QUICK ANSWER
CalArts’ admissions FAQ lists no minimum GPA, and its process explains why GPA is not the first question. Faculty in each programme decide artistic acceptance first; the Office of Admissions then reviews academic coursework and any language test scores. GPA is a second gate, not the main one.
That does not make grades irrelevant. Admissions still reviews them, and for international students CalArts says all scholarships are merit-based and do not cover the entire tuition. Strong work gets you through the first gate; a sound academic record keeps you through the second.
SECOND GATE · 1
How a CalArts Application Is Read
| Step | Who decides | What they look at |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Artistic acceptance | Faculty of the programme you applied to | Portfolio and programme materials, such as the sketchbook video for Character Animation |
| 2. Academic review | Office of Admissions | Academic coursework and any official language test scores |
| Scholarships (international) | CalArts | All awards are merit-based and do not cover full tuition |
From CalArts admissions FAQs and programme requirements, checked October 2026.
CalArts also asks every applicant to apply to a specific programme, each with its own application and fee. So the first gate is really several different gates: Character Animation faculty and Experimental Animation faculty, for example, look for very different work.
SECOND GATE · 2
What to Do About Grades
- Keep grades steady through the final year. Admissions reviews coursework after faculty acceptance.
- Send complete transcripts. CalArts keeps letters and transcripts as part of the file.
- Meet the English requirement. Language scores are reviewed alongside grades in the second step.
- Put most effort into the programme portfolio. That is what faculty judge first.
FOR KOREAN STUDENTS
A Korean transcript with strong art grades but uneven academic grades is not automatically a barrier at CalArts, but it is reviewed. Check the CalArts cost picture as well, since awards do not cover full tuition. See six questions for CalArts and CalArts cost analysis.
SECOND GATE · 3
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CalArts have a minimum GPA?
CalArts’ admissions FAQ does not list one. Faculty decide artistic acceptance first, and Admissions then reviews academic coursework.
Who decides admission at CalArts?
The faculty of each programme decide artistic acceptance; the Office of Admissions reviews academics and language scores.
Are CalArts scholarships based on GPA?
CalArts says all awards for international students are merit-based and do not cover the entire tuition.
Does CalArts require the SAT?
CalArts lists score codes (CEEB 4049, ACT 8126) but its FAQ does not list the SAT or ACT as required.
Should I focus on grades or portfolio for CalArts?
Portfolio first, because faculty judge it first; keep grades steady because Admissions reviews them next.
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 15 at CalArts. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
From CalArts admissions FAQs, Application Deadlines and Fees, and programme requirement 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 · CalArts Cost Analysis (Korean) · CalArts Housing 2026–27 · CalArts Experimental Animation (Korean) · Royal Blue Results