QUICK ANSWER
A year between Korean high school and a U.S. art school can work well, but it changes some technical things families often miss. Your applicant status, the age of your portfolio work and the validity of your English score all depend on dates. Taking college courses during the year can turn a first-year applicant into a transfer applicant at some schools.
Plan the year around those dates first, then around the portfolio.
YEAR BETWEEN · 1
Three Dates That Matter
| Rule | What schools say |
|---|---|
| Applicant status | RISD treats you as a first-year applicant if you will have 21 or fewer college credits before enrolling. Parsons defines transfer students as high school graduates who have completed or are completing college coursework, and asks unsure applicants to contact admissions. |
| Age of portfolio work | Pratt asks for work made within the last 18 months. |
| English test validity | Pratt accepts TOEFL scores taken within two years of the start term; for Fall 2027 that means tests on or after August 2025. |
From RISD’s first-year eligibility page, Parsons’ transfer students page and Pratt’s application requirements, checked October 2026.
For a gap-year student these rules have practical effects. Work from early high school may be too old for Pratt. A TOEFL taken in the second year of high school may expire. And a semester of college courses taken “just to stay busy” could change which application you file.
YEAR BETWEEN · 2
A Year Planned Backwards
- March–April: Decide the school list and check each school’s applicant-status rules before enrolling in any course.
- April–June: Take or retake the English test on the new TOEFL scale if needed, so the score is valid through the start term.
- May–September: Build new work. Two or three developed projects matter more than many single pieces.
- September–October: Write statements and essays; ask your high school for transcripts and recommendations early, since you are no longer there every day.
- November–January: Submit, starting with RISD Early Decision on November 1, Pratt Early Action on November 15 or SVA Early Action on December 1 if they suit you.
FOR KOREAN FAMILIES
In Korea a year between school and university is often called 재수 and associated with retaking the CSAT. A U.S. art school application does not use the CSAT, so the year is spent differently: on portfolio work, English and writing. Ask your high school teacher for a recommendation before graduation, while they still see your work regularly. For the Korean-versus-U.S. choice itself, see Hongik vs U.S. preparation.
YEAR BETWEEN · 3
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply as a first-year student after a gap year?
At RISD, yes, if you will have 21 or fewer college credits before enrolling. Other schools set their own rules, so check each one.
Will taking a college course during my gap year make me a transfer student?
It can. Parsons defines transfer students as high school graduates completing college coursework. Ask each school before enrolling in courses.
Can I use artwork from early high school?
Check each school. Pratt asks for work made within the last 18 months.
How long is a TOEFL score valid?
Pratt accepts scores from within two years of the start term. For Fall 2027, that means tests taken on or after August 2025.
Who should write my recommendation after I graduate?
A high school teacher who knows your work is usually the best choice. Ask before or soon after graduation.
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. We help gap-year students plan the year around each school’s rules. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
Eligibility rules from RISD and Parsons; portfolio and test rules from Pratt’s application requirements; deadlines from RISD, Pratt and SVA. Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: Hongik vs U.S. Preparation · 8 Admissions Mistakes · A Strong Portfolio · Parsons Portfolio Guide · Royal Blue Results