Admission Information for the BFA in Dramatic Arts
The Admission Committee will make a decision on your application only after all the required materials have been received. Plan ahead. It takes time for supporting documents, such as transcripts and reference letters, to reach The New School.
How to Apply
- Complete the online application, including the SlideRoom submission (see below). Complete instructions are provided with the application form, but you can also download the instructions (PDF).
- Pay the $50 nonrefundable application fee as directed on the online application form.
- Have your high school and/or college transcripts sent directly to the office of admission by the institutions. Applicants with fewer than 24 prior college credits (based on a semester system) must submit an official high school transcript. All applicants must provide transcripts from every college or university attended. There are additional requirements for international applicants (see below).
- Portfolio: Every applicant must provide one of four types of portfolios:
an audition video as an acting portfolio; writing samples as a
playwriting portfolio; documentation related to directing and stage management
as a directing portfolio; or a multimedia theater portfolio. The portfolio allows you to show us your strengths. Portfolios must be submitted online through SlideRoom only (see instructions below). CDs, DVDs, slides, original work, PowerPoint presentations, binders, and flash drives are not accepted.
- Statement of Purpose: This must be submitted online through SlideRoom. Describe your creativity and how it influences the way you view yourself and the world around you. Where do you visualize your creative abilities and academic study taking you after your education at The New School for Drama? (maximum 500 words)
- Two Letters of Reference: One letter should be related to your academics and the other to your dramatic arts experience. Your references can submit their recommendations online (instructions are included with the online application). We recognize that some recommenders prefer to mail in their letters; if one of your references prefers standard mail, download the Recommendation Form for Online Applicants (PDF). Delivery of letters of recommendation often takes several weeks; please request these documents as early as possible to ensure timely receipt.
- Optional: SAT or ACT test scores and a résumé, while not required, will be considered by the admission committee if provided. You can submit a résumé through SlideRoom.
The admission committee will be looking for dramatic arts experience,
work experience, volunteer experience, leadership experience, and
awards and honors.
A Materials Cover Sheet (PDF) must accompany all materials submitted by mail, including the printed application forms and materials sent separately in support of an online application. Please print out the cover sheet, follow the instructions, and include it with any documents mailed in.
Slideroom Submission Instructions
- Begin the New School for Drama BFA online application and save your personal information.
- Log on to the New School for Drama SlideRoom portal. There is a small charge for SlideRoom.
- Complete and submit your materials through SlideRoom.
- Enter the SlideRoom confirmation code on your New School for Drama
BFA online application. Doing so will complete and submit the online
portions of the application.
International Students and Others with Foreign Credentials
All applicants with transcripts from international institutions are
required to submit an original transcript from each institution attended
outside the United States. In addition, a certified English language
translation must be provided for all official international transcripts
not written in English. Delivery of transcripts often takes
several weeks. Please request these documents as early as possible to
ensure timely receipt.
Applicants who would like to transfer academic credits earned at
non-U.S. institutions are also required to have their transcripts
evaluated by our preferred provider, World Education Services (WES),
or by another member of the National Association of Credit Evaluation
Services (NACES). A course-by-course evaluation report must be prepared
for each transcript. Please start the evaluation process as early as
possible, including the submission of all required documents to WES (or
another provider), in order to ensure the timely completion of the
evaluation report. In addition, an admