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How to Get Into College as an Artist: What You Need to Know

Hoping to get into a college art program? Many of the best art programs are highly competitive, and, even if your portfolio is strong, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd. In this guide, we break down what every part of your college application must include for you to become a standout art applicant. This article applies to all types of arts programs, including drawing, painting, photography, and fashion. Follow these tips to produce an exceptional application for art programs.

What Do Colleges Look for in Applicants?

There are lots of misconceptions around what it takes to get into college, especially as a potential art student. Many people think you need to excel in a lot of areas in order to show schools that you're smart and talented. However, for many top programs, being well-rounded can actually put you at a disadvantage. 

What the most competitive schools want to see is that you're highly-skilled in a specific area. This is especially true for art programs, where you'll need to show strong art talent to have a good chance of being accepted. So, instead of being pretty good in all your classes, being in an art club, playing a sport, doing some volunteer work, doing some art projects on your own time, etc. y ou'll be a much stronger art candidate if you can clearly show your talent for art. Having a strong focus in a single area is what we call a "spike." We go into spikes more in this article , but, basically, a spike is where you focus your talents in one area so that you become exceptional in it, rather than be "pretty good" in a bunch of different areas. 

Why is the spike approach better? Art schools want to admit students they think will achieve great things as an artist. The best way to do this is for the schools to admit students who have already shown strong artistic talent and commitment to art as high school students. You can't be illiterate/unable to count, but showing that you're a great artist and spend most of your time on art makes you a much stronger art program candidate than showing that you're pretty good at a bunch of things, including art. Your goal is to have every part of your application show clearly "I'm a great artist!" 

For your art spike, you must show:

• A passion for art
• Exceptional artistic skills
• Measurable achievements, particularly in extracurriculars and your portfolio

In the rest of this article, we'll explain how to do this for each part of your college application, and we'll also go over some examples of standout art candidates. 

How Can You Impress Colleges as an Art Applicant?

Below, we break down how to make each key part of your application as strong as possible so you give yourself the best chance of being accepted into art programs. We go over:

Test Scores

Extracurriculars, personal statements.

• Letter of Recommendation

For each, we give concrete goals to aim for, as well as general qualities your application should have throughout. In general, remember that you want your artistic talents to be most prominent, but you don't want to slack in other areas to make schools doubt you can handle college-level classes.

Your art portfolio is the #1 most important part of your application to art programs. If it's strong, it can often be enough to make up for weaker grades, test scores, and extracurriculars (to a point), and if it's weak, you probably won't get into top art programs, even if the rest of your application is perfect. We have a guide specifically on developing an art portfolio for college , but we'll give an overview here on how to make your portfolio shine.

An art portfolio is typically a collection of about 10-20 pieces of your very best work that you send to colleges to give them an overview of your work. Each school has slightly different requirements for the pieces to send in, how many to send in, and what they want to see in your portfolio. Make sure to read their portfolio instructions very carefully to make sure you're giving each school what they want. You may have to end up tweaking your portfolio for each school, which can be annoying, but this will be some of the most useful time you spend creating a strong college application. Admissions teams look for three main things in an art portfolio:

Technical Mastery

You could be the most creative and innovative artist in the world, but you still need to prove you have a strong foundation of basic skills. Technical mastery includes being able to apply basic and advanced art principals to your work, create work that shows a high level of attention and detail, and complete projects that are free of sloppiness and mistakes. Art programs are often most interested in your drawing skills because many art forms require a strong drawing ability. Most art programs recommend applicants submit at least drawing in their portfolio, even if that is not their preferred art form, and some schools, such as the Rhode Island School of Design, require at least one drawing sample.

Variety and Versatility

While it's expected for students to have an art form they create most frequently and are most comfortable with, art schools want applicants who are strong artists across a variety of media and art forms. One reason versatility is important is because the ability to create multiple art forms is a sign of a talented artist and one who can apply their skills in multiple ways.

Unique Style/Personality

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) states on its admissions page that the most important thing they look for in an art portfolio is "[W]ork that will give us a sense of you, your interests, and your willingness to explore, experiment, and think beyond technical art and design skills." Your art portfolio must showcase your personality and unique way of looking at the world. You want to show art schools that there is a reason they should admit you specifically, so there must be some unique quality to your work. Technical skill is not enough if you can only copy what others have already created.

After you've read the portfolio requirements and recommendations of each school you're applying to, you're ready to assemble your portfolio. As you do, keep these tips in mind:

Give yourself plenty of time: You'll likely need months, or even years to create the work you'll use in your portfolio, but give yourself at least eight weeks just to compile the portfolio itself.

Show the breadth of your skills: Even if you are only submitting work from one art form, you can show a great deal of variety within it, both in technique and subject matter. 

Include pieces from direct observation: Many art programs require or highly recommend pieces created from direct observation. These are pieces created by observing real things around you. Even if your background is more in abstract art, most programs want to know you can recreate scenes around you, hence the direct observation requirement.

Ensure your pieces look their best: First, make sure there are no smudges, rips, wrinkles, etc. that you don't want on your work. Once they're perfect, put a lot of care into photographing/videoing them as well. Spending time to take quality pictures and videos of your work is almost as important as creating quality art itself.

Contrary to what you might have been told, you can't fail your classes and still expect to get into top art programs, even if your portfolio is exceptional. Art schools want students with at least a solid education. This is for several reasons. First, even if you become the best artist in the world, you will still need additional skills to get by in the world; everyone does. Reading, writing, and math skills are often the most important because you'll likely be using these skills every day for the rest of your life. Art schools want to know you already have a strong foundation in these areas.

Additionally, art school is still school. Art schools want to make sure you have the work ethic needed to complete classes in a satisfactory manner, even if you're not that excited about the coursework. If your high school transcript shows a wave of dropped classes and low grades because you just "didn't like those subjects" they're going to wonder if you'll bail on their classes, too.

How much do your grades matter for art school? It really depends on the school. Art programs that are part of a highly-competitive university, such as the art programs at Yale, USC, and Brown, will expect strong grades. At these schools, you'll be taking plenty of non-art classes and will need to keep up with a high-achieving student body. For these programs, even the most amazing portfolio won't guarantee admission if your grades are poor. If you really do have a stellar portfolio, you don't need to aim for perfect scores (because your portfolio will be the shining tip of your spike and make up for shortcomings elsewhere), but, in general, we recommend at least a 3.5 unweighted GPA . You should also be taking honors and AP classes if your school offers them. As art is your spike, you can take advanced classes in whichever classes you enjoy most/do best in.

For all your classes, aim to not get anything lower than a "B," although a few C's might be OK if your portfolio is very strong. Take all the art classes you can, especially AP art classes (the current options are 2-D Art and Design, 3-D Art and Design, Art History, Drawing, and Music Theory). If your school doesn't offer many art classes, see if you can take classes at a local community college to add to your transcript and show your commitment to gaining a solid foundation in basic art skills.

Schools that exclusively cater to art and design students, even highly competitive ones such as RISD and CalArts, generally have lower grade expectations. For these, your art portfolio will matter more, and your grades and test scores are of lower importance. This is especially true if you'll be receiving a BFA degree, rather than a BA degree. However, there is still a lot of variation between different schools. RISD is known for wanting strong grades and test scores, while programs like CalArts and SAIC often accept students with lower GPAs if their portfolios are excellent. In general, we recommend taking all the art classes you can (honors and AP if possible). For the rest of your classes, take the most challenging course schedule you can without getting overwhelmed. Set a goal to not get grades lower than a "B," but some lower grades are usually OK. 

