How to Apply to Graduate School at U.C. Davis
Deadlines
All application materials, including the portfolio, must be arrive by January 15. Postmarks will not be accepted.
Graduate Application Requirements
To apply you need to hold a degree from an accredited four-year university with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0; it need not be in Art Studio. You do need to provide evidence of your ability and commitment to the art process. GRE scores are not required for admission to the M.F.A. program or for fellowship consideration.
Graduate/M.F.A. Application Guidelines
Application Procedure
Deadline is JANUARY 15 for application for admission to graduate school or fellowship. Students are admitted fall quarter only.
Application
Apply on-line at the Office of Graduate Studies website http://apply.embark.com/grad/ucdavis. You must formally apply to have your portfolio reviewed. The online application includes:
- an application for admission and an optional application for fellowships.
- an application fee ($70 domestic and $90 international), which can be paid by credit card or e-check. The fee must be paid before the application will be considered complete, and the fee must be paid for each application submitted.
- two letters of recommendation - three if applying for fellowship. Recommenders must submit all recommendations online through the online application web site.
Send the following supporting documentation directly to the Art Department:
- one official transcript from each school listed on your application. Send transcripts only after you have completed and submitted your application.
- one slide portfolio, one CD, or one DVD as only one portfolio will be reviewed.
Portfolio Requirements
CD with 20 images or a DVD video (4 minute maximum) indicating your major interest and direction, offering a broad view of your ability. Portfolios submitted are final (no checking, substituting, adding, or correcting after submission). Before mailing, make sure the digital images on your CD/DVD works properly. We cannot reimburse you or assume any responsibility if the CD/DVD are damaged or lost in the mail. To confirm receipt of your portfolio, include a self-addressed stamped postcard. Please do not call to confirm receipt of application items.
- All Portfolios should:
- be labeled with your name;
- be in chronological order, most recent to oldest work;
- be of a professional quality - in color;
- be of work that is clearly your own, uninfluenced by art class;
- have no photograph or video of yourself;
- Include a numbered image inventory list, headed by your name, inside the CD case. List the slides in order, with 1) the title, 2) the date of each piece, 3) the dimensions, and 4) all materials (be specific). For video portfolio, include a sheet, which explains your work.
- Portfolios on a CD should:
- use a file name which will ensure the images will be seen in the order in which you would like them to appear (e.g. 1, 2, 3, etc.), Do not include your name or personal information in the file name;
- be in JPEG format;
- each image should be no larger than 3 megabytes (recommended size: 1024 x 768);
- not be in Power Point or use any transition formats.
- If you would like your portfolio returned please enclose a check or money order to cover shipping and handling costs made out to UC Regents for $5.00. Include one typed return-address label. We will mail the portfolio back to you in March.
Application for Financial Aid
If you will be applying for need-based grants, loans, or financial aid, you must submit a FAFSA form to the Financial Aid Office by March 1. This form may be obtained at any college or university financial aid office or on line at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. For information regarding financial aid by e-mail write to gradfinaid@ucdavis.edu.
Acceptance
The Dean of Graduate Studies will notify you in writing of your acceptance or denial usually in March. No decision can be given out over the telephone. Do not call to see if you have been accepted.
If you are recommended for admission, your portfolio will be kept until your first review in January. If you are accepted but decline to attend, your portfolio will be returned as soon as possible.
Contact
Please feel free to contact the Graduate Program Coordinator Victoria Dye (530-752-8710; vedye@ucdavis.edu) or the Graduate Program Assistant Teresa Spradau (530-754-6973; mspradau@ucdavis.edu) with any questions you may have. The mailing address for everything concerning your application for admission is:
- M.F.A. Program in Art
- Department of Art
- University of California, Davis
- One Shields Avenue
- Davis, CA 95616-8528
The University of California is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, in accordance with applicable State and Federal laws and University policy. The University is interested in the development of a campus climate that supports equality and diversity. Inquiries regarding the University's equal opportunity policies may be directed to the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs (530) 752-2070. Speech and hearing impaired persons may dial (530) 752-7320 (TDD). Updated 06/14/00