How to Apply - Undergraduate

STEPS FOR U.S. APPLICANTS

1. Complete the online application

Apply online through our application portal. You'll need to create a login and password.

2. Submit your portfolio (for bachelor's degree applicants only)

Our portfolio requirement* isn't about proving you belong at KCAD—it's your opportunity to show us where your strengths and interests lie so we help you reach your fullest potential.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENT

We offer flexible submission options to meet you were you are:

SCHEDULE AN IN-PERSON REVIEW SESSION

You'll bring your portfolio materials with you to KCAD for a face-to-face conversation with an Admissions counselor prior to receiving an official decision on your acceptance—no need to submit your materials online.

SUBMIT ONLINE WITH A VIRTUAL REVIEW SESSION

You'll receive feedback from an Admissions counselor in a virtual meeting prior to receiving an official decision on your acceptance.

SUBMIT ONLINE WITHOUT A REVIEW SESSION

You'll receive feedback from an Admissions counselor via email prior to receiving an official decision on your acceptance.

*Applicants to associate degree programs and/or the Art History program's Academic Track are NOT required to submit a portfolio.

3. Have your official transcripts* sent to KCAD

If this is your first time attending any college:

Ask your high school to send your OFFICIAL transcripts to KCAD
You’ll need to have at least a 2.5 GPA or a GED (Life Sciences and Pre-Medical Illustration applicants need a 3.20 GPA or better)
Students with a lower GPA are still encouraged to apply
If you’ve taken Dual Enrollment classes, please have those transcripts sent to us as well

If you’ve previously attended a college:

Ask your college to send your OFFICIAL transcripts to KCAD
Ask your high school to send your official transcripts to KCAD (unless you’ve completed an Associates degree or higher).
You’ll need to have at least a 2.5 GPA or a GED (Life Sciences and Pre-Medical Illustration applicants need a 3.20 GPA or better)
Students with a lower GPA are still encouraged to apply
If you’ve taken Dual Enrollment classes, please have those transcripts sent to us as well

Have transcripts sent to:

Admissions Office
Kendall College of Art and Design
17 Fountain Street NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3002

Submitting transcripts via Parchment? Be sure to search for "Ferris State University/Kendall College of Art and Design" when selecting the institution to send your transcripts to.

*If you are unable to request your official transcripts in a timely manner, we encourage you to self-submit your unofficial transcripts.

4. Have your ACT or SAT results sent to us (for scholarship consideration)

Ferris State University is piloting a Test-Optional Admissions Consideration Program. This means that ACT/SAT test scores are NOT currently required for admissions consideration to KCAD. However, some Woodbridge N Ferris Scholarship levels may require test scores be submitted to be awarded at certain levels.

If you are submitting ACT or SAT results:

Have the ACT or SAT send your test results to KCAD* (unless they’re already on your high school transcripts) at the address below.

Admissions Office
Kendall College of Art and Design
17 Fountain Street NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3002

Or, when taking these tests, you can use the following Ferris/KCAD college codes to have your scores sent to us automatically:

ACT code: 1983
SAT code: 1376

If you are NOT submitting ACT or SAT results:

Be sure to indicate your intent on the following section of the application form.

*If you are unable to have your ACT or SAT results sent to KCAD (for scholarship consideration) in a timely manner, we encourage you to self-submit your test scores. If you are admitted and decide to enroll at KCAD, you will still need to have official documents sent at a later date.

STEPS FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

NOTE: International applicants should apply at least six months in advance of their desired start date.

1. Complete the online application

Apply online through our application portal. You'll need to create a login and password.

2. Pay the application fee

A non-refundable application processing fee of $30 USD is required for KCAD to review your application and issue form I-20 if your application is accepted. The fee can be paid in one of the following ways:

Using our online International Applicant Processing Fee payment portal
By check made payable to Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University. (Checks drawn on foreign banks must carry the notation: “Payable in United States funds plus service charges.”)

3. Have your official transcripts sent to KCAD

If this is your first time attending any college:

Ask your high school to send your OFFICIAL transcripts (a list of the courses you have taken and the grades you received) to KCAD
Transcripts must be both in the original language and in English
Translation of transcripts should be conducted by a certified translation service

If you’ve previously attended (or are currently attending) a college or university:

Ask your college or university to send your OFFICIAL transcripts (a list of the courses you have taken and the grades you received) to KCAD
Transcripts must be both in the original language and in English
Translation of transcripts should be conducted by a certified translation service

Have transcripts sent to:

Admissions Office
Kendall College of Art and Design
17 Fountain Street NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3002

4. Submit your portfolio

Our portfolio requirement* isn't about proving you belong at KCAD—it's your opportunity to show us where your strengths and interests lie so we help you reach your fullest potential.

We offer flexible submission options to meet you were you are:

SUBMIT ONLINE WITHOUT A REVIEW SESSION

You'll receive feedback from an Admissions counselor via email prior to receiving an official decision on your acceptance.

SUBMIT ONLINE WITH A VIRTUAL REVIEW SESSION

You'll receive feedback from an Admissions counselor in a virtual meeting prior to receiving an official decision on your acceptance.

SCHEDULE AN IN-PERSON REVIEW SESSION

*Applicants to the Art History program's Academic Track are not required to submit a portfolio.

5. Submit proof of adequate financial resources

The three choices for demonstrating proof of financial ability to study in the United States are detailed below.

All documents must be clear and in typed or printed format (not handwritten).
Bank stationery must be identifiable and include the bank's address, phone number, and fax number.

Choice 1 - Financial statement signed by you or your sponsor

If you have more than one sponsor, an official, certified and notarized affidavit of support, including full name of all sponsors, must be sent.

Choice 2 - Original and official bank statement from you or your sponsor

The statement must show proof of funds for at least one academic year ($51,058 USD), and must identify the name of the account holder, their relationship to you, account number, and currency.

Choice 3 - A letter or statement from a bank on official letterhead documenting your source of support

The letter can also be from a personal sponsor stating their responsibility for supporting you. Letters must document you source of support for at least one year of study.

6. Submit proof of English proficiency

All international students must establish English language proficiency to enter an academic program at KCAD. You can request that an official score report be delivered directly from the testing organization to KCAD. The list of accepted tests and scores with our English proficiency policies can be found below.

TOEFL score of 61 or better on internet based test (79 for Graduate Level)
IELTS score of 5.5 or better (6.5 for Graduate Level)
Duolingo score of 90 or better (105 for Graduate Level)
MELAB score of 72 or better
MSUELT score of 73 or better
PTE score of 43 or better (51 for Graduate Level)
SAT (verbal section) score of 450 or better
ACT (reading section) score of 18 or better
ELS completion of level 112 with C or better (for undergraduate admissions)

Please access the TOEFL website to find out how you can register for the exam as well as find out where the exam is offered in your country. Online registration is available using the institutional code 1376. By accessing this website, you can also take a practice test by clicking on the "Learners and Test Takers" link.

7. Submit a copy of your passport

Submit a clear and fully-legible photocopy or digital photograph of your passport to [email protected].

8. Steps After Acceptance

After your application has been accepted, you will need to address the following:

A. Apply for and obtain a visa*

Once you've been accepted to KCAD, the Ferris State University Office of International Education will contact you to clarify the steps you need to take to apply for and obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa.

*Citizens of Canada and Canadian nationals are exempt from the usual requirement to have a visa to enter the United States. These applicants are only required to provide a valid passport and a Certificate of Eligibility (either form I-20 or form DS-2019—provided by Ferris State University upon acceptance to KCAD).

LEARN MORE ABOUT VISA REQUIREMENTS

CONTACT THE OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION