The Savannah College of Art and Design is one of the largest, most resourced, and most career-focused art schools in the United States. With an acceptance rate around 72-77%, SCAD is among the more accessible top-tier art schools — making it a realistic match or safety option for Korean students whose primary targets are more selective programs. This complete guide covers the SCAD admissions process
SCAD Admissions at a Glance
| Factor | Details |
| Acceptance Rate | ~72-77% overall |
| Application Deadline | Rolling admissions — apply early |
| Portfolio Required | Yes — program specific |
| School-Specific Assignment | None |
| SAT/ACT | Not required |
| TOEFL (International) | 85 iBT minimum |
| Campuses | Savannah, GA / Atlanta, GA / Hong Kong / Online |
What SCAD Is Looking For
SCAD’s admissions process reflects the school’s career-readiness orientation. The school is looking for students with clear creative interests, evidence of discipline-specific potential, and genuine motivation for their chosen field. SCAD’s large, diverse program means that it can accommodate a wider range of student profiles than more specialized schools.
The SCAD Portfolio
SCAD’s portfolio requirements vary by program. Most programs accept 10-15 pieces demonstrating creative range, technical development, and personal direction. The portfolio review looks for potential rather than perfection — SCAD expects to develop students’ skills during their education rather than admitting only fully formed practitioners.
SCAD’s International Recruitment
SCAD actively recruits international students and has an established infrastructure for supporting them. The school’s Hong Kong campus provides particular visibility and access in the Korean and broader Asian market. Korean students who want to attend SCAD can sometimes visit the Hong Kong campus or meet SCAD representatives at recruitment events in Seoul.
Scholarship Consideration at SCAD
SCAD offers merit scholarships for strong applicants including international students. Applying early and submitting the strongest possible portfolio increases scholarship consideration. SCAD’s lower base tuition than RISD or Parsons, combined with scholarship availability, can make it a financially competitive option.
SCAD’s Career Services
SCAD’s career services infrastructure is among the most developed of any art school in the US. The annual SCAD Career Fair attracts hundreds of employers from entertainment, design, fashion, and related industries. For Korean students who want professional industry employment as a primary post-graduation outcome, SCAD’s career services are a genuine asset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SCAD considered a top art school?
SCAD is consistently ranked among the top art schools nationally, with particular strength in animation, film, game design, and fashion. It is not in the same prestige tier as RISD or Parsons for fine art and traditional design, but it is a respected institution with strong industry connections.
Which SCAD campus is best for Korean students?
The Savannah campus provides the most complete SCAD experience. The Atlanta campus offers access to the growing Atlanta production ecosystem. The Hong Kong campus has a more limited program selection. For most Korean students, Savannah is the recommended campus.
Can Korean students attend SCAD online?
SCAD offers online programs (eLearning) that Korean students can complete remotely. These programs are significantly less expensive than on-campus attendance. However, the full SCAD experience — including career fairs, studio community, and industry connections — is best accessed on campus.
How does SCAD’s animation program compare to CalArts?
SCAD’s animation program is broader and more professionally oriented than CalArts’s but does not have CalArts’s specific prestige for studio animation careers. SCAD produces strong industry-ready animators; CalArts produces the creative leadership of the animation industry.
Is SCAD appropriate as a safety school for RISD applicants?
Yes. SCAD is an appropriate match or safety option for students whose primary targets are RISD, Parsons, or CalArts. It provides genuine educational quality at more accessible admission levels, with strong career services that add practical value.
Royal Blue Art & Design is a US art school admissions academy in Apgujeong, Seoul, with 19 years of experience helping Korean students gain acceptance to RISD, Parsons, CalArts, and other top programs. Contact us → royalblue-art.com