QUICK ANSWER
Applying to Korean universities and U.S. art schools in the same year is possible, but the two calendars collide in a few specific places. Korean 수시 applications close in mid-September, the 수능 is on November 19, 2026, and 수시 results come by December 18, while U.S. deadlines run from November 1 to February 1. The sharpest conflict is RISD’s binding Early Decision on November 1.
A dual-path plan works when the family decides early which side has priority, and uses non-binding U.S. rounds alongside the Korean process.
TWO CALENDARS · 1
The Combined 2026–27 Calendar
| Date | Korea | United States |
|---|---|---|
| September 7–11 | 수시 applications (each university sets at least 3 days) | |
| November 1 | RISD Early Decision (binding) | |
| November 15 | Pratt Early Action | |
| November 19 | 수능 (CSAT) | |
| December 1 | CalArts preferred deadline | |
| December 11 | 수능 scores released | |
| By December 18 | 수시 results; registration December 21–23 | |
| January 4–7, 2027 | 정시 applications | CalArts regular (January 5) |
| January 15–20 | Pratt priority (15); RISD Regular Decision (20) | |
| February 1 | MICA preferred date; FIT portfolio and documents |
From the 2027학년도 대입 schedule as reported in Korean media, and each U.S. school’s admissions pages, checked October 2026.
TWO CALENDARS · 2
Where the Paths Conflict
- Binding Early Decision. RISD ED commits you to enrol if admitted. If Korea is still a real option, use non-binding rounds such as Pratt Early Action instead.
- The 수능. Hongik’s 2027 미술우수자 admission requires a minimum CSAT standard (three subjects totalling 9 or better, plus Korean history grade 4), so the student must prepare for and sit the 수능 in November, at the height of U.S. portfolio work.
- Different portfolios. Hongik 미술우수자 is decided on records, documents and an interview, with no practical drawing test; U.S. schools want a portfolio to each school’s brief.
- Application limits. Applicants may apply to up to 6 Korean universities in 수시 and 3 in 정시; U.S. applications have no such cap.
FOR KOREAN FAMILIES
Decide by summer which path comes first, and build the year around that decision rather than around every deadline. Students at U.S. high schools should also check how their school’s calendar fits the 수능 date. See the parents’ paperwork calendar and Hongik vs Parsons.
TWO CALENDARS · 3
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to Hongik and RISD in the same year?
Yes, but avoid RISD’s binding Early Decision unless you are sure you would choose RISD; Regular Decision closes January 20.
When is the 2027 수능?
November 19, 2026, with scores released on December 11.
Does Hongik still have a drawing test?
Not for its 2027 미술우수자 track, which uses records, documents and an interview, plus a minimum CSAT standard.
How many Korean universities can I apply to?
Up to 6 in 수시 and 3 in 정시, with exceptions for some science and technology institutes.
Which U.S. round fits a dual-path student?
Non-binding rounds, such as Pratt Early Action on November 15 or Regular Decision deadlines in January.
ROYAL BLUE ART & DESIGN
For 19 years we have prepared Korean students for U.S. art schools from our studio in Apgujeong, Seoul. Our public record lists 1,099 acceptances confirmed directly with students at 95 schools. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
Korean dates from the 2027학년도 대입 schedule as reported by 생글생글 (Hankyung); Hongik facts from its 2027 admissions plan; U.S. dates from RISD, Pratt, CalArts, MICA and FIT. Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: Hongik vs Parsons · The Parents’ Calendar · What Entrance Art Gives · The Early Years · Royal Blue Results