QUICK ANSWER
RISD does not publish which academy an admitted student attended, so no outsider can audit an academy’s “RISD results”. The practical test is whether the academy knows RISD’s current rules. Several older beliefs still circulate, including the drawing “home test”, which is not part of RISD’s current first-year requirements.
Ask the seven questions below. An academy with real RISD experience answers them precisely. Royal Blue’s own record lists 68 RISD acceptances (2009–2026), with 4 awards among them.
PROVIDENCE CHECK · 1
Seven Questions to Ask an Academy About RISD
- “What does RISD ask for in the portfolio?” 12–20 recent works via SlideRoom, some drawing or painting from direct observation, and up to 3 research or preparatory uploads.
- “Is there still a RISD home test?” RISD’s current first-year requirements list a portfolio, the Common App essay and a recommendation; an academy still preparing a drawing assignment is working from old information.
- “What should not go in?” RISD discourages master copies, fan art, anime and drawing from photographs, and wants every piece to be the applicant’s own creation.
- “What English score is needed?” TOEFL 5 on the new scale, IELTS 7 or Duolingo 120, or SAT Reading and Writing 600 or ACT English and Reading 25 each.
- “Is Early Decision binding, and when is it?” Yes; the application deadline is November 1, with the ED financial aid deadline on November 15.
- “When do RISD students choose a major?” In the spring of the first year.
- “How often are your RISD admits funded?” A straight answer is a good sign. Ours: 4 of 68.
PROVIDENCE CHECK · 2
Old Beliefs vs Current Rules
| Belief you may hear | What RISD says now |
|---|---|
| “Prepare the RISD drawing home test.” | Not part of the current first-year requirements |
| “TOEFL 93 is the target.” | The minimum is now stated on the new 1–6 scale as 5 |
| “More pieces show more ability.” | 12–20 works; up to 3 process uploads |
| “Copy great paintings to show skill.” | Master copies are discouraged |
From RISD’s first-year application page, application tips and international applicant page, checked October 2026.
FOR KOREAN FAMILIES
Use the same method for any school: ask for counts and years, not percentages, and test knowledge of the current rules. Our versions for CalArts and for checking acceptance claims follow the same idea. RISD housing rules are in our RISD housing guide.
PROVIDENCE CHECK · 3
Frequently Asked Questions
Does RISD publish which academies its students attended?
No. That is why testing an academy’s knowledge of RISD’s current rules is more useful than its claims.
Does RISD still have a home test?
RISD’s current first-year requirements are a portfolio, the Common App essay and a recommendation; they do not include a drawing assignment.
What TOEFL score does RISD require now?
5 on the new TOEFL scale, or IELTS 7, Duolingo 120, SAT Reading and Writing 600, or ACT English and Reading 25 each.
How many process pieces can I include?
Up to 3 research or preparatory uploads within the 12–20 works.
How many RISD acceptances does Royal Blue have?
68 from 2009 to 2026, confirmed directly with students; 4 received awards.
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, including 68 at RISD. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
From RISD’s first-year application, international applicant and application tips pages. Royal Blue figures from our results record (2009–2026). Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: Checking CalArts Experience · Our RISD Record · RISD by Department · Checking Acceptance Claims · Royal Blue Results