As with your GPA, some programs find your standardized test scores to be an important part of your application, while others don't really care about them. Some programs, such as CalArts and Massachusetts College of Art and Design, don't require standardized test scores. You'll need to do some research to see how much different art programs value standardized test scores. As with GPA, purely art schools tend to not weigh test scores very heavily or even require them at all, but more general liberal arts schools will expect decent to strong test scores. If you're applying to a school where standardized test scores are an important part of the application, it is very much to your benefit to get a strong score. Even just a few days of study for the SAT and ACT is often enough to give you a significant score boost. 

What score should you aim for? Again, it depends on the school. For highly-competitive schools like Yale, aim for a 700+ on both sections of the SAT or a 30+ on the ACT. Higher is always better, especially if you feel other parts of your application aren't as strong as you want.

For other schools, what should you aim for? RISD is one of the few art schools to report its average SAT scores: its admitted freshman students average a 688 on SAT Math and 655 on EBRW. Those are good benchmarks to aim for if you're applying to non-Ivy League schools that still consider test scores a key part of the college application.

If the art programs you're applying to don't weigh test scores strongly, you can aim lower. A 1200 on the SAT or 1200 on the ACT is a good goal to set, but if your portfolio is strong, you can likely get lower than these scores and still have an excellent chance of getting accepted. 

For programs that don't require standardized test scores, you can opt not to take the ACT/SAT or not to send scores if you're unhappy with them. However, we only recommend doing this if your grades are fairly strong, as you'll need to have some proof of being able to succeed in school. Also, if you score well, we recommend sending in your scores, even if they're not required. Strong standardized test scores will always be a boost to your application.

Having additional test scores, such as AP  or IB scores, is also a good way to strengthen your application. Aim for a 3 or higher for APs (or a 4 or 5 if you're applying to highly competitive schools like Yale or Brown), and 4+ on IBs (or a 5 or higher for highly competitive schools). Again, art is already your spike, so you can take these tests in the subjects you think you'll do best in.

In general, you want the majority (at least ¾) of your extracurriculars to relate to art. This will reinforce your spike. There are multiple ways to get strong extracurriculars:

Competitions

If you have won an art competition, that's a great thing to have on your application! This is true even if it was a small/local competition, or if you weren't given the top prize but were still given an award/honorable mention. Winning a competition obviously shows you are a talented artist, but even just applying to one shows colleges you're motivated and believe in your skills, which they love seeing in applicants.

Clubs/Camps

Being a member of an art club is a great extracurricular because it gives you more experience creating art, exposes you to the viewpoints of other artists so you can learn more about art and how to improve your own work, and shows you have social skills and like being around others. The art club you join can be a school club, community club, or even one you start on your own and recruit others to. One thing you don't need to do though is pay lots of money to go to a "prestigious" art camp. Unless the art camp is both highly competitive (acceptance rate less than 25%) and well-known, paying thousands of dollars to attend an art camp won't be any more impressive to colleges than joining your school art club for free. As always, it's the art you produce that's most important, not where you produce the art.

Volunteering

All schools want applicants who are generally good people and will have a positive impact on campus. Having extracurriculars on your application that show you care about others is a strong plus. Also, unlike competitions, you don't need to win anything to give back as an artist; you just need to decide you want to help others! Examples include volunteering to teach younger students about art, donating art supplies to daycares/schools/senior homes that can't afford them, contributing to a community art event like painting over graffiti with a mural, etc. Just participating in these is great, but if you start your own project, that's even better because it shows leadership skills and a strong work ethic (two things all colleges love).

Non-Art Extracurriculars

The art program you're applying to may have an essay prompt specifically related to art (this is sometimes called an "artist statement." For this, be sure to answer every part of the prompt (they often contain three or more things to discuss), and show your unique approach to art, specific artistic achievements, and your artistic goals for the future (as long as those topics apply to the prompt, of course).

For most of these prompts, you can answer them with a past/present/future focus. For the past, discuss why you became interested in art, for the present discuss current projects/skills/accomplishments, and for the future discuss how you envision your artistic career progressing, both short-term and long-term, including how the school you're applying to will help you achieve those goals. Most schools recommend this statement be between 1-2 double-spaced pages, so expect to go into some depth. The artist's statement is often an extremely important part of your art application, so really put some time into it. Make sure it's free of spelling and grammar errors, too (have someone else look it over to double-check).

If your programs don't require artist statements, no worries! Even generic prompts can be related to your art spike if you get creative (which of course you can do; you're an artist!). We recommend you still try to connect these essays to art, as this is your chance for schools to really understand what makes you tick as an artist. Here are some examples of things to discuss for different prompts:

• Why do you want to attend this school? Discuss the school's art program, including specific professors/classes/internships/etc… that you're most excited about. Also discuss how the school's art program will help you achieve your goals as an artist.
• Describe a problem you've solved: Discuss a difficulty you had with one of your art projects, whether that was conceptualizing it, getting the proper materials/workspace, matching the art to your vision, etc.
• Discuss an accomplishment you're proud of: Winning an art competition, mentoring other art students, or a piece you're particularly proud of creating
• Which fictional character best represents you? Discuss an artistic character such as Peeta Mellark from The Hunger Games, Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter, Rapunzel in Tangled, etc...Pick aspects that relate to you, and connect them to your love of art and creating.
• What have you done to make your school or community a better place? Discuss donating art supplies, volunteering your time to teach art classes, a community art project you participated in, etc. 

Obviously, your essay topic will depend on your own individual circumstances, but there are many ways to relate it to your art spike. Besides general college essay tips , your focus should be to highlight both your passion for art and creating. If there's anything you're particularly proud of in your spike, this is a great place to mention it again. But you don't need to come off as perfect. You can discuss struggling with tough classes, or being unsure of exactly how you'll make a career out of art, as long as you can explain that you're now ready to thrive as an undergrad art student.

Letters of Recommendation

You should aim for at least one of your letters of recommendation to be written by an art teacher of yours or an art mentor you have. If a school you're applying to sets requirements for who can write your letters of rec (such as one from a math/science teacher and one from a social science/English teacher), follow those guidelines, and check to see if the school allows additional letters of recommendation to be submitted; many schools allow this. 

When you ask a teacher to write you a letter of recommendation (which you should always do in person, when possible), it's very helpful if you include a "brag sheet" or list of accomplishments/qualities you're proud of. This both helps the teacher know what to write and helps you make sure your best achievements have a better chance of being discussed. For an art teacher writing a letter of rec, there may be specific pieces or skills you want them to mention. 

For other teachers, they'll obviously discuss other things besides your art skills. Potential things for them to discuss include your strong work ethic, skill in a particular topic, willingness to help other students, etc. Remember, you can't control what teachers will write about in your letters, but by offering suggestions and potentially discussing what they'll include, you can make sure they're writing a letter they feel comfortable with and that highlights the accomplishments you want.

What Do Good Examples of Art Spikes Look Like?

Below are two hypothetical examples of students who developed great art spikes. Students with these profiles don't have a guarantee of getting into their art programs of choice, but these examples can give you a jumping-off point for developing your spike and setting goals for yourself.

Profile 1: Elodie the Painter

Portfolio: Elodie's profile mostly includes paintings that she embellishes with scavenged materials. She also included several drawings she's particularly proud of because of how detailed and realistic they are. Elodie's work shows clear skill in both drawing and painting, and she uses the scavenged materials in unique ways to add interest and create compelling stories behind each work. Elodie's art evokes a strong sense of the natural world that strongly ties in to her artist statement.

Grades: Elodie has gotten A's in all her art classes, including AP 2-D Art. Most of her other grades are Bs, with a few C's in math (which she has never liked). Her overall unweighted GPA is a 3.2.

Test Scores: Elodie received a 26 on the ACT. She received 3s on AP World History and AP English Literature, and a 5 in AP 2-D Art.

