Application for Admission can be obtained by:

• Printing out the application for admission: First year or Transfer
• First year and Transfer students may apply with the Common Application available at www.commonapp.org
• First year students Apply online here>>>
• Transfer students find the transfer application online here>>>
• Contact the Admissions Office and have an application mailed or faxed to you.

Personal Statement or Essay

• You must submit an essay or personal statement.
• Check out our first year student essay questions here>>>
• Transfer students: Your transfer essay will be somewhat different than your first-year student essay would have been. We like to know: "Why Alfred University?" and "What are your goals and plans for succeeding at AU?"

$40 Application Fee

• In case of financial hardship, the fee may be waived by asking your school counselor to submit a fee waiver request or you can submit a College Board fee waiver.
• You may also use an AU Application Fee Waiver certificate, which is available when you visit our campus.

High School Transcripts

• Official high school transcripts must be submitted by your high school counselor or college advisor.

College Transcripts

• Transfer students must request official transcripts be sent from every institution you have attended. This includes schools you may have withdrawn from before completing the first semester.
• Alfred University will accept college credit ony from institutions accredited by one of the regional associations, such as the Middle States Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges. Coures of a remedial or vocational nature cannot be applied toward an Alfred University degree. Please contact Alfred University Admissions for a preliminary review of your current transcript(s).

SAT or ACT

• First year students You must take either the SAT or ACT. For further information on these tests, check out www.collegeboard.com or www.act.org
• Transfer students who will transfer fewer than 30 credits must also submit an SAT or ACT score.

Letter of Recommendation(s)

• You must submit at least one letter of recommendation from your school counselor, a teacher, a coach, etc…
• Additional recommendations from work supervisors, pastors, etc…can be very helpful.

Portfolio (Applicants to the School of Art & Design ONLY)

What are the requirements for my portfolio?
Your portfolio should reflect your abilities and your passion. Submit 15 to 20 samples of your best work. At least four of the pieces must be drawing from direct observation. All work should demonstrate your command of elements of visual language including composition, line, form, and color. Your portfolio should also demonstrate your conceptual skills, your willingness to experiment, your respect for craftsmanship, as well as your commitment to visual expression and communication. Not everything in your portfolio has to be finished work. Sketches can provide valuable information about how you see, how you work, and how you think.

How do I submit my portfolio?
Photographic representation of your work may be submitted as 35-mm color slides or digital images on a CD-R or DVD-R. Submit digital documentation as JPEG files. Organize all digital images into a single digital folder. Video, animation and audio work may be submitted on a CD-R or DVD-R in current file formats.

Make sure all slides and discs are labeled with your full name. For slides, include image information such as size and media. Indicate the top of the slide with the word “top.” Edit, arrange and number each slide. Use a Sharpie permanent marker for labeling discs. Include a list of disc contents including image information such as size and media in the CD or DVD case. Please edit video, animation and/ or audio clips to no more than five minutes. Send all material in a crush proof container. PLEASE DO NOT SEND THE ONLY COPY OF YOUR PORTFOLIO.

How can I get my portfolio back?
Include a self-addressed stamped mailer with sufficient postage if you want your portfolio returned. Your portfolio may be submitted with your application or separately.

What is the deadline for submitting my portfolio?
The deadline for regular admission is February 1st. The deadline for early decision is December 1st. Transfer students should contact the Office of Admissions to obtain deadline information.

How do I photograph my work?
Plan to photograph your work well before deadlines so that you can make improvements if necessary. We recommend using a tripod with both 35mm and digital cameras. Remove any glass or plastic that covers the work to eliminate glare. Use a neutral background. Have a well lit work area. If working outdoors, an overcast sky will provide good overall lighting. Get as close to the work as possible to fill the frame. Make sure that the camera is in focus.

When shooting slides, take three or more shots of each piece. It is less expensive to develop several rolls of film than to make duplicate slides. Bracket for exposures slightly darker and slightly lighter than indicated on your light meter.

Please contact the Alfred University Office of Admissions with questions.

Alfred University Office of Admissions
Alumni Hall
Saxon Drive
Alfred, NY 14802
607.871.2115 / 800.541.9229

School of Art and Design
New York State College of Ceramics
Alfred University
Check us out online at www.art.alfred.edu