How to Apply
Apply to kycad
At Kentucky College of Art + Design, we welcome bold thinkers, passionate creators, and curious minds ready to shape the future of art and design. Whether you're just beginning your creative journey or looking to take your practice to the next level, applying to KyCAD is your first step toward a transformative experience.
Portfolios are not required for admission. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a portfolio accompanied by a written statement for consideration for institutional scholarships, either during the application process or after admission to the college.
Apply through the Common App
KyCAD is proud to be a member of the Common Application. If you're already using the Common App to apply to other colleges, you can easily include KyCAD in your list and complete your application.
No matter which route you choose, our admissions team is here to support you every step of the way. For assistance with your application, please contact (502) 430-6191 or admissions@kycad.org.
Portfolios are not required for admission. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a portfolio accompanied by a written statement for consideration for institutional scholarships, either during the application process or after admission to the college.
Apply through the Common App
KyCAD is proud to be a member of the Common Application. If you're already using the Common App to apply to other colleges, you can easily include KyCAD in your list and complete your application.
No matter which route you choose, our admissions team is here to support you every step of the way. For assistance with your application, please contact (502) 430-6191 or admissions@kycad.org.
Your Portfolio
Your portfolio is an opportunity to share your creative perspective and show us what inspires you. Think creatively about the work you choose to include—we’re interested in seeing how you explore ideas, experiment, and express yourself.
Portfolios are evaluated for creative potential, curiosity, and exploration. We value the ideas and interests behind your work as much as the finished pieces.
Your portfolio may include traditional or non-traditional creative work, such as:
Portfolios are evaluated for creative potential, curiosity, and exploration. We value the ideas and interests behind your work as much as the finished pieces.
Your portfolio may include traditional or non-traditional creative work, such as:
Drawing or painting
Photography or printmaking
Logo and graphic design
Sculpture or ceramics
3D-printed, laser etched/cut projects
Projects incorporating sensors, motors
Sewing and textiles
Puppetry
Moving image or video
Writing or storytelling
Cake decoration
other creative work that reflects your interests.
You do not need a formal art or design portfolio to apply. If you’re just beginning to explore your creative practice, you may instead submit a smaller selection of process work, sketches, or experiments.
What to Include
Consider submitting a range of work that represents your abilities and interests. We recommend including 5–10 images of your best and most recent work. Choose pieces that you’re excited to share and that together tell us something about your creative journey
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a portfolio accompanied by a written statement for consideration for institutional scholarships, either during the application process or after admission to the college. Portfolios may be submitted electronically or in person. For further assistance, contact admissions@kycad.org.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a portfolio accompanied by a written statement for consideration for institutional scholarships, either during the application process or after admission to the college. Portfolios may be submitted electronically or in person. For further assistance, contact admissions@kycad.org.
Minimum Admission Requirement
Standard admission to KyCAD requires graduation from an accredited high school with a cumulative 2.0 Grade Point Average (or a high school equivalency certificate).
Applicants who do not meet minimum GPA requirements may be considered under Conditional Admission. Conditional applicants must also submit a personal statement or complete an interview. Please contact the Office of Admissions for details.
Transfer applicants with more than 30 credit hours and a cumulative 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) earned in college level courses have the option to submit their official college transcript in place of their high school transcript for admissions consideration.
Applicants who meet or exceed minimum admission requirements are not guaranteed admission.
Applicants who do not meet minimum GPA requirements may be considered under Conditional Admission. Conditional applicants must also submit a personal statement or complete an interview. Please contact the Office of Admissions for details.
Transfer applicants with more than 30 credit hours and a cumulative 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) earned in college level courses have the option to submit their official college transcript in place of their high school transcript for admissions consideration.
Applicants who meet or exceed minimum admission requirements are not guaranteed admission.
TRANSFER AND OTHER CREDIT
It is KyCAD’s goal to maintain the quality of the KyCAD degree when accepting credit not originating from the College.
KyCAD will consider courses taken at other institutions, accredited by any of the institutional accrediting associations or by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, for transfer. Advanced Placement (AP) exams and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs will also be considered for credit equivalency.
KyCAD requires that the last 30 semester hours of undergraduate study be completed in residence at the College. Additionally, at least half of the hours in the student’s major courses must be taken at KyCAD. Transfer credit may be withheld on the grounds that awarding it would violate either of these requirements.
Official transcripts must be sent to the Admissions Office from each institution at which credit was earned with the signature and seal of the appropriate office producing the official transcripts of each institution. Similarly, AP and IB documents (i.e. official score report or diploma) must be sent from their respective granting agencies.
For more detailed policy see the Academic Catalog under Transfer and Other Credit.
KyCAD will consider courses taken at other institutions, accredited by any of the institutional accrediting associations or by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, for transfer. Advanced Placement (AP) exams and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs will also be considered for credit equivalency.
KyCAD requires that the last 30 semester hours of undergraduate study be completed in residence at the College. Additionally, at least half of the hours in the student’s major courses must be taken at KyCAD. Transfer credit may be withheld on the grounds that awarding it would violate either of these requirements.
Official transcripts must be sent to the Admissions Office from each institution at which credit was earned with the signature and seal of the appropriate office producing the official transcripts of each institution. Similarly, AP and IB documents (i.e. official score report or diploma) must be sent from their respective granting agencies.
For more detailed policy see the Academic Catalog under Transfer and Other Credit.
