QUICK ANSWER
RISD’s first-year pages we checked list no minimum GPA, and SAT and ACT scores are not required. But grades do matter. When RISD announced its test-optional policy, its admissions team said that portfolios of recent work and high school GPAs were among the best indicators of whether applicants suit a RISD education.
So for RISD, the portfolio and the transcript are read together. There is no number to hit, but a weak academic record is likely to matter more than at schools where faculty decide on work alone.
GRADES AT RISD · 1
What RISD Asks For Academically
| Item | RISD |
|---|---|
| Minimum GPA | None listed on the first-year pages we checked |
| SAT / ACT | Not required for admission; scores may be sent |
| SAT as English proof | SAT Reading and Writing 600 or ACT English and Reading 25 each can meet the English requirement |
| Transcripts | Required; documents not in English must be translated by an approved translator |
| Writing | Common App personal essay, up to 650 words |
From RISD’s first-year application and international applicant pages, checked October 2026; RISD news, “Test Scores Now Optional” (2019).
GRADES AT RISD · 2
How Grades and Portfolio Fit Together
RISD’s 2019 statement listed portfolios of recent work and high school GPAs together. Read with today’s requirements, the message is consistent: a strong, recent portfolio is necessary, and the transcript shows whether a student can handle RISD’s academic courses alongside studio work. RISD students choose a major in the spring of the first year, after a shared start, so academic habits matter from the beginning.
FOR KOREAN STUDENTS
Keep grades steady through the final year, prepare approved translations early, and consider the SAT if it can also meet RISD’s English requirement. With only 4 of our 68 RISD admits funded, plan RISD at close to full cost. See seven RISD questions and how CalArts reads grades.
GRADES AT RISD · 3
Frequently Asked Questions
What GPA do you need for RISD?
RISD’s first-year pages list no minimum GPA, but RISD has said high school GPA is one of the best indicators of fit, alongside the portfolio.
Does RISD require the SAT?
No. SAT and ACT are not required, though SAT Reading and Writing 600 can meet the English requirement.
Do Korean transcripts need translation for RISD?
Yes. Documents not in English must be translated by an approved translator.
Can a great portfolio make up for low grades at RISD?
RISD reads both together, so a weak academic record is likely to matter more than at schools where faculty judge work alone.
Does RISD fund international students?
In our record only 4 of 68 RISD admits received an award, too few to report an average.
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 and international applicant pages and RISD News (2019). 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: Seven RISD Questions · Our RISD Record · RISD Housing 2026–27 · CalArts and Grades · Royal Blue Results