“How do I become a successful LAAFA/Full Time Program applicant?”
August 9th, 2010 is the scholarship application deadline for Fall 2010 B.F.A. and Certificate Programs. After August 9th, applications will be accepted on a rolling admissions basis until the quarter begins October 4th.
The Office of Admissions encourages applications from prospective students who demonstrate a passion for figurative art, a potential for growth, and a serious commitment toward becoming a professional artist. Students shall be required to have a high school diploma or its equivalent, or be beyond the age of compulsory high school attendance. Both High School and any College Transcripts are required for accepted students.
LAAFA operates on a rolling admissions basis. Prospective students are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis for the next available starting quarter.
LAAFA will start a new class of Full-time program students according to enrollment during the Fall and the Spring quarters.
Applicant's Process
All applicants must submit the following in order to begin the admission process:
International Applicants
Due to the time necessary to process the paperwork in support of the visa application, it is recommended that international applicants complete the application process one month prior to the listed application deadline. An additional $100 (non-refundable) Visa Application Fee is required.
In addition to being responsible for following the same application procedures as other prospective students listed above, all international students have additional documentation requirements (see below). International students are eligible for admission only after document validation, transcript and portfolio review evaluations have been completed. International applicants must submit a certified English translation of evaluations and all academic records' conversion to the U.S. quarter unit system. Please provide all of the information listed below. Your application will not be considered without this documentation.
Application on-line or in person LAAFA accepts applications through our website (www.laafa.org) or in person at our Van Nuys Campus. Applicants must submit an application form on-line or in-person at LAAFA. Fees may be paid by credit card by calling LAAFA at 818-708-9232 or by mailing a check for said amount to the Van Nuys Campus.
Portfolio Requirement For acceptance into the Full-time Program, a portfolio review shall be required. Submit from five to ten drawings and/or paintings. The minimum level of preparation expected in a student portfolio shall be: a demonstrated ability to be able to 'see' and have a propensity for drawing through direct observation. A student who has no 'natural' eye, or seems to not have the necessary basic skills to enter our program, will not be admitted but will be directed to attend one or more of our part-time Sessions course offerings (or study like courses at a school of similar quality) with the option to reapply at a later date.
The core focus of LAAFA's Full-time program is figurative drawing and painting. A good portfolio submission will contain a mixture of short observational sketches, and longer, more studied pieces taken to a finish. It is recommended that the student show figurative studies, along with some invented work. The shorter sketches should display a sense of looseness and confidence. In the longer pieces, we are looking less at the finish than at the accuracy and simplicity of the underlying form and construction, with some sense of how to apply tone to indicate light and shadow.
Work does not need to be mounted or matted, however pride and care should be taken in the presentation of the student's artwork. Any oversized or 3-Dimensional Artwork can be presented in print or CD format. Applicants may submit their portfolio in one of the following ways: Online, through email at contactus@laafa.org or by dropping off or mailing their portfolio to LAAFA at 16926 Saticoy St, Van Nuys, CA 91406. Please don't bring any original artwork to LAAFA as portfolio submissions will not be returned.
Admissions Essay or Personal Statement Applicants must submit an essay/personal statement (at least 500 words long) describing their reasons for pursuing undergraduate study at LAAFA. This essay can include information about the student's artistic goals and interests that may not be immediately apparent from their portfolio. This essay can address the major influences on the student's decision to pursue art.
Two Letters of Recommendation LAAFA must receive (from different sources) at least two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the student's artistic desire, talent, and goals. These letters may come from art teachers or mentors and must verify times in which the student has studied with them.
ALL classes at LAAFA are taught in English. Applicants must be aware of this fact and be conversant in English.
Acceptance Process Upon receipt of all required documents, the portfolio review process will begin:
Instructor Portfolio Review The portfolio reviews at LAAFA are conducted by our Full-time program faculty. If the applicant does not have the basic skills to enter our program, he/she will be directed to attend one or more of our part-time Sessions course offerings (or study like courses at a school of similar quality) with the option to reapply at a later date.
Upon the completion of the prospective student's portfolio review, LAAFA will notify the student of their acceptance. A tuition deposit of $500 (non-refundable) will be required to hold the space for the next starting class.
It is the student's responsibility to provide final and official transcripts from all colleges attended. Credit will not be awarded based on unofficial transcripts. All records must be submitted to LAAFA as part of the application process.
Transfer Credit Transfer credit for General Studies/Liberal Arts may be accepted from colleges or universities that are accredited by Western (WASC) or National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Transfer credits will only be accepted for those classes with which the student received a grade of 'C' or above.
International transfer credits are considered on a case-by-case basis. International students must provide an English translation of their foreign transcripts and evaluations of the transcripts into the American quarter unit system. International college documents must be evaluated and translated by WES and will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Applicants will receive a copy of their transfer credit evaluation in the mail.
LAAFA does not accept studio credit from any other institution. We feel that our program is unique. It is important to follow our studio program curriculum in its entirety.
Registration Process
Final Payment Due
Upon successful completion of all admission requirements and within one month of the student's acceptance by the Admission's Office, the student will receive written notification of their admission or denial to LAAFA.
The accepted student will hold a spot by paying the $500 (non-refundable) payment fee. This fee will be applied to the first quarter's tuition. Full tuition for the 1st quarter is due on a specified deadline, usually one month prior to the start of the quarter. If tuition is not paid in full by that time, the student might lose their starting spot. The student must submit a completed and signed enrollment form with their payment.
LAAFA accepts cash, check, Master Card, Visa and Paypal. Please note that all students, except those with a payment plan agreement with the school, must be PAID IN FULL by the payment deadline. A late fee of $150.00 will apply for payments received after the payment deadline date. A student will be barred from attending classes or any of the administrative meetings discussing future quarters until his/her balance is at zero.
Payment Plan
LAAFA offers a payment plan. A 3% payment plan will be imposed, with a minimum charge of $35.00. The payment plan fee plus 50% of the balance owing must be paid on or before the application payment deadline along with a post-dated check for the remainder, which must be dated prior to the beginning of the fifth week of the quarter.
All students requesting a payment plan will be required to sign a legally binding contract. If the payment requirements are not met, the student will be barred from attending class until payment is completed.
Admission Requirements for the non-degree seeking student is the same as for the BFA student.
Applications received are considered on a space-available basis.