Extracurriculars: She's a member of her school art club, and she organized a new showcase of student art at the end of each year. Elodie has also played soccer for ten years, although she's never made the school varsity team. She's won several local art awards, including a 2nd place prize at a citywide painting competition. She was the only high school student to receive an award at the competition. 

Personal Statement: Elodie uses her artist statement to explain how painting and using natural materials allows her to feel connected to the natural world. She turned to art when her family moved from the countryside to the city and she began missing nature. Her goal in creating her paintings and collages is to incite a love for nature in others, and she often includes scavenged materials in her work both to show the prevalence of trash in the world as well as how items we may think of as disposable and useless still have value. Her personal statements give specific anecdotes about her life and her work, and she's able to clearly show how the schools she's applying to will help her achieve her goals of opening her own art studio and creating a program where inner-city students can take field trips to nature preserves and create art based on their experiences.

Letters of Rec: Elodie's drawing and painting teacher wrote one of her letters of recommendation, and he gives a glowing review of Elodie's artistic skills, work ethic, and vision. She's clearly one of the most talented students he has taught. Elodie's other letter is written by her geometry teacher. Even though Elodie only received a B in geometry, her teacher describes the effort Elodie put into understanding the material, and how she explained challenging topics to other struggling students once she understood them. Her geometry teacher states that it's clear that Elodie has a strong natural curiosity and isn't one to give up easily.

Elodie is an excellent example of someone having a very strong art spike. She is a hard worker, but doesn't naturally excel in many academic areas, which is why her overall GPA and test scores are pretty average. That's fine though, because her art spike is so strong. Her portfolio and artist statement will be the majority of the reason why she's accepted into art programs, but competition wins, strong letters of recommendation, and her personal statement all help bolster her spike and show the admissions teams that this is an applicant who is not only extremely talented as an artist, but who is driven to work hard and has clear goals for herself. Elodie may not get into Ivy League schools, but she's a very strong candidate for most art programs.

Profile 2: Darian the Photographer

Portfolio: Darian's portfolio shows strong photography skills, particularly for portraits. He uses his advanced technical and lighting skills to showcase his sitters in the best light. Darian also uses photo editing programs, including some he modified on his own, to give his photographs a bleak, minimalist mood. This adds a unique aspect to an otherwise standard portfolio.

Grades: Although photography is his passion, Darian enjoys school, especially when he's able to connect his schoolwork to photography. He especially excels in computer classes (because he uses photo editing programs) and English classes (because he loves writing). He understands the importance of a good education and pushes himself to take challenging classes. He's taken numerous honors and AP classes, in each main subject, and gotten mostly As. His unweighted GPA is 3.85.

Test Scores: Darian studied quite a bit for the SAT, and, on his third time taking the test, was able to achieve a 750 in both sections. He's taken five AP exams and earned a 4 or 5 in each of them.

Extracurriculars: Darian is a member of both his school's and local community's photography club where he has learned a lot from other photographers. Because he has had such great mentors, he created a club where high school and college-aged students teach photography to students at lower-income schools who have limited access to art classes. Each student is loaned a camera and encouraged to take photos of their world as they see it. At the end of the program, the students' photos are showcased at the community library. Darian started this program as a freshman, and it has grown so that dozens of students have been mentored, and local politicians and out-of-state artists attend the event. Additionally, Darian is a member of his school's coding club, and he plays on an ultimate frisbee team and works at his parent's restaurant on the weekends. 

Personal Statement: Darian used his personal statements to discuss how important photography can be to a community to create social connections and a sense of place. His current work is heavily-based on his hometown and the people in it because he wants people to feel proud about being from there. He takes time to discuss the mentorship program he started, how important it is to him, and his hopes for how it will grow. Like Elodie, Darian has clear plans for his future and what he hopes to get from an art program.

Letters of Rec: Darian's photography teacher and computer science teacher wrote his letters of recommendation. Both discussed his obvious talent, but they spend more time giving examples of what a caring and helpful person Darian is, and how much effort he puts in to help others improve and achieve their goals. Darian submits a supplemental letter of rec from the library director where Darian's mentor program holds its community showcase. The director describes what a positive impact the program has had on participants and what an exceptional person he thinks Darian is to have started such a successful program while in high school.

Darian is a strong art program candidate, but in a somewhat different way than Elodie. Darian's portfolio is strongly above average, but not hugely exceptional, although he shows the potential to keep improving his skills. Unlike Elodie, Darian's portfolio alone isn't enough to get him into top programs. However, Darian makes up for this in other areas, particularly his strong grades and test scores, and especially the mentorship program he started. Overall, Darian is a good photographer who also seems like a genuinely caring, smart, and hardworking person. He likely has a better chance of getting into liberal arts colleges with art programs than Elodie does because Darian has the strong academic background these schools want.

What's Next?

Your portfolio is the most important part of your application to art programs. Learn more about how to make a great portfolio that will impress your dream school.

Wondering what art programs you should apply to? Check out our guide on the best art schools in the United States!

How's your contour line drawing skill? Learn the basics of how to draw without shading with this guide .

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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73 Best Colleges Without Supplemental Essays – 2024

May 27, 2024

When college application season arrives, it’s easy for students to become overwhelmed about the essays. There’s the personal statement , which many students have a general idea about, and then there are the supplemental essays. Supplemental essays can cover a range of college-specific prompts that help the colleges better understand why you’d be a great fit . Due to how personal and varied the supplemental essays can be, students often end up spending weeks, if not months, writing them.

However, across the country, there are colleges that do not require supplemental essays at all. For some students, applying to colleges without supplemental essays can make the overall application process much smoother. Benefits include experiencing less stress in their application preparation and diversifying prospective colleges while focusing more on their priority schools. Sometimes, though, these schools do ask for program-specific essays or optional essays, depending on the applicant.

Best Colleges without Supplemental Essays

1) albion college.

At Albion College, the application essay is not required, but it is recommended. Students are encouraged to provide any more details that they believe the admissions team should consider.

2) Allegheny College

As noted on their website, Allegheny College has not required the supplemental essay since their 2013-2014 application cycle. Students will find more essay questions in the Member Questions section of the Common Application.

3) Augusta University

Augusta University joins the list of colleges without supplemental essays as they do not require a personal essay at all. They do still require SAT or ACT scores and GPA.

4) Bates College

Since 1984, Bates College has not required SAT Subject Tests or ACT scores in their applications. There is an optional arts supplement for students who are applying to study art, creative writing, dance, film, music, and theater.

5) Case Western Reserve University

At Case Western Reserve University, the Common Application personal essay is required. However, if you’re applying to the Pre-Professional Scholars Program, then you’ll have to write supplemental essays.

Best Colleges Without Supplemental Essays (Continued)

6) clemson university.

Clemson University does not require students to complete a personal essay with the Common or Coalition Application. There is also a test-optional policy that may appeal to some students.

7) Coe College

At Coe College, the personal essay is optional for students who meet the college’s minimum academic standards. Coe College joins the list of colleges without supplemental essays that also have a test-optional policy.

8) Colby College

Colby College accepts the Common Application, Coalition Application, and QuestBridge Application, and they do not have any additional writing supplements. Test scores are optional for applicants at Colby College, and there is no application fee.

9) Colgate University

Colgate University is one of the colleges without supplemental essays required, but there is the option to write them. As stated on their website, “These prompts are not meant to feel like essays; they are simply an added perspective.

10) College of the Holy Cross

College of the Holy Cross does not require supplemental essays, but the following are optional: personal interview, SAT or ACT scores, and supplementary materials.

11) Denison University

Denison University joins this list of colleges without supplemental essays. Their website states that they wish to provide “equal access” to a Denison education, and they are also test-optional.

