How to apply

MFA Art Practice has Rolling Admissions. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis as space remains in the program. Applications received by January 20th will have priority, but we will continue to accept applications after that date as space permits.

• All Graduate applicants to the Summer 2012 semester are required to complete the online application form and submit the nonrefundable $80 application fee using a credit card. The online application is available at the following link: https://www.applyweb.com/apply/svag/ (Note: The online application is not officially submitted until valid credit card information has been supplied. Upon completion of this, an online confirmation is sent. We strongly recommend that applicants print this out and keep it with their records.)
• Official transcripts from each college or university attended. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be submitted in an unopened envelope that is stamped and sealed by the college registrar of the issuing institution. SVA now also accepts secure electronic transcripts from Docufide, National Student Clearinghouse, and Script-Safe. Transcripts from foreign instututions must be officially translated into English and U.S. grading equivalencies. For more information, click here.
• Three letters of recommendation from instructors or practicing professionals. Letters should be written on school or company letterhead and returned to the applicant in a sealed envelope with the recommender's signature across the seal. (Note: SVA does not provide applicants with letter of recommendation forms.)
• Statement of purpose (250-500 words) describing the applicant's reason for pursuing graduate study
• An additional 500 -750 word writing sample, preferably an original essay describing an event in your life that has proven to be central to your artistic development.
• Resume
• Personal interviews may be scheduled only on a case by case basis.
• Proof of English Proficiency (required of applicants whose primary language is not English).
• Nonimmigrant alien applicants are required to submit original documentation of sufficient financial resources to attend SVA.

Additionally, all applicants to the MFA Art Practice Program must submit a portfolio to our Slideroom portal. The Art Practice Department will not accept any portfolios via cd, dvd, email or url. Please complete your online application form before submitting your portfolio. Portfolios must contain the following:

• Still imagery: 15 - 20 images. All images should be in jpeg format. Digital images should be no larger than 1500 pixels on the largest dimension, at 72ppi and/or
• Video: mov, flv, or wmv files, not to exceed 10 minutes in length, up to 60MB each and/or
• Audio: mp3 not to exceed 10 minutes in length, up to 10MB each

We will request interviews with select applicants via Skype.