Navigating the Admissions Process at Kean University

Kean University, New Jersey's urban research university, offers a variety of programs at its main campus in Union, NJ, as well as at its additional locations. The university's online programs provide flexible options for students seeking a competitive degree. Understanding the admissions requirements is crucial for prospective students. Kean University has an acceptance rate of 76%, indicating it is lightly selective.

General Admission Requirements

Applicants are admitted to Kean University based on their academic and personal qualifications. The university carefully considers secondary-school records, performance on scholastic aptitude tests (though Kean is test-optional), and the university's estimation of their potential as a student. GPA is considered a very important academic factor.

Test-Optional Admission

Kean University believes that standardized test scores are not a reliable indicator of a student's potential for success. The university offers test-optional admission, providing access to students who have achieved academic success in the classroom, regardless of standardized test scores. However, applicants can submit SAT scores between 930 and 1150 or an ACT score between 1 and 2.

Application Deadlines

The application deadline for Kean University is August 15. International students have a rolling deadline beginning September 1 for the Fall semester.

Academic Requirements

While Kean University accepts below-average students, maintaining a GPA of 3.2 or higher strengthens an applicant's chances. If a student's GPA is below the average, a higher SAT or ACT score can compensate.

Standardized Testing

Kean University hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores, it's likely test flexible. The 25th percentile SAT score is 900, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1160. The average ACT score is 18, with the 25th percentile at 16 and the 75th percentile at 25.

Program-Specific Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements, certain programs at Kean University have specific requirements, such as portfolio reviews, auditions, or additional application materials.

Michael Graves College: Portfolio Requirement

For entry into the Michael Graves College, whether applying as a freshman or transfer student, a portfolio of original creative work is required. Portfolios are submitted digitally via the Kean University Application Portal. Students are expected to have experiences and knowledge in the visual arts to gain entrance to the programs of study for the BA, BFA, and BID degrees.

The portfolio is evaluated based on the following criteria:

Visual Form: Competent use of design elements in composition.
Visualization: Competency in sketching, drawing, and/or illustration.
Technical: Effective use of traditional craft and/or digital media.
Conceptual Thinking/Creative Thinking: Demonstrated ability to conceive an idea and express it in visual form using an unconventional or unique solution.
Presentation: Inclusion of a variety and range of creative work in a well-organized submission.
Professionalism: Maturity and thoughtfulness of written answers to application questions.

Specific portfolio requirements vary by program within the Michael Graves College:

Read also: Tuition at Kean

Advertising: Applicants can choose one of two options:
1. Create a video recording explaining why they want to study advertising at Kean University and submit three or more prompts to their portfolio.
2. Submit a link to a social media account to give the faculty review committee a better understanding of their interests.
Architecture: Upload a minimum of 10 and no more than 12 individual pieces of creative work. The work should display creative thinking and skill in basic design and drawing, with examples in a variety of media and subject matter.
Graphic Design: Applicants can choose one of two options:
1. Create a video recording explaining their reasons for pursuing a degree in Graphic Design at Kean University.
2. Submit a link to a social media account to give the faculty review committee a better understanding of their interests.
Industrial Design: Upload a minimum of 10 and no more than 12 individual pieces of creative work. The work should display creative thinking and skill in basic design and drawing, with examples in a variety of media and subject matter.
Interior Design: Upload a video recording explaining the reasons for pursuing a degree in Interior Design at Kean University (between 60 to 120 seconds). All images must be individual file uploads; please do not combine multiple items into a single file unless you are displaying the details of one individual work or a sketchbook. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in any shape or form for this submission will result in immediate rejection.

For all programs within the Michael Graves College, applicants must label and identify each item in their portfolio, including:

What was used to create the piece (pencil, ink, paint, etc.)?
What was the piece created on (paper, canvas, wood, etc.)?
When was the piece created?
Why did you create it (was it a school assignment, did you do this for the fun of it, etc.)?
If it was a school assignment, what class was it for and what was the assignment?
If you did it for yourself, what inspired you to do so?
How did you feel about it when it was finished? Did you think it was successful? Why or why not?

When selecting work for the portfolio, applicants should focus on:

Creativity: Include work that is unique and shows creative thinking.
Diversity: Show the ability to work in multiple media.
Maturity: Demonstrate the ability to solve problems.
Overall Quality: Choose work that represents the best version of the applicant, with high-quality craftsmanship and thoughtful presentation.

Examples of acceptable work include pencil, pen, charcoal, and other media.

Theatre Conservatory: Audition/Portfolio Review

In addition to the requirements for admission to Kean University, the Theatre Conservatory requires a review, which may be an audition or a portfolio review. Upon completion and review of the application by Admissions, applicants will receive an invitation to schedule an audition.

For BA and BFA Actors: Prepare two contrasting monologues or a monologue and contrasting song not exceeding a total of four minutes.
For BA and BFA Designers/Technicians/Stage Managers/Generalists: Prepare a portfolio with samples of artwork, design projects, production photos, etc.

The interview is generally about 5-6 minutes long, and follows the audition or portfolio review. Prior to the audition, applicants will be given a writing assignment to be completed in approximately 15 minutes. Design and technology applicants will also be asked to complete drawing samples. Out-of-state students can submit a virtual audition via the Kean University Application portal.

Read also: Notable Kean Alumni

Music Program: Audition/Video Portfolio Review

All music degree programs require either an in-person audition or a video portfolio review, which are to be submitted digitally via the Kean University Application Portal. Once all required materials are received and the applicant meets the University’s academic admission requirements, the student will receive an invitation to schedule an audition for the music program before a final decision is made.

Specific requirements for different instruments include:

Brass: Two contrasting pieces from the standard concert repertoire showing contrast in style and technique.
Guitar: Two contrasting compositions from the standard literature, e.g., Bach, Sor, Villa Lobos.
Organ: One work by J.S.
Percussion: Proficiency on mallets, snare drum, and timpani. Demonstration of the knowledge of rudiments and ability to read percussion music are required.
Voice: Two contrasting compositions from classical repertoire, one in English and one in Italian, French, or German. Popular songs or Broadway selections are NOT acceptable as audition pieces.

Fine Arts and Art History: Provisional B.F.A. Majors

Admission to this program is competitive and requires application materials in addition to those required by the University. Provisional B.F.A. majors must maintain a 3.0 GPA in Fine Arts and Art History courses. After completion of at least 30 semester hours in Fine Arts and Art History courses, all provisional B.F.A.

Additional Information

Kean University offers same-day admissions decisions.
Interested individuals are strongly advised to schedule an appointment with officials at Kean University.
Kean University considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration.

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