12) DePaul University

For first-year student applicants at DePaul University, personal essays are not required but optional. They have also been a test-optional university since 2012.

13) Dillard University

Dillard University is the oldest HBCU in Louisiana and is one of the colleges with no supplemental essay requirements. However, if students do not meet the minimum GPA and standardized test score requirements, then they must submit two letters of recommendation and a personal statement.

14) Drew University

At Drew University, a personal statement is required, along with a counselor evaluation, teacher evaluation, and high school transcript.

15) Drexel University

Drexel University joins the list of colleges without supplemental essays. They do require all students to complete the 250 to 650 essay on the Common or Coalition Application. However, the short answer question is optional.

16) Fairleigh Dickinson University

At Fairleigh Dickinson University, all essays, résumés, and recommendations are optional.

17) Florida Gulf Coast University

The only essay required by Florida Gulf Coast University is a two-page personal essay that discusses academic performance, special talents, and what the student can contribute to the campus.

18) Florida State University

Although Florida State University is one of the colleges without supplemental essays, students should invest time into the Common Application personal statement.

19) Fordham University

At Fordham University, the Common Application essay is required, but there are also optional writing sections. If students choose not to write in these sections, they will not be penalized.

20) Franklin and Marshall College

Franklin and Marshall College joins this list of colleges without supplemental essays. They do require the personal essay in the Common Application, as well as standardized test scores, recommendations and other materials.

21) Furman University

At Furman University, first-year applicants do not need to submit a personal essay, and they are also test-optional.

22) Gannon University

Gannon University does not require students to submit a personal statement. It is optional but recommended for students to submit a statement. However, it is required for LECOM 4+4 Medical Program applicants.

23) Gettysburg College

Although Gettysburg College joins the list of colleges without supplemental essays, it does require a personal statement on the Common Application.

24) Grinnell College

Grinnell College does not require supplemental essays and it also does not have an application fee. Standardized test scores are also optional.

25) Hamilton College

Although Hamilton College joins this list of colleges without supplemental essays, the optional essays are still encouraged.

26) Hampshire College

Hampshire College only requires supplemental essays from international students applying as first-year or transfer students.

27) Hanover College

Hanover College states on their website that the essay or personal statement is optional, alongside test scores, letters of recommendation and résumé.

28) Hollins University

At Hollins University, for first-year students no personal statement is required and standardized test scores are optional.

29) Howard University

Howard University requires students to complete the Common Application essay and there is one optional supplemental essay.

30) Indiana University – Bloomington

Students applying to Indiana University – Bloomington must write the one essay in the Common Application or through Apply IU.

31) Kent State University

At Kent State University, first-year students are not required to submit a personal essay or a letter of recommendation. Test scores are also optional.

32) Kenyon College

Kenyon College joins this list as it is one of the colleges without supplemental essays. For first-year and transfer students, test scores are optional and flexible.

33) Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University does require the Common Application personal statement, but as of its most recent admissions cycle, no supplemental essay is required.

34) Mercer University

At Mercer University, applicants who wish to be test-optional must complete the supplemental essays. They must also have a 3.5 GPA and letter of recommendation.

35) Miami University

Miami University, not to be confused with the University of Miami, requires the Common App personal statement but not the supplemental essays.

36) Michigan State University

Michigan State University requires students to write only one essay on the MSU application, Common Application or Coalition Application.

37) Middlebury College

Middlebury College is one of the best colleges without supplemental essays. They do still require the personal statement on the Common Application.

38) Muhlenberg College

Muhlenberg College requires students to submit the personal essay but no other supplemental essays.

39) New College of Florida

New College of Florida is one of the many colleges with no supplemental essays. However, they do still require a personal statement.

40) New Jersey Institute of Technology

New Jersey Institute of Technology only requires a personal statement included in the Common Application. There is no supplemental essay requirement.

41) New York Institute of Technology

Students applying to the New York Institute of Technology are required to write a 300 to 350 word essay as their only essay. They may require test-optional applicants to submit a graded essay.

42) Northeastern University

Northeastern is one of the best colleges without a supplemental essay requirement. They do require a personal statement, alongside other materials.

43) Nova Southeastern University

At Nova Southeastern University, the essay is entirely optional, and students can self-report their test scores.

44) Oberlin College

Oberlin requires a personal statement, but does not require any supplemental essays.

45) Ohio State University

Ohio State University only requires a personal statement. However, they also offer a COVID-19 impact statement on the Common Application for interested students.

46) Ripon College

At Ripon College, the personal statement itself is optional for applicants, along with other materials.

47) Rhodes College

Rhodes College does not require a supplemental essay, but they have the option for students to record an optional “ Elevator Pitch .”

48) Rowan University

Rowan University requires a personal statement in the Common Application, but joins this list as a college without supplemental essays.

49) St. Lawrence University

St. Lawrence University has no supplemental essay requirement, but it still requires the personal statement essay. They are also test-optional, depending on the applicant.

50) St. Mary’s University (San Antonio)

For students applying to St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, the personal statement is only required if they choose not to submit test scores.

51) Seton Hall University

At Seton Hall University, the personal statement is required, but there are no other supplemental essays.

52) Siena College

Siena College has made the personal statement (open topic) optional for students applying.

53) Skidmore College

While Skidmore College does not require supplemental essays, students do often send in supplemental materials to further support their application.

54) Stony Brook University

At Stony Brook University, only a personal statement is required. However, students applying to the Honors, WISE, University Scholars, Scholars for Medicine, and Scholars for Dental Medicine must write supplemental essays.

55) Sewanee: The University of the South

Sewanee does not require supplemental essays and SAT/ACT scores are also optional.

56) Susquehanna University

Susquehanna University only requires supplemental essay materials for students applying to the creative writing, graphic design, studio art, and music programs.

57) Temple University

Temple University offers an optional essay as part of the Common Application for students to tell more about themselves beyond grades or test scores.

58) Union College

Union College does offer an optional supplemental essay question as part of their application.

59) University of Alabama

At the University of Alabama, essay submissions and letters of recommendation are not required but they are optional.

60) University of Albany

University of Albany joins the list as one of the colleges without supplemental essays. However, it does require a personal essay of at least 250 words on the Common Application of SUNY Application.

61) University of Arkansas

At the University of Arkansas, first-year students are not required to submit a personal essay. They accept self-reported test scores and letters of recommendation are also not required.

62) University of Arizona

Although the University of Arizona does not require an application essay, they strongly encourage students to submit the 500-word personal statement.

63) University of Cincinnati

Students applying to the University of Cincinnati are required to write the Cincinnati personal statement and the Common Application personal statement. However, there are no other required essays.

64) University of Colorado-Denver

University of Colorado-Denver requires the personal statement on the Common Application, but not other supplemental essays.

65) University of Connecticut

The University of Connecticut joins this list as one of the best colleges without supplemental essays. The university does require a personal essay on the Common Application or the Coalition Application.

66) University of Dayton

The University of Dayton does not require any supplemental essays, although it does require a personal statement. The university is also test-optional.

67) University of Denver

The University of Denver only requires the personal statement on the Common Application.

68) University of Houston

Students who apply to the University of Houston without a test score must submit a short admissions essay and extracurricular activities.

69) University of Iowa

The University of Iowa does require a personal statement as part of their application, but there is no supplemental essay requirement.

70) University of Kansas

The University of Kansas is a college without supplemental essay requirements for first-year students. However, students applying to the Honors Program or the Engineering SELF Program must submit their responses.

71) University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky requires students to write one personal statement from seven of their given writing prompts.

72) University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

For first-year students applying to the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, the personal essay is not required, although it is encouraged.

