Undergraduate
Submitting your application for admission is the first step to becoming part of one of the best art and design schools in the world. Prospective students must demonstrate commitment, maturity and a readiness to work and grow in an educationally creative environment.
Our admissions team is looking forward to helping you through the process and answering any questions you might have. Lets get started.
Complete your Application
Submitting your application for admission is the first step to becoming part of one of the best art and design schools in the world.
Submit your Transcripts
We accept unofficial or official transcripts for application. Official GED results may be accepted in place of a high school transcript.
Show us your Work
If the department you are applying to requires a portfolio, please take a look at our portfolio guidelines.
Additional Resources and Information
Fall Semester Start
December 1: Early Action Deadline for First-Years and Transfers, all majors
February 1: Regular Decision Deadline for First-Years and Transfers, all majors and final deadline for Concept Design.
April 1: Rolling Admissions Deadline
Fall Deposit Deadline: May 1, or as soon as you decide to attend CCS.
Winter Semester Start
November 1: Application Deadline
Winter Deposit Deadline
Pay your enrollment deposit as soon as you decide to attend CCS, or by November 30.
You can apply directly through CCS’s free, native application portal or add CCS to your Common App. After you complete the application, don’t forget to submit your high school and/or college transcripts and check the Portfolio Guidelines for your intended major to complete all application requirements.
We want to see your creative potential! For most majors, submit 5–12 pieces in any medium that represent your strongest work. We welcome students from many different creative backgrounds, so your portfolio doesn’t need to match your intended major. Show us what you enjoy creating and what you do best. Quality is more important than quantity.
Portfolios should be submitted on Slideroom (Note: there is a $10 fee). If it is not possible for you to upload your work, you may request an free, informal portfolio review.
We accept unofficial or official transcripts for application. Documents must include student’s first and last name, the name of the school/college.
Email transcripts to [email protected] or Request official transcripts digitally through Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse. Official GED results may be accepted in place of a high school transcript.
International Student Information
High School/Secondary School Transcripts
Provide official transcripts or mark sheets, along with a certified English translation if the original documents are not in English.
If you have been attending a school where the primary language of instruction is English, your English Test Score Requirement can be Waived. Your transcript should affirm the language of instruction.
Ensure these documents list all completed courses and include the institution’s official grading scale. This information is essential for accurately converting your grades and calculating your cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA).
Transfer Credit from International Universities or Colleges
If you’ve completed coursework outside the United States and wish to transfer credits, we strongly recommend you obtain a professional course-by-course evaluation of your academic records.
Please use recognized credential evaluation services World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), to ensure your coursework aligns with the U.S. education system.
CCS does not require a standardized test (ACT or SAT) score. If a Test Score is submitted it will not be used to influence admission or scholarship. While CCS is committed to admitting students who have proven potential to succeed in our programs, our historical data indicates that Test Scores do not consistently identify that potential.
International applicants whose primary and/or native language is not English must submit one of the following English language test scores:
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- Duolingo
- English Test
- SAT
- ACT
The test requirement may be waived for international applicants if the primary language of instruction at their secondary school/college is English.
Please contact Christopher Corporandy, International Admissions Counselor, at [email protected] with questions about submitting a test score.
- Submit Homeschool transcripts including a list of courses taken, grades received or level of proficiency attained.
- A high school diploma also must be submitted (based on the student’s home state requirements). For Michigan residents, the parent providing the homeschooling will issue the diploma.
- All other admissions requirements, criteria and guidelines apply equally to homeschooled students.
Experience CCS for Yourself
One of the best ways to learn about CCS is to see campus for yourself. Whether in a virtual or in-person format, students have opportunities to check out our facilities, hear from faculty and students and view our inclusive and supportive campus.
The College for Creative Studies admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.