QUICK ANSWER
Most academy acceptance claims fail one of five simple tests. Is it a count or a rate? Acceptances or students? Degree admission or a summer programme? Which years? How was it checked? A real record can answer all five without hesitation.
The summer-programme test matters more than families expect. RISD’s Pre-College, for example, states that it has no admission tests or portfolio requirements, so a Pre-College place is not evidence of a RISD degree admission.
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Five Tests for Any Acceptance Claim
| Test | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Count or rate? | A rate without the count behind it cannot be checked; ask for the number of students and applications |
| Acceptances or students? | One student can be admitted to several schools; 1,099 acceptances is not 1,099 students |
| Degree or summer programme? | RISD Pre-College has no admission tests or portfolio requirements; it is not degree admission |
| Which years? | A 2012 result says little about 2027 rules, such as the end of the Parsons Challenge |
| How was it checked? | Ask whether each result was confirmed with the student, and how |
RISD Pre-College application information, checked October 2026; Royal Blue method.
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Applying the Tests to Our Own Record
| Test | Royal Blue answer |
|---|---|
| Count | 1,099 acceptances at 95 schools |
| Acceptances or students | Acceptances; one student can appear more than once |
| Years | 2009 to 2026 |
| Verification | Confirmed directly with each student |
Royal Blue results record, 2009–2026.
FOR KOREAN FAMILIES
Write the five questions down and ask every academy the same way, including us. Then compare the answers side by side. For school-specific versions, see RISD questions and CalArts questions; for marketing warning signs, see red flags in academy marketing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is an acceptance rate a good way to compare academies?
Only with the counts behind it. Ask how many students applied and how many were admitted, by school and year.
Does a RISD Pre-College place count as a RISD acceptance?
No. RISD Pre-College states that it has no admission tests or portfolio requirements; it is a summer programme, not degree admission.
Why do acceptance numbers differ from student numbers?
One student can be admitted to several schools, so acceptances are usually higher than students.
How does Royal Blue verify its numbers?
Each acceptance in our record was confirmed directly with the student.
What if an academy will not answer?
Treat the claim as unverified, whatever the size of the number.
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.
RISD Pre-College application information; 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: RISD Questions · CalArts Questions · Red Flags in Academy Marketing · What We Can Show · Royal Blue Results