how to apply
Decisions
If You’ve Applied Before
When will I know if I got in?
Reactivation
When all of your application materials are received by the Admissions Office, your application is complete. The Admissions Committee will notify you of their decision within three weeks.
After acceptance, how do I secure a spot?
Accepted students who plan to enroll are required to make a nonrefundable $250 tuition deposit to confirm attendance and to reserve a place in the entering class. The Intent to Register form and tuition deposit are due within two weeks of notification of acceptance or by May 1, whichever is later. The full amount of the deposit is credited to your first semester’s tuition. After the deposit is received, you will receive information about registration, orientation, housing, and tuition payment. Prior to enrolling, you must submit final high school or college transcripts. Acceptance is final only upon receipt of these documents.
Choosing a Major
Depending on the year, certain departments have a limited number of spaces available. You may have to submit your portfolio and grades for review in the second semester of Foundation. Since Otis cannot guarantee your first choice, you should identify more than one possible major.
Early Admission for High School Juniors
Occasionally, Otis admits advanced students who chose to forego their senior year in high school to study at Otis. The credits earned during the Foundation year are accepted by the student’s high school for completion of the high school diploma. A student applying for early admission must obtain approval from the high school. Contact admissions@otis.edu for more information.
Admission is only valid for entry to the semester when it is offered. If you choose not to enroll that semester, you may request that the application be “reactivated” for a future semester. Applications and supporting materials are held for one year after submittal. New materials will be required if you request reactivation after one year. Contact admissions@otis.edu for more information.
Other Programs Special One-Year Program
If you have a prior bachelor’s degree and wish to gain further specialized education, then apply to the Special One-Year Program! You could have majored in art or design or have a bachelor’s degree in a different discipline, but you must have considerable professional art or design experience. Most of the coursework is taken at the senior level, although some flexibility in class selection allows students to devise a program that suits individual backgrounds and needs. Fashion Design does not offer this program. Students admitted to this nonmatriculating program are subject to the same rules and regulations as matriculated students, and must meet the same admissions requirements as BFA applicants. You will receive an official transcript of credit earned at Otis but are not eligible to receive the BFA degree. Also, you are ineligible for financial aid.
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