Freshmen requirements

Apply through the CCAD Application or the Common App. The application fee is $50 and is nonrefundable.

A portfolio is how you show your creative skills and ideas. It can include anything that you have created or made such as drawings, paintings, photos, inventions, robots, installations, films, animations, comics, sculptures, ceramics, furniture designs, things you’ve built, clothing designs, stories, scripts, poetry, etc. If it’s creative, you can include it! Not quite sure what to include? Talk to your Admissions Counselor. They are happy to help! Use your best work, show us how you think, what you’re passionate about and what defines you as a creative individual. 8-15 pieces are required. While a few writing samples (poetry, short stories, script writing, etc.) are acceptable, all or the majority of your portfolio should be some form of visual art! More tips can be found here.

You must submit an official transcript from your high school. A school representative can and should send these on your behalf via online services like Parchment and Naviance. 

All paper credentials must be sent to:

Attn: Admissions Office
Columbus College of Art & Design
60 Cleveland Ave. Columbus, OH 43215

CCAD requires a 2.5 GPA or higher. Please contact us if your GPA does not meet the minimum requirement and you’d still like to apply. 

• We also accept proof of a GED. 
• In addition to the standard application materials, home-schooled students must submit any state-required documentation as proof of high school equivalency. For the state of Ohio home-school documentation information can be found here. 
• If you are admitted to CCAD, you will need to submit final, official copies of all of your transcripts before you begin classes.

• A written essay
• ACT or SAT test scores.
• Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exam results. If you have results from either exam, we encourage you to send them in case your scores qualify you for academic credit.
• A letter or letters of recommendation. This should be from a high school teacher, counselor, employer, mentor, or coach – someone who knows you well and is not a family member.

CCAD exam codes:

When taking exams and sending exam results, use these CCAD codes:

• ACT: 3281
• SAT and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 1085

All paper credentials must be sent to:

Attn: Admissions Office
Columbus College of Art & Design
60 Cleveland Ave.
Columbus, OH 43215