Ringling College of Art and Design: Programs and Admission Requirements

Ringling College of Art and Design is a visual arts college in Sarasota, Florida. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the college’s programs and navigating its admission requirements.

Academic Programs

Ringling College of Art and Design offers a variety of Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees across diverse creative fields. The college emphasizes a sequential approach to its studio courses, with prerequisites ensuring a structured learning progression.

Transfer Credits

Ringling College of Art and Design may consider transfer credits earned at other accredited institutions. To be eligible for transfer, the credits must be in liberal arts or studio art, with a grade of C or better. Studio art credits are further evaluated through a portfolio review. The college limits the total transferable credits to 66 semester hours, requiring students to complete a minimum of 54 semester hours at Ringling College. The final two academic years must be within the student's chosen major at the College.

Importantly, the number of completed Liberal Arts classes does not determine a student's class level; studio classes are the determining factor. Students with an Associate of Arts or Bachelor of Arts degree from a regionally accredited institution are considered to have fulfilled the Liberal Arts requirements for the BFA degree.

Ringling College accepts liberal arts transfer credit from institutions accredited by various regional and national bodies.

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Admission Requirements

Understanding the admission requirements is crucial for prospective students. Here’s a breakdown of what Ringling College of Art and Design looks for in its applicants:

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Ringling College of Art and Design is 68%. This indicates that the college is moderately selective. While not as stringent as highly competitive institutions, applicants should still aim to exceed the minimum requirements to increase their chances of admission.

GPA Requirements

Ringling College of Art and Design requires you to be around average in your high school class. The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. The school expects you to meet their requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but they're more flexible than other schools. If you exceed their requirements, you have an excellent chance of getting in.

The average GPA of admitted students is around 3.49. A mix of A's and B's, with very few C's, is generally expected. Students with a lower GPA may compensate with more challenging courses like AP or IB classes.

Standardized Testing

Ringling College of Art and Design has not explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, and it hasn't published average SAT or ACT scores. SAT and ACT scores are not required for admission. If you take either the SAT or ACT, we encourage you to submit your scores since they can be helpful in academic counseling.

Essential Application Components

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. The core application components include:

Common Application: A completed Common Application Form along with a nonrefundable $70 application fee. Fee waivers are available with supporting documentation from a school counselor.
Transcripts: An official high school transcript is required. The college also accepts GED certificates. Transcripts from any previously attended colleges should also be submitted. A minimum 2.0 combined academic GPA from all previously attended institutions is required for admission consideration, and applicants must be in good academic standing.
Portfolio: Submission of a visual art or written portfolio is required for all majors. Portfolios must be submitted digitally through the Portfolio section of the Common Application.
Common App Essay: A short essay demonstrating the applicant's ability to write clearly and concisely. The essay should highlight aspects of the applicant beyond courses, grades, and test scores, with a length between 250-650 words.
Letter(s) of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation are optional. Applicants may submit a Secondary School Report from their high school counselor, a Teacher Evaluation Form from a high school teacher, or a general letter of recommendation. Homeschool applicants should submit a formal letter of recommendation from a non-family member.

Additional Tips for Admission

To maximize your chances of getting into Ringling College of Art and Design:

Engage in extracurricular activities such as school band, sports teams, or other group activities.
Participate in volunteer work within your community.
Spend your summers engaged in activities that showcase your values, personal growth, and leadership qualities.
Craft a compelling essay that reveals unique aspects of your personality and experiences.
Obtain strong letters of recommendation that speak to your character and abilities.
Apply well before the deadline to avoid potential technical issues.

Financial Aid

Ringling College of Art and Design provides various financial aid resources to assist students in funding their education.

NetPartner

Ringling College uses NetPartner as your personalized Financial Aid Portal. Here you will have access to view your financial aid award, and view any documentation you are required to submit to the Office of Financial Aid. You will enter your Ringling College ID number and password to log in to NetPartner. Each tab provides you with the pertinent financial aid information.

Appeals

Students experiencing a significant level of financial hardship may submit an appeal to the financial aid office for additional financial aid consideration. Appeal online forms can be requested from the Office of Financial Aid and should include details regarding the circumstances and any helpful documentation. Circumstances that warrant review include recent loss of parental income, medical expenses paid out-of-pocket by the family, and family illnesses that impact student’s ability to pay their balances. The Appeals Committee will review all appeals and notify applicants of the results within 2-4 weeks of submission.

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Exit Counseling

The communication is typically sent within 30 days of graduation or withdrawal and will include web links to complete the Exit Counseling, important information regarding the borrower’s amount of debt, typical monthly repayment amounts, and resources for assisting with repayment.

FAFSA

If you have not begun the financial aid application process, you can get started by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

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