73) University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln does not require a personal statement for first-year students. However, those applying to the Honors Program must write a 300-600 word essay.

Whether for the personal statement or any supplemental essay, writing college application essays can prove to be a challenging task. But if students plan ahead about how they want to approach the essays, it helps tremendously. Those who are about to apply to a college without supplemental essays can focus any extra time on other schools that do require them. It’s also great for students who wish to be considered primarily for their grades, test scores, personal statement and other reasons.

Best Colleges Without Supplemental Essays – Additional Resources 

• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples 
• How to Write a Body Paragraph for a College Essay
• UC Essay Examples
• Good Safety Schools
• College Search/Knowledge

Joanna Hong

With a BA from Pitzer College and an MA from University College London, Joanna has worked in London, Berlin, and Los Angeles covering many cultural and political issues with organizations such as Byline Media, NK News, and Free Turkey Media. A freelancer for The New York Times, her work has also appeared in Newsweek, Dazed and Confused Magazine, and The Guardian, among others. In addition, Joanna was the recipient of the 2021 PEN America Emerging Voices Fellowship in Fiction and is currently completing her first novel.

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33 Colleges Without Supplemental Essays

At many top schools, essays form a critical part of the college admissions process. Overwhelmingly, students find writing essays to be the most stressful part of the application process. So, when applying to multiple schools, many applicants look for colleges without supplemental essays. Colleges that don’t require essays allow students to focus on other aspects of their application like extracurriculars, test scores, or recommendation letters. 

However, finding colleges that don’t require supplemental essays can be tedious. That’s why we’ve created a list of 33 colleges without supplemental essays to make the search easier.

Contrary to what you may have heard, you can find college application requirements without supplemental essays. Moreover, a lack of supplemental essay requirements doesn’t mean a university isn’t good.  

This guide will help you find colleges without supplemental essays that meet your needs. In addition to discussing colleges that don’t require essays, we’ll also talk about other college application requirements. By the end of this article, you’ll be better prepared for the college application process. 

What is a supplemental essay?

Before you start searching for colleges that don’t require supplemental essays, it’s important to understand what they actually are. Supplemental essays are extra essays that each school requires; some schools require only one, while others require several. They cover a range of prompts from the “why school” essay to the cultural diversity essay and more. Usually, supplemental essays are rather short, hovering in the 50-250-word limit range. They serve as an opportunity to showcase an applicant’s strengths, moments of personal growth, and personality. 

It’s important to note that supplemental essays are different from the personal statement on the Common Application . The Common App essay prompts allow you to submit one personal statement to every college where you apply. In other words, you’ll almost certainly write this personal statement plus supplemental essays for each college on your list . You can also look up each school’s supplemental writing requirements on the Common App site. 

There aren’t many colleges that don’t require essays at all. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. With that said, most American universities have some essay requirements, even if they don’t ask for writing supplements.

Supplemental essays vs. Personal Statement

Often, top colleges without supplemental essays will require students to write a personal statement . Recall that supplemental essays vary in length and number of essays to complete depending on the school. In contrast, the personal statement is one essay that most schools have as a part of their college application requirements. However, both supplemental essays and the personal statement are important when it comes to creating an authentic application narrative . 

The personal statement is a part of the Common Application. There are seven prompts to choose from, one of which is open, meaning you can write anything you’d like. The personal statement is longer than most supplemental essays at 650 words. While you’ll just write on one of these prompts, the others touch on common college essay topics. Don’t hesitate to brainstorm for a few of the Common App prompts, not just one.

Supplemental essays are usually shorter than the personal statement. School requirements will vary. While there are colleges without supplemental essays at all, others may have as many as six!

While there are many nuances to the college admissions process, there are several key steps to be aware of. Take our quiz to see just how prepared you are to submit your college applications!

How many supplemental essays do college require?

While there are competitive colleges without supplemental essays, the majority of universities require at least one supplemental essay. However, the number of required supplemental essays will vary greatly. 

For example, Northeastern University doesn’t have a writing supplement requirement on the Northeastern application. However, that doesn’t necessarily make the Northeastern application easier than other universities. Since it’s a top school, applicants will still need to do everything possible to make their Northeastern application stand out. 

Unlike the Northeastern application, the University of Chicago has one required “why school” essay and various supplemental essay prompts to choose from. In total, students applying to UChicago will write two supplemental essays. 

When it comes to the number of supplemental essays a school requires, there is no single answer. All schools will be different, so be sure to check each school’s individual application requirements on their admissions sites. 

What kind of colleges require essays?

Generally, it is rare to find colleges that don’t require essays at all. While there are some colleges without supplemental essays, most still require students to submit the personal statement. Therefore, most colleges in the U.S. require essays in some form. Even if you’re applying through a different platform like UC Apply or the Coalition Application , you’ll have to write.

A better question might be: why do colleges require essays? The majority of universities’ admissions teams use a holistic evaluation process. That means that each of the college application requirements receives equal consideration. Your supplemental essay is an opportunity to share more about yourself with admissions. Successful college essay ideas will center on stories that show personal growth and self-reflection. 

What are college application requirements?

If you’re looking for colleges without supplemental essays, then you’ll need to sift through each school’s requirements. Simply put, college application requirements are all the materials that applicants need for a complete application. 

Here are some of the most common application requirements: 

• Basic biographical and demographic information
• Extracurricular activities
• Personal statement
• Application fee
• Transcripts
• Counselor and/or Teacher letter(s) of recommendation

In the application, students will be able to add their essays. Keep in mind that each school’s college application requirements vary, so you should confirm specifics on their websites. 

Do all colleges require supplemental essays?

Luckily for those who dread essay writing, there are colleges without supplemental essays. Soon, we’re going to provide you with a comprehensive list of well-known colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. 

However, keep in mind that most schools do require students to complete the personal statement. So, for those who are hoping to find colleges that don’t require essays of any kind, it will be challenging. Nevertheless, students who have an extreme aversion to essay writing will find some top colleges without supplemental essays. 

Why apply to colleges that don’t require essays?

There are a few reasons that students want to apply to colleges without supplemental essays. Some students may feel like the essays are too stressful. And while there are ways to manage that stress and write compelling essays, some students may just prefer not to. 

However, probably the number one reason that students are intrigued by colleges without supplemental essays is time. Thinking of college essay ideas and writing essays is time-consuming. When you consider that some students apply to as many as 15 schools, it can feel overwhelming. Even adding just a few colleges that don’t require essays to your college list will lighten the burden. 

Additionally, there are many competitive colleges without supplemental essays. Just remember: if you apply to colleges without supplemental essays, make the rest of your application as competitive as possible. It certainly isn’t an excuse to slack on your application narrative. In fact, with colleges that don’t require essays, you must pay extra attention to your demonstration of academic achievements and extracurricular involvement. 

As stated above, colleges without supplemental essays usually still require a personal statement. However, this essay can be used for multiple schools. That is to say, once it’s written, you’re set for all of your applications to colleges without supplemental essays. 

33 Best Colleges without Supplemental Essays

Finally, it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. Let’s check out some colleges without supplemental essays. 

Top 33 Colleges without Essays

1. colby college.

This small liberal arts school in Waterville, Maine, is the first to make our list. As the 12 th oldest liberal arts school in the US, Colby College has ample experience providing students with an intimate learning environment. If you’re interested in a liberal arts education from a small Northeastern University, then check out Colby’s application requirements .  

2. Grinnell College

Students who attend Grinnell are encouraged to “pursue passions with purpose.” While it may seem surprising that such a school numbers among colleges that don’t require essays, take advantage of it and apply ! Grinnell College is consistently a high-ranking liberal arts school. Here, students are encouraged to create a course of study that best supports their intellectual freedom.

