Application Materials

Admission to PAFA is contingent on the submission of your creative work through a portfolio. Portfolios consisting of 12 to 15 images (for the Foundation and Studio Residency Certificates) or 15-20 images (for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate) must be submitted through the online application. It is up to each applicant to choose works that best exemplify their talent and ambition.

• Refer to PAFA’s portfolio guidelines for guidance on selecting, preparing, and submitting your work.  
• Before submitting your application schedule a meeting with an Admissions Counselor to receive an optional informal Portfolio Review.

Applicants will respond to the following writing prompt (5,000 characters maximum) through the online application.  

• How do you see a PAFA education influencing your artistic development and ambitions? 

Applicants must provide two (2) references and their contact information on the application. Your references should be able to speak to your character, achievements, and or artistic endeavors.

Applicants are required to submit official transcripts from previously attended institutions. Transcripts must be sent directly from the applicant’s school to be considered official. We can accept unofficial transcripts temporarily until an official transcript is obtained.  

• Foundation and Studio Residency Certificate applicants must provide official high school transcripts showing proof of graduation or high school equivalency diploma (GED). Exception: Applicants submitting transcripts with a Bachelor's degree or higher are not required to submit high school transcripts.
• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate applicants must provide transcripts showing proof of a Bachelor's degree.
• If your transcripts are not in English, they must be accompanied by an official English translation.  

Electronic Transcripts  

PAFA accepts electronic transcripts via eSCRIP-SAFE, Parchment, Student Clearing House, and other verified transcript services. Electronic transcripts may also be emailed to admissions@pafa.edu from the institution you attended.

Physical / Hardcopy Transcripts

Physical copies of transcripts may be mailed to the following address:

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Office of Admissions
128 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Transcript Exception

The following candidates are not required to submit high school transcripts:  

• Applicants who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher.  

Students are required to submit official language proficiency scores if their primary language is not English. PAFA accepts the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) tests.

Resume

Applicants may include an optional resume as a way to list life experiences and accomplishments that may not be reflected in an application otherwise.

Entering students may receive credit for a score of 4-5 on Advanced Placement (AP) Studio Art exams. AP scores must be forwarded directly to the Office of Admissions.