraduate, graduate or high school programs, international applicants must provide the following information:

• International applicants must complete the International Questions on the application.
• International Applicants must complete the North Carolina School of the Arts Safety Questions.
• International applicants must follow all of the program guidelines as outlined and submit all required documentation as stated.
• An official TOEFL score is required for undergraduate applicants for whom English is not the primary language.
• For information on TOEFL scores please go to the following web link: www.ncarts.edu/iss/esl.htm.
• An official SLEP score is required for high school applicant for whom English is not the primary language.
• For information on SLEP scores please go to the following web link: http://www.ncarts.edu/iss/esl.htm.
• Official transcripts from each school attended that bears a seal or registrar’s signature and a notarized English translation of each transcript.
• Transcript must include the courses in which the applicant is enrolled at the time if application.
• Verification of sufficient funds to cover the first year of enrollment or affidavit of support from a bank or sponsor is required.
• A North Carolina School of the Arts Financial Statement Form must be completed by the applicant. The link for the form is: www.ncarts.edu/admissions/guidelines.
• Applicant is to provide a copy of their current passport, visa and/or I-20.

• Decisions concerning admission are made only after all candidates have auditioned.
• The Admissions Review Committee (the Office of Admissions, Undergraduate Academic/High School Academic Program and Student Life) will review applicant files that are recommended for acceptance and make the final admission decision.
• All required materials must be on file for the applicant to be reviewed by the Admissions Review Committee. No incomplete files will be reviewed.

• If submitting an online application, print, sign and mail to the Office of Admissions immediately after submitting the application the Application Agreement Statement.
• Complete and sign the Provision of Social Security Number form provided with the application.
• Complete the top section of the Mandatory Information Form, sign and give the form to your guidance counselor or college advisor. If currently not enrolled in school, the form may be given to an employer, mentor, instructor, etc.
• Signatures of family members or legal guardians will not be accepted. Form is required of ALL APPLICANTS.

• For your records keep copies of the application and all materials mailed to the Office of Admissions. Items can get lost in the mail.
• Always address materials to the following mailing address:
  Office of Admissions
  North Carolina School of the Arts
  1533 S. Main St.
  Winston-Salem, NC 27127
  
• Materials mailed to the North Carolina School of the Arts only may be distributed to other departments and delay processing of your application.