Admission Requirements

The Admission Committee will make a decision on your application only after all the required materials have been received.

You can download these instructions.

For BFA applicants intending to major in Architectural Design, Communication Design, Design and Technology, Fashion Design, Fine Arts, Illustration, Integrated Design, Interior Design, Photography, or Product Design:

Slideroom submission instructions

1. Begin the Parsons online application and save your personal information. You will then receive a confirmation email sent to your listed email address, which will include your online application identification number. Save this number to begin your SlideRoom submission.
2. Log on to the Parsons SlideRoom portal. Create a user name and enter your Parsons online application identification number to waive the SlideRoom submission fee.
3. Complete and submit your SlideRoom submission. Then enter the SlideRoom confirmation code into your Parsons online application. This will complete and submit the online portions of the application.

Required materials

1. Application Form: Complete the online application.
2. Application Fee: Pay the $50 nonrefundable application fee. Payment must be made by credit card using the online application form only.
3. Official High School or College Transcripts: Transfer applicants must provide transcripts from every college or university attended. Transfer applicants who have completed fewer than 24 college credits (on a semester system) must also submit their high school transcripts.
   
   International Transcripts: All applicants with international transcripts must submit an original transcript from each institution attended outside the United States along with a certified English language translation. Applicants who wish to transfer academic credits earned at non-U.S. institutions must also have their transcript(s) evaluated by World Education Services (WES), our preferred provider, or by another member of the National Association of Credit Evaluation Services (NACES). A course-by-course evaluation report must be prepared for each transcript. Please start the evaluation process as early as possible, including the submission of all required documents to WES (or another provider), in order to ensure the timely completion of the evaluation report. In addition, an admission counselor may require a transcript evaluation by WES or an NACES-approved evaluator if it is deemed a necessary part of the admission decision process, even when applicants to not want transfer credits applied to a program of interest. Instruct the provider to send the report to
   
   Parsons The New School for Design
   Office of Admission
   72 Fifth Avenue
   New York, NY 10011
   
   If you are requesting a transcript evaluation online, search for "New School Parsons" when selecting our institution.
   
   If your provider is unable to send the evaluation report directly to the Office of Admission, please obtain the report and forward it yourself to Parsons along with a Materials Cover Sheet.
4. SAT or ACT Results: Required of all applicants currently in American high schools. 
5. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Score: Required if English is not your native language. Minimum score required: 580 paper-based; 237 computer-based; 92 Internet-based. International students should register to take the exam on the earliest date available. Visit the Educational Testing Service for more information.
   
   IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is also accepted. Minimum score required: 6.5
   
   Applicants also have the option of enrolling in ESL+Design Certificate program at The New School. Students who have passed New School ESL courses at Level 6 may waive the TOEFL requirement. Visit the ESL website for more information.
   
6. The Parsons Challenge: This exercise must be completed online through SlideRoom. It is required of all applicants. The Parsons Challenge helps the Admission Committee understand how a potential student structures and conveys ideas.
7. Portfolio: This must be submitted online through SlideRoom. (CDs, DVDs, slides, original artwork, PowerPoint presentations, binders, and flash drives are not accepted.) Applicants who intend to major in Architectural Design, Communication Design,* Fashion Design, Fine Arts, Illustration, Integrated Design, Interior Design, or Product Design should submit a portfolio of 8 to 12 pieces of work such as drawings, paintings, photographs, digital media, design, or three-dimensional work.
8. Artist Statement (Optional): What do you make, how do you make it, and why do you make it? Where do you visualize your creative abilities and academic study taking you after your education at Parsons? (Maximum 500 words)