Deadlines

All application materials, including the portfolio, must be postmarked by January 5.

Note that our deadline, January 5, supersedes the Graduate Studies application deadline of April 1.

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 5 for application for admission to graduate school or fellowship. Students are admitted fall quarter only.

Application

Apply on-line at: Office of Graduate Studies- http://apply.embark.com/grad/ucdavis. You must formally apply to have your portfolio reviewed.

Submit the following supporting documentation to the Office of Graduate Studies.

• the application fee ($60 domestic and $80 international), 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 (separate from the portfolio) 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.
• fellowship or graduate scholarship application*.

*These forms may not be submitted electronically. Minimum GPA required for fellowship recipients are 3.5 (or 3.25 for Nonresident Tuition Fellowships).

Portfolio Requirements

CD or slide format. 20 or fewer slides in a size 80 carousel or a 4 minute vhs video 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, slides, or 4 minute vhs video work properly.

• Portfolios should:
  • be in chronological order, oldest to most recent work;
  • be of a professional quality - in color;
  • be of work that is clearly your own, uninfluenced by art class;
  • be labeled with your name;
  • have no blank spaces between them;
  • be ended with a blackened slide or image to make it easier on the faculty Reviewer's eyes;
  • have no photograph or video of yourself;
  • Videos should be no longer than 4 minutes and should start where you want the Faculty to begin viewing;
  • CDs should not include your name or personal information in the file name; instead 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.);
  • Include a numbered slide inventory list, headed by your name, inside the slide tray box or CD case. List the slides in order, with the dimensions, media (be specific), date of each piece. For vhs portfolio, include a sheet, which explains your work;
• Enclose a check or money order to cover shipping and handling costs made out to UC Regents for $5.00 - required even if you will be picking up your slides;
• Include one typed return-address label in the slide box. We will mail the portfolio back to you in March;

Slides

Make sure that your slide tray works and that there is a lock ring. Check to see that slides are not in backwards or upside down. Do not use fiber-filled envelopes. Do not send your application materials with the portfolio. Do not use large boxes or excessive amounts of mailing tape - ideally send us your carousel in the carousel box taped shut.

Please do not send your applications materials or other items with the portfolio. VHS tapes should be sent in a box or in an air-bubble envelope only (do not use fiber filled envelopes). Please send only one slide portfolio, one CD, or one vhs videotape as only one portfolio will be reviewed. Do not send actual artwork. We cannot reimburse you or assume any responsibility if the carousel, slides, video, or CD are damaged or lost in the mail.

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.

To confirm receipt of your carousel include a self-addressed stamped postcard. Please do not call to confirm receipt of application items.

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 main office with any questions you may have, 530-752-0616. 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

Contact

Please feel free to contact the main office with any questions you may have, 530-752-0616. 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

Important Forms

The Office of Graduate Studies has many important forms available for download.