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Undergraduate Admission Process

Undergraduate Admissions

NewSchool admits students who demonstrate an interest in the study of their selected field and the potential to be successful. We offer a variety of undergraduate degrees in the fields of architecture, design, and construction management. Students interested in applying for our undergraduate degree programs should complete the general application requirements found on our How to Apply page, as well as the specific requirements listed below.

Admission Process

Admission Overview

All admissions decisions are made based on a holistic review of each applicant. Admissions decisions are valid for one calendar year. Applicants are considered for enrollment in fall, winter, spring, and summer quarters on a space available basis, so applicants are advised to apply early. To be eligible for matriculation, all applicants must have earned a high school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED).

Any documents received by NewSchool will not be returned to the applicant and cannot be reissued to the applicant or to another institution. Students may request copies of their student file in accordance with the policies set forth in the Student Record Retention Policy. Portfolios will be held in the Office of Admissions for pickup for one quarter after the student’s original start date. Any portfolios left in the Office of Admissions after the first term of a student’s original start date will be appropriately destroyed and recycled.

Note: Some curriculum sequences, such as required design studios, begin only in the fall.

First-Time Freshmen

Admission Requirements: First-Time Freshmen

  • Online Application: Complete and submit the online application and pay the application fee. Fee may be waived; speak with your Enrollment Specialist.
  • Official Transcript(s): Evidence of graduation from an accredited, U.S. Department of Education-recognized high school or acceptable evidence of comparable academic achievement (e.g., General Education Development (GED) test with a minimum score for each individual subject area of 145 or greater) must be submitted at the time of admission.
  • GPA: A minimum cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 is required. If your GPA does not meet the requirement, contact your Enrollment Specialist to discuss appeals options.
  • Statement of Purpose: Using essay format, complete a 1-2 page personal statement addressing the following:
    1. What are your career goals and how can NewSchool help you achieve them?
    2. What compelled you to apply to NewSchool and why do you feel you would be a good candidate for the program?
    3. How have your experiences shaped you academically, professionally, and personally?

Transfer Students

Admission Requirements: Transfer Students

Have you previously attended a community college or another university? Review transfer student admissions requirements below and click here to learn how your college credits transfer.

  • Online Application: Complete and submit the online application and pay the application fee. Fee may be waived; speak with your Enrollment Specialist.
  • Official Transcript(s): Applicants must have completed at least one quarter of full-time (12 semester or quarter credits) postsecondary level education to be considered a transfer student. Official transcripts from all accredited institutions of higher education previously attended must be submitted at the time of admission. Applicants seeking admission based on equivalent education must submit official documentation or certification, as well as a portfolio of design courses.
  • GPA: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required in all prior college work. If your GPA does not meet the requirement, contact your Enrollment Specialist to discuss appeals options.
  • Portfolio: Undergraduate transfer applicants with an academic background in design-related fields seeking advanced standing are required to submit a graphic portfolio as part of their application process. All portfolios will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. View portfolio requirements, here. This requirement does not apply to applicants to construction management programs.
  • Statement of Purpose: Using essay format, complete a 1-2 page personal statement addressing the following:
    1. What are your career goals and how can NewSchool help you achieve them?
    2. What compelled you to apply to NewSchool and why do you feel you would be a good candidate for the program?
    3. How have your experiences shaped you academically, professionally, and personally?

Admission Requirements: International Students

Click here for specific admissions requirements for international students.

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