3. Middlebury College

Another of the many liberal arts colleges without supplemental essays on our list is Middlebury College. Located in Vermont’s Champlain Valley, the natural beauty will inspire your learning as a natural laboratory is just outside. Its acceptance rate is 13%, so you’ll need an impeccable application in the absence of supplemental essays. 

4. Colgate University

Located in New York state, Colgate University provides its students with a high quality liberal arts education. Like all others on our list, the Colgate application doesn’t include supplemental essays. There are 56 majors for students to choose from. Colgate values a curious mind, so be sure to show your curiosity in your Colgate application. Check out what you need to complete your Colgate application. 

5. Temple University

This is the first public research university on our list of colleges without supplemental essays. Temple University has 17 schools and colleges in which to study, but an emphasis is placed on experiential learning. Given Temple’s location in the heart of North Philadelphia, students will have all the opportunities that the city provides. 

6. Oberlin College

The one-of-a-kind education provided by Oberlin College allows students to explore both academics and the arts. Indeed, the Oberlin College ranking across metrics speaks for itself: the Oberlin College ranking in national liberal arts colleges is #39 . And, perhaps unsurprisingly, the Oberlin College ranking in Most Innovative Schools is #16 . Of course, the Oberlin College ranking isn’t everything. But, the Oberlin College ranking does speak to the school’s quality, unique liberal arts education. For Oberlin College (not the conservatory) no supplemental essay is needed. 

7. Case Western Reserve University

There are hundreds of programs at Case Western Reserve for students to pursue. However, overall, the student population is committed to making a difference, with education a stepping stone to an impactful career. In addition to being one of our colleges without supplemental essays, Case Western Reserve is also test-optional through fall 2024. 

8. Bates College

The Bates way is all about “aligning who you are with what you do.” Students will be a part of a community with values such as social responsibility and diversity and inclusion. Check out the requirements for what it takes to be a part of this unique campus. Keep in mind that the Bates College acceptance rate is quite competitive. In fact, the Bates College acceptance rate is considered most selective at 17% . So, although Bates is among the colleges that don’t require essays, the Bates College acceptance rate means intense competition for admittance. 

9. Northeastern University

This well-known university in Boston , Massachusetts, is among the most competitive colleges without supplemental essays with an 18% acceptance rate. Experiential learning and research are among the core parts of a Northeastern University education. If you’re interested in innovation and impact, then see what you need to apply .

10. Hampshire College

It may be unsurprising that Hampshire College, the self-proclaimed “original disruptors of higher education,” is among the colleges that don’t require essays. Hampshire believes that their radical education experience leads to greater impact. This is a community that values experimentation, discovery, and investigation in a non-traditional manner. If that sounds up your alley, take a look at their application requirements. 

11. DePaul University

This large private university in Chicago, Illinois, is next on our list of colleges without supplemental essays. Faculty provide high-quality teaching in order to give their students the best educational experience. DePaul aims to provide an experience that combines “mind, place, people, and heart.”

12. Drexel University

Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University is arguably one of the best colleges without supplemental essays. It’s nationally recognized for its co-op experience. This learning model allows all students to have ample hands-on experience in their field of interest before even graduating. Drexel admissions may not seem super competitive with an acceptance rate of 83% . However, that doesn’t mean you should slack on the application. Impressing Drexel admissions could lead to scholarships, which are also an extremely important part of the college application process. 

13. Kenyon College

This college may not be a household name, but they’ve played a huge part in the model of faculty advising nationwide. In fact, according to Kenyon College , they invented it. So you can imagine the quality attention the learning experience that students will receive here. 

14. Dillard University

Louisiana’s first private liberal arts HBCU makes our list of colleges without supplemental essays. The undergraduate population is around 1,200, making it a small school. At Dillard, students can expect personalized attention and a tight-knit campus community. After applying and being accepted, students will have 22 majors to choose from. 

15. Skidmore College

Creative thinking is at the heart of Skidmore’s education model. Located in Saratoga Springs, New York, this private university offers students an excellent education in a bucolic college town . At Skidmore College , students are encouraged to explore a variety of educational interests as all majors are interdisciplinary.

16. Ohio State University

Located in Columbus, Ohio—the fastest-growing metropolitan in the Midwest — Ohio State University places an emphasis on improving local and global communities. In fact, they have contribution efforts in every county in Ohio. And, with six campuses throughout the state, students can choose which location will best serve them. 

17. Louisiana State University

As a leading research university in Baton Rouge, LSU is among the best colleges without supplemental essays. No matter their major, every student is able to participate in research opportunities. LSU ’s emphasis on research is a crux of the community as it comes from a drive to improve the world. 

18. University of Alabama

With over 100 areas of study in 8 schools and colleges, the University of Alabama provides students with ample options. At the University of Alabama, research is highly valued, but students are ultimately encouraged to pursue their passions. Check out the freshman requirements to learn more about applying. 

19. University of Cincinnati

Another large public research university makes our list of colleges without supplemental essays. UC has excellent co-op and internship programs from which students can gain practical professional experience while studying. University of Cincinnati students will gain an excellent education and hands-on experience.

20. Clemson University

Clemson admissions prides itself on the university’s tireless work ethic. Through this, they encourage their students to “change lives, change perceptions, and…to change the world.” Students willing to work hard to achieve their future goals should check out the application requirements . Clemson admissions falls in the middle when it comes to selectivity. The Clemson admissions rate is 49% . Logically, we can see from the Clemson admissions rate that nearly half the students that apply will gain admittance. 

21. University of Pittsburgh

Located in the heart of the city, the University of Pittsburgh is among the top colleges without supplemental essays. This large public university focuses on innovation as a path to positive change. With a prime location, students are encouraged to take advantage of all that the university and city have to offer.  

22. Wesleyan University

Forming students to be “intellectually agile” is a huge part of the Wesleyan curriculum. With 45 majors to choose from, students are encouraged to take advantage of the large range of available courses. Additionally, there are over 5,000 internships opportunities available starting from your first year on campus. 

23. Miami University

You may have seen this school ranking in the top 50 public universities in the US. There’s certainly no doubt that Miami University in Ohio is one of the best colleges without supplemental essays. With many dynamic undergraduate programs available, students will be able to pursue a wealth of careers in their chosen fields. An active student body helps in forming a strong campus community in a location brimming with natural beauty. 

24. University of Connecticut

As a large university with a rural location, the UConn campus community is like a small town of its own. Students can enjoy a wide range of study options, ample student organizations and clubs, and renowned leaders as faculty members. Learn more about the application requirements. 

25. University of Delaware

The beautiful campus and experienced faculty of the University of Delaware provide for about 18,000 students. Through research, internships, and study abroad opportunities, students are encouraged to find their authentic way of changing the world. 

26. Florida State University

FSU is one of the best value colleges without supplemental essays. Students here are intellectually curious, academically driven, and socially conscious. The FSU experience is centered around providing students with the tools to achieve their goals. 

27. University of Georgia

Even though this is a large university, students are seen as “the individual they are.” The University of Georgia is committed to accessibility and inclusion. Additionally, 92% of the university’s graduates are employed or continuing their studies within six months of graduation. 

28. University of Houston

As the third largest university in Texas , the University of Houston is one of our top colleges without supplemental essays. As a diverse campus community, the university aims to change lives and communities for the better. It emphasizes discovery and conversation as a foundation for students’ development.

29. Indiana University – Bloomington

The possibilities are endless when you study at Indiana University Bloomington . Students will gain hands-on experience in their field either in the lab or on the ground. Furthermore, students have the opportunity to learn from faculty who are renowned in their discipline. 

30. University of Kansas

There is certainly no lack of options when studying at the University of Kansas . There are over 400 degree and certificate programs to choose from spread out over 14 schools. Innovation, research, and the pursuit of knowledge are pillars of the UK educational experience. 

