For Parents & Guardians
Admission Answers
As a professional art college, PCA&D requires applicants to submit a portfolio. Students often get stressed about this. We can assure you that we’re here to guide your student through every step of the process.
What does my student need to do to apply? What are your admission requirements?
First-time students (or students who have completed less than 12 college credits post-high school) should complete either PCA&D’s institutional application or the Common Application. No fee is required.
A 250- to 500-word personal statement along with official high school transcripts, GED, and official/final transcripts from all college-level coursework regardless of completion or credit received. Students who do not meet preferred admission requirements will be required to complete an interview with their personal admission counselor.
A portfolio of the student’s work is also requested and should include 8 to 10 pieces of original artworks that demonstrate their abilities in a range of artistic media; showing equal amounts of DEPTH and BREADTH.
Who can help if my student needs assistance with creating their portfolio?
Your student’s personal admission counselor is available to discuss all aspects of portfolio preparation on a 1:1 basis. We routinely conduct portfolio evaluations and mentoring on-site, at the student’s high school, and remotely via online appointments. We also sponsor online portfolio training workshops throughout the year.
Are there deadlines for admission?
PCA&D has rolling admissions. However, prospective students are encouraged to apply early in the senior year to maximize opportunities for financial aid, choice of first-year classes and housing. Housing is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What are my options for touring the campus?
Admission Counselors and Student Ambassadors offer personal tours for students and their families. Explore our studios and get to know the PCA&D student experience.
You’re also invited to attend one of our upcoming organized events. Meet our faculty, staff, students, and alumni at an Open House or Saturday Tour Day. These events can also include touring a housing community.
If your student is interested in Live Experience Design & Production, we also offer occasional group tours of our sister location on the Rock Lititz Campus.
How will my student get information once accepted to the College?
Once accepted to the college, the student will need to ‘reply’ to our offer of acceptance and submit a $200 tuition deposit to secure their space. This can be done through the Application Portal your student created when applying to the College. The $200 deposit will be applied to their first semester’s tuition.
Once deposited, they will then receive an application to apply for student housing in late spring.
Additional communications will continue to help prepare them for the start of the semester via email and mail throughout the late spring and summer. This will include things like their personal PCA&D email and access to their Self-Service MyPCAD account. Self-Service will be your student’s main school portal where they can access their tuition bill and balance, their schedule and grades, and even where they can make tuition payments.
Can I have a further conversation?
Absolutely! Your personal admission counselor is available by phone, email, or text. They can also connect you with faculty, the financial aid director, and others as requested. When you register for a tour, you’ll see options for meeting other members of the campus community.