International students must meet all of the requirements for admission as transfer students. In addition, they must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of English for success in coursework at an American college.

International Transfer Regular Decision Admission Dates and Deadlines

Spring 2019

Fall 2019

International Transfer Regular Decision Application Process + Requirements

Step 1: Application Forms

The MICA Transfer Application for Spring 2019 is available through the Common Application. We will waive the $70 application fee ($60 application fee; $10 portfolio submission fee) for all June 1 applicants. If you are unable to use the Common Application please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission at 410-225-2222 or admissions@mica.edu.

Step 2: Portfolio of Artwork

The portfolio should be a selection of recent artwork that represents your artistic interests and demonstrates your technical skills and ability. You should include examples of artwork that reflect the full range of your ideas, interests, experience, and abilities in the arts to date. For transfer students, the portfolio is also used to evaluate your post-secondary art experiences in order to determine equivalency to MICA coursework.

Transfer students should prepare a portfolio of 15-30 pieces of artwork that demonstrates a knowledge of college-level coursework. The portfolio should include items that represent basic skills in drawing, painting, color, and design. If enough coursework has been completed, the portfolio should also reflect experience in a major field of study.

The portfolio allows the review committee to evaluate which studio courses will transfer to MICA and determines class standing in your departmental major. Therefore, your portfolio should represent as much work as possible from all studio courses taken while attending other post-secondary institutions.

Please follow the instructions provided in the Common App to upload your portfolio submission to the MICA Undergraduate SlideRoom Portal in Slideroom.

Step 3: Essay

Choose one of the writing prompts listed on the Common Application and write an essay (250-word minimum).

Step 4: Letters of Recommendation

The recommendations of teachers, college counselors, or other professionals who can comment on your art and academic experiences may be emailed directly from your recommender to records@mica.edu.

Step 5: Activities and Interests

Compile a list of activities, interests, and honors as explained on the Common Application.

Step 6: Transcripts

An unofficial transcript may be submitted to complete your application, however, an official transcript must be sent directly from your school to MICA to receive eligible credits.   

Note: Only courses carrying a grade of C or better will qualify for transfer credit. Up to 60 credits required for the BFA degree may be transferred from other accredited colleges. Exceptions will be made in certain cases. Liberal arts courses in which the course content parallels that of courses offered at MICA will be considered for transfer credit. Transfer of studio courses is determined by portfolio review and course equivalency. In some cases, MICA may consider waiving course requirements after an evaluation of art achievements gained outside formal school programs.

Step 7: Test Scores

In addition to the general application requirements, all applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in both written and spoken English.  English proficiency must be proven before an official admission decision can be made.  Applicants may choose one option from among the following to demonstrate English language proficiency:

• TOEFL Test: A minimum overall band score of 75 on the IBT Test of English Language as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required.  Candidate may submit their scores digitally or as an official document in hardcopy.  MICA’s institution code is 5399.
• IELTS Test:  A minimum score of 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required.  IELTS scores may be submitted digitally or as an official document in hardcopy. MICA’s institution code is 5399.
• Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts that demonstrate at least two full years of academic success at a high school or college/university in which English is the language of instruction is required.
• SAT Test:  A minimum score of 470 on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section is required.  MICA’s institution code is 5399. 

Step 8: Course Descriptions

Transfer applicants must submit course descriptions for all courses for which they are requesting transfer credit. Course descriptions should be copied from your college online course catalog and pasted into a Word document. The document should be emailed to records@mica.edu.

Step 9: Immigration Information

Indicate your current immigration status and your intentions regarding immigration by completing the Immigration Information Form available online. This is required before a Form I-20 can be issued. Please complete this form even if you do not plan to study under an F-1 student visa.

Step 10: Demonstration of Ability to Finance Your Education*

Submit an Affidavit of Support and/or Certificate of Finance available online, as well as a notarized bank statement certifying that sufficient funds are available to support your study at the College. This is required before a Form I-20 can be issued.

*May be submitted upon receipt of admission notification

Review the unique considerations you'll want to make as an international student and to complete the requirements for admission. We are here to help you chart your future clearly and wisely. Questions? Reach out to the Office of Undergraduate Admission at admissions@mica.edu. 

Considerations

• International applicants should make realistic financial plans for proposed study in the United States. Certification of funds available to support each year of study at MICA will be required. We will send the certification statement form to you upon receipt of your application. Information regarding financial statements can also be found on the Admission & Financial Aid section of MICA’s Web site under Frequently Asked Questions By International Students.

• Annual expenses for international students typically run higher than for domestic students, due to travel costs and mandatory health insurance. International students are not eligible to work off campus during the first nine months of their student visa status in the United States.
• Before an international student leaves his or her home country, the student should have a letter of acceptance from MICA and a Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant (F-1) Student Status (Form I-20) from the College. Students should make certain that their passport and visa are in order before coming to the United States.