31. University of Kentucky

Another UK makes our list of colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. The University of Kentucky offers over 200 degree programs in 16 schools. One of the university’s main values is finding ways to advance Kentucky—from education, to health, economy, and culture— to ensure its progress. 

32. University of Massachusetts Amherst

Located in an ideal college town, UMass Amherst is the largest public research university in New England. The school offers over 110 majors on campus. In addition, students are encouraged to be curious explorers through study abroad opportunities. 

33. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

This large university with a city campus encourages students to discover the unknown. Whether it’s through internships or research opportunities, students are challenged to pursue their interests and push their academic limits. Learn more about the application requirements to get started.

As you review this list, please note that college essay requirements are subject to change. With this in mind, make sure to visit each school’s admissions website to confirm all supplemental essay requirements.

It may seem alluring to apply only to these colleges that don’t require essays. However, keep in mind that these institutions place more importance on GPA and extracurriculars. So, when considering applying to schools without supplemental essays, think about these factors. Will your application narrative be impactful to admissions teams without additional essays? Will your personality and values shine through? 

What is the best school that doesn’t require supplemental essays?

Looking at the acceptance rates of the colleges that don’t require essays, we can determine which schools are the most selective. In this case, Colby College ( 9% ), Grinnell College ( 11% ), and Middlebury College ( 13% ) have some of the most selective acceptance rates. However, the Bates College acceptance rate also makes it quite selective. In fact, the Bates College acceptance rate is similar to that of Northeastern University. 

The best colleges without supplemental essays will vary depending on what you’re looking for. So, how can you determine your top colleges without supplemental essays? Well, when making your college list you should consider factors such as majors, location, size, and campus culture. This will help you focus your college search on a few key criteria.

Firstly, make a list of what you want in your university. For example, do you want to go to school in a large city? Are internship or co-op programs important to you? Is your major available, and are you intrigued by its curriculum? Ideally, you want to be excited imagining yourself on a college’s campus. As you think about your college list priorities, you’ll be better able to identify which university is best for you. In fact, you may have already started by determining you want to look at colleges that don’t require essays!

College Application Requirements: Beyond Essays

Coming up with college essay ideas might be one of the biggest stressors in the college application process. And yet, there is certainly much more to completing an application than just essays. Colleges that don’t require essays still have other requirements that applicants will need to send by the school’s application deadlines . 

For example, let’s look at Colby admissions, which features on our list of colleges that don’t require essays. The Colby admissions site states the application requirements are the completed application, academic records, and financial aid application. Non-native English speakers may also be required to submit a language proficiency certification.

Additionally, there are optional materials you can add to enhance your application, which vary from school to school. Colby accepts standardized test scores , additional recommendation letters, an arts supplement, and an “elevator pitch” video.

Of course, these are just application requirements outlined by Colby admissions. Drexel admissions, Clemson admissions, and any other college admissions office will have other—often similar—application requirements. When comparing colleges to add to your college list, these requirements will likely be an important factor. 

Students can usually count on the following materials being required during the application process: 

• Completed application
• Academic records
• Teacher/counselor letters of recommendation
• Language proficiency exam (where applicable)

Many schools are continuing test-optional policies first instated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some do require standardized testing scores as well. Always check the admissions site for the application requirements and deadlines. For example, Colby and Drexel admissions have slight differences in their requirements, even though they’re both colleges that don’t require essays. Always confirm requirements on admissions websites!

How to make your college application stand out!

Even when applying to colleges that don’t require essays, you still need to carefully craft a compelling application narrative. Creating a cohesive application narrative or personal brand during the college application process can be tricky. Ideally, your application should tell the story of who you are and what drives you, both academically and personally. You’ll show this through your grades, courses, achievements, and extracurricular activities . 

Regardless of other college essay ideas you need, you will need to write the Common App personal statement. This is the only significant writing the admissions teams will see from applicants at colleges that don’t require essays. In light of that, it needs to be an excellent example of your writing skills while also demonstrating your personality. 

The Common App provides students with a few college essay topics to choose from. In order to generate the best college essay ideas, choose to write on college essay topics that genuinely excite you. While brainstorming , make a list of college essay ideas from the given college essay topics. Think about anecdotes, meaningful experiences, and personal growth that pertain to the college essay topics. Successful college essay ideas lead to authentic essays, which is the key in standing out to admissions. 

Essay Guides and Essay Resources

As we’ve mentioned, even when applying to colleges that don’t require essays, most applicants must complete the personal statement. Don’t stress about coming up with college essay ideas on your own! CollegeAdvisor.com provides ample free resources for students at every step of the college application process—including the essays. 

Unfortunately for those aiming to apply to colleges that don’t require essays of any kind, most require the personal statement. The best way to generate college essay ideas is by reading successful essay examples. Check out some of these Common App essay examples to understand what works. And, before even worrying about college essay ideas, learn more about the Common App essay in this article . We’ll outline the most important factors when writing this essay. 

If you’re reading this, you probably want to apply to colleges that don’t require essays. However, don’t let that limit you in the college application process. If you love a school, but they require supplemental essays, keep it on your list. Don’t let a disdain for essays keep you from attending your dream school .

CollegeAdvisor has many school-specific essay guides covering everything from college essay ideas to revising that final draft. Check out our USC , Yale , UChicago , and many more college-specific supplemental essay guides. If you’re stuck on thinking up college essay ideas, then these guides are a good place to begin.

Colleges Without Supplemental Essays – Final Thoughts

Without a doubt, supplemental essays are one of the most stressful parts of the college application process for many students. From choosing college essay topics to generating college essay ideas and actually writing essays, there’s a lot of effort involved.

However, as you can see from this article, there are many colleges that don’t require essays. So, if you’re crunched for time or feel overwhelmed by needing various impactful college essay ideas, you have options. It’s never a bad idea to add some schools that don’t require essays to your college list. 

Keep in mind, though, that you’ll most likely still need to write the personal statement essay. But one essay is better than six. And, remember that CollegeAdvisor can provide personalized attention for anything from brainstorming college essay ideas to applying for financial aid. Reach out if you’d like some guidance in your college application process. Otherwise, take advantage of our large library of free resources!

This article was written by Sarah Kaminski. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Art School Requirements: How to Get Accepted Into Art School

If you have taken extensive art classes in your high school and feel you have the talent to pursue a career as an artist or a creative professional, this article is for you. Art school is the perfect place for you to build the technical skill you’ll need to be able to express yourself to your fullest. Keep reading to find out how to get into art school.

Although art school requirements differ widely, many of the best art programs are very competitive. Even if you have a solid portfolio and application materials, it may be difficult to stand out from the competition. In this article, you’ll learn how to get accepted into art school. We cover the application process, tips to improve your chances of admission, and whether an art college degree is worth it.

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How difficult is it to get into art school.

This depends on the admissions standards of the target school. Elite art colleges have stringent admission guidelines. As a result, they are very selective with a low acceptance rate. For instance, Yale School of Art has an acceptance rate of six percent and Rhode Island School of Design has an acceptance rate of 20 percent .

You may find it easier to gain admission into a mid-ranked creative arts school with a higher acceptance rate. Naturally, this depends on your current technical skill and the state of your portfolio for art school. 

