Transfer

Any student who previously applied and was reviewed for first-time freshman admission to SCAD and then attended another college or university must re-apply as a transfer student and submit all materials required to be reviewed for transfer admission and scholarship opportunities.

• Apply online - US$35 if submitted online

• Apply online - US$35 if submitted online

All transcripts/mark sheets must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation. If the number of college or university credits earned is insufficient for evaluating performance, the applicant also may be required to submit a diploma from a United States high school* and SAT or ACT** scores. (To have these scores sent directly to SCAD, applicants should use SAT code 5631 or ACT code 0855 on the test forms. SAT or ACT scores are not required of international applicants or of applicants who have been out of high school for at least two years.)

*A certificate of General Educational Development from the American Council of Education is considered equivalent to a diploma from a U.S. high school. For student applicants from countries other than the United States, SCAD generally uses the standards established by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers to determine the equivalent academic achievement. For home-schooled applicants, an academic portfolio is also acceptable and may include, but is not limited to, the following:

 

• Verification that the home school has been recognized by the state of residence of the applicant.

• Detailed outline of the home-school curriculum, including subject areas studied, time spent on each discipline, and, if applicable, grades awarded. A home-school transcript may fulfill this requirement.
  

• Writing sample that is academic in nature, but not necessarily a graded assignment or one used for coursework.

• Résumé of classes taken outside the home. If classes have been taken at a college or university, official transcripts are required.

** Students who have SAT math scores lower than 560, have ACT math scores lower than 24, or are otherwise unable to demonstrate an aptitude for the study of mathematics and science must complete MATH 101 in order to pursue the professional M.Arch. degree. The credit hours earned in MATH 101 may be applied as an undergraduate General Education Elective toward the 270 credit hours required for the M.Arch. degree.

English is the language of instruction for all classes at SCAD. In addition to meeting or exceeding all other SCAD admission criteria, applicants who wish to be admitted with no further English proficiency requirements must demonstrate their current level of proficiency by providing official minimum scores on one of the following:

1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum scores (SCAD code 5631):
   

   a. 550 on the paper-based test  
   b. 85 on the Internet-based test with minimum score of 20 on each section.+

2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) composite score of at least 6.5 with a score of at least 6.5 in both speaking and writing.

3. American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) score of at least "high advanced" on the writing proficiency portion of the test.

4. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) minimum score of at least 500 on the critical reading portion.

5. Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) score of at least 5 on English Language.

Otherwise qualified applicants who do not meet the minimum scores listed above may be considered for admission to SCAD if they meet the following composite score minimum requirements: 50 on the Internet-based TOEFL, 4.5 on the IELTS, or "intermediate low" on the ACTFL, or 4 on the HKDSE English language test. These students must take an English language proficiency test to be placed in the appropriate level of ESL upon enrollment. Students must satisfactorily complete ESL coursework through satisfactory completion of Level VI.

+Students who meet the minimum required composite score but do not meet the minimum section scores are evaluated on a case-by-case basis for possible exemption. No exceptions are made if the minimum composite score is not met. All decisions are final.

For applicants whose native language is English, no additional proof of English proficiency is required. For applicants whose transcripts show extensive study in an institution in which English is the language of instruction, no additional proof of English proficiency is required for admission evaluation, but applicants may be asked to take an English proficiency test upon enrollment at the university.

Official certification of sources and funds. Copy of the first page of the applicant's passport (requested, but not required). A copy of the first page of the passport for any dependent accompanying the student also is requested. These documents are used to verify correct spelling of names, correct birth dates, and other information vital to student registration.

Applicants who do not meet the standard criteria for admission are encouraged to submit supplementary materials, Exceptions to the general rules of admission may be made for applicants of exceptional drive and passion for the arts. Supplementary materials may include one or all of the following. 

1. Recommendations. One to three recommendations may be submitted by a professor, teacher, counselor, professional or community leader with whom the applicant has had immediate contact. Recommendations should address the applicant's level of commitment, as well as attributes such as creativity, initiative, motivation, character and academic achievement, to aid in assessing the applicant's reasonable potential for success as a student at SCAD. Recommendations may not come from friends or family members except in the case of a teacher-parent.
   
2. Statement of purpose. The statement should be no more than 500 words in length and should give an overview of the applicant's academic and personal experience, describing preparation for and commitment to further study at SCAD, as well as educational and professional goals and aspirations.
   
3. Portfolio, audition, riding or writing submission. A portfolio, audition, riding or writing submission is scored according to a rubric relevant to the type of submission.  See undergraduate portfolio guidelines.
4. Résumé/list of achievements and awards.
5. Personal or telephone interview. May be scheduled by contacting the admission department.