QUICK ANSWER
Beyond the portfolio, art schools read four things: your writing, your recommendations, your academic and English record, and sometimes a short video. What changes from school to school is the format and who reads each part. At CalArts, for example, programme faculty decide artistic acceptance first, and the Office of Admissions then reviews academics and language scores.
So the non-portfolio parts are rarely a tie-breaker you can ignore. They are separate requirements with their own word counts, deadlines and rules on AI.
BEYOND THE FOLIO · 1
What Each School Asks Beyond the Portfolio
| School | Writing | Other |
|---|---|---|
| RISD | Common App essay, up to 650 words | A recommendation; TOEFL 5 (new scale), IELTS 7 or Duolingo 120; describe any AI use |
| Parsons | Two essays, 300–400 words each | Essays sit alongside a portfolio of 8–12 pieces; describe any AI use |
| Pratt | 250–500 words; AI writing tools not permitted | TOEFL 92 or 5 (new scale), scores within two years |
| CalArts Character Animation | Artist statement on three questions | Two recommendations; 30–90 second video introduction |
| USC Animation | Personal statement of about a page and a half | No admission interviews; disclose any AI use |
| FIT Fashion Design | 250-word essay on a disagreement over an evaluation | NACES evaluation of foreign records |
From each school’s official application pages, checked October 2026.
BEYOND THE FOLIO · 2
How to Prepare Each Part
- Writing: answer each prompt at its length; see our guide to what each school asks.
- Recommendations: ask teachers who have seen your work develop, and give them time.
- Academics and English: plan test dates against deadlines; scores often need to be recent.
- Video: where asked, as at CalArts, speak simply about yourself and your work within the time limit.
- AI: follow each school’s rule; Pratt bans AI writing tools, RISD and USC require disclosure.
FOR KOREAN STUDENTS
Students who split school years between the U.S. and Korea often have records from two systems; collect transcripts and translations early. See artist statements by school and the TOEFL guide.
BEYOND THE FOLIO · 3
Frequently Asked Questions
Do art schools look at grades?
Yes. CalArts, for example, has Admissions review academics after faculty decide artistic acceptance.
How many recommendations do I need?
It varies: CalArts Character Animation asks for two; check each school.
Do art schools interview applicants?
Some do not: USC Animation states there are no admission interviews. CalArts asks for a short video introduction instead.
Can I use AI for my essay?
Pratt does not permit AI writing tools; RISD and USC require you to disclose any AI use.
Which English score does RISD need?
TOEFL 5 on the new scale, IELTS 7 or Duolingo 120, unless waived.
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.
From the official application pages of RISD, Parsons, Pratt, CalArts, USC Cinematic Arts and FIT. Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: Artist Statements · TOEFL Guide 2026 · What Schools Look For · CalArts Questions · Royal Blue Results