Common Art School Requirements

• High School GPA. Your GPA is an important part of the admissions process. It informs the admissions committee of your academic abilities. By looking at your GPA, the admission officer can get an idea of what kind of student you’ve been and will be.  The typical high school GPA requirement of a top art college ranges from 3.3 to 3.9. 
• Standardized Testing. Most art schools require that prospective students write the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT). Standardized testing measures a student’s compatibility with the program. The admission team also uses it as a common data point to compare applicants.
• Letters of Recommendation. The admissions staff may also need letters of recommendation from your high school art teacher or an art mentor. They are an excellent opportunity for an established professional to vouch for your abilities both as an artist and as a student during your art school applications.
• Art Portfolios. Your art school portfolio is a crucial part of your art college application. In it, you should include a selection of your best artworks. Your portfolio is your chance to show off your technical skills, creative expression, and artistic skill. An exciting portfolio is possibly the most important part of your application process. 
• Personal Statement. An art college may require that students write an essay, called a personal statement or artist statement. This essay shows your unique creative process, artistic achievements, and artistic goals. You can discuss your favorite art form, medium, or even what art careers you are interested in. 

How to Get Accepted Into Art School: A Step-by-Step Guide

The general application process for an art degree is quite similar to any other program, with the exception of submitting a college art portfolio. There will most likely be a little variation in the process, depending on the school and particular department you’re applying to, but here are some steps you can take that can boost your chances of getting accepted into an art school.

Step 1: Research Schools Offering a Program You’re Interested In

There are many art and design schools offering a wide range of programs in different art forms. Look for art schools that offer the programs you’re interested in. This could be graphic design , acting, cinema, painting, photography, or industrial design. Check the Internet for information on school directories, school rankings, and school reviews. 

Visit the school websites and try to get as much information as you can find concerning the application process. If possible, visit the school and meet the professors, faculty members, and art students so you can get an idea of the scope of the program. Some art schools organize open day programs where the admissions counselor provides information and firsthand experience to prospective students.

Step 2: Create an Art Portfolio

Art schools have different portfolio admissions requirements so make sure you research the school’s requirements. You’ll have to submit a variety of pieces such as photographs, charcoal drawings, observational drawings, sculptures, and oil paintings. Performance arts schools will require you to audition either in-person or by video.

When selecting which works to submit, use artwork you feel most showcases your personal style and technical skills. Make sure all of your works have original conceptual ideas. Some schools require a digital art school portfolio. For this, you’ll scan or take clear pictures of your work and submit them electronically to the admissions office.

Other schools may give prospective students assignments. They may, for example, tell them to draw, sculpt, or paint a specific item to demonstrate their artistic skills. For instance, applicants of the Rhode Island School of Design have to include pen and paper bicycle drawings in their portfolios. Parsons School of Design requires prospective design students to create a certain number of original art pieces.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application 

Check the official website to confirm if you have the available art school requirement for your dream school. The common art school requirements are your academic transcripts, SAT/ ACT scores, a letter of recommendation, an art portfolio, and a personal statement. If you can, get someone you trust to look everything over with you before submitting it.

Step 4: Prepare for the Art School Interview

An invitation for an interview is a good sign. It is an indication that the admissions department considers your application as a good fit for the school art program. The interview is the deciding factor determining whether you get admitted or not. You’ll need to meet face-to-face with the admissions officers to talk about your portfolio and what makes you a good candidate.

Step 5: Wait for the Response From the School

You’ve done everything you can. You’ve submitted your application and completed your interview. All that’s left is for you to be patient and wait until you get a response from the school. You may have to wait for up to four months before the school informs you of their admission decision.

How to Choose the Right Art School

Your career as a professional artist starts by choosing the right art school. School is where you’ll build the foundation of your artistic knowledge and techniques and where you’ll establish your artistic network. Some factors to consider are career goals, school location and facilities, available financial aid programs, as well as the school’s accreditation, artistic community, and college experience.

Top Tips for Getting Into Art School

• Include Original Work in Your Portfolio for College Admission. A strong portfolio with accomplished drawings improves your chances. A portfolio with poor drawings will hamper your chances. Prospective students in the US can review their art portfolios on National Portfolio Day. 
• Have Multiple Options. Not everyone will be admitted into their dream arts program, so apply to multiple schools. Choose three elite schools with a selective and rigorous admission process, three art colleges that better match your student profile, and three safety schools where your academic qualifications and technical abilities will stand out among other art school applications.
• Seize Every Opportunity to Improve Your Skills. It’s hard to enter an art program with raw talent alone. You’ll need to work hard to refine and improve your mastery of different art techniques and a range of mediums. Take art courses at your high school, enroll in a summer art program at your community college, and attend art seminars and workshops. 
• Connect with Art Professionals. Admissions consulting service recommends that prospective students should reach out to admissions counselors, faculty members, and even college alumni. It can benefit you to have someone who can offer admissions advice and vouch for you if necessary. 
• Prepare for Interviews. An interview allows you to prove that you deserve admission into the art program. This is your chance to impress the admissions teams and present your artist portfolio in person. Research college interview questions and practice possible answers. You’ll most likely have to talk about your achievements, creative ideas, educational goals, and your artistic process.

Will I Get Accepted Into Art School?

Yes. With an above-average high school GPA, solid art portfolio, and well-prepared application, you have a good chance of getting accepted to an art school. Make sure you don’t just apply to one school and remember that you always have another year to work on your skills if you don’t get into your dream school and want to apply again.

Is Getting Into Art School Worth It?

Art school is worth it if you have a passion for the arts and fancy a career as a professional artist. Art schools offer expert instruction of art techniques, networking opportunities, access to state-of-the-art equipment, an artistic community for you to flourish in, and exposure. Successful completion of an art school program equips students with the skills for high-paying jobs in the art industry .

How to Get Into Art School FAQ

A higher GPA and strong grades increase your chances of acceptance into an art school, although some art schools will accept candidates who have a solid college art portfolio but have a low to average grade point average. If your portfolio isn’t too strong, your GPA and test scores will be the deciding academic requirements determining whether or not you gain acceptance into the school.

Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, California Institute of the Arts, Columbus College of Art and Design, and Parsons School of Design have the best art school programs in the country.

Some artists need math. Even though math isn’t always visible in arts, most artists use mathematical concepts such as symmetry, measurement, and geometry in their creations. Many liberal arts colleges require you to take classes in a range of fields.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, artists have an annual mean wage of $49,600 .

About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication .

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, art college admissions: what are common requirements.

Hi, I'm looking into art colleges and I'm a bit confused. What do most art colleges require for admission? Besides a portfolio, is there anything else they typically look at?

Admission requirements can vary greatly from one art college to another, but there are indeed a few standard elements that most will expect from applicants in addition to a portfolio. Mainly, these are:

1. High School Transcript: Even for art colleges, your academic record is important. They'll want to see that you've completed high school and look into your grades to understand how committed and dedicated you are.

2. SAT/ACT Scores: Many art colleges still require standardized test scores as a part of the application, although some have become test-optional due to recent changes in standardized testing policies. Be sure to check the specifics for each school you're interested in.

3. Letters of Recommendation: These often come from a teacher, counselor, or someone else who can speak to your abilities as both a student and an artist. It can certainly be beneficial if these individuals can discuss your creative skills and dedication to your craft.

4. Personal Statement/Essays: This is your opportunity to share your story, your aspirations, and why you want to pursue art in higher education. Strong writing ability helps, but the primary focus usually is on your experiences, motivations, and ambitions.

5. Resume/Curriculum Vitae: Depending on the institution, you may be asked to provide a resume or CV detailing your experience. This could include any art exhibitions you've entered, internships you've completed, art-related community service, or even part-time jobs that have helped you develop as an artist.

6. Interview or Audition: Some colleges may require an interview or an audition as part of their admissions process. Be prepared to talk about your work, your influences, and what you hope to achieve at the college.

Remember that every school has its own set of requirements, so it's always essential to thoroughly research each institution's admission process. These elements are common, but not universal, and some schools may expect more – or less – from you. Good luck as you continue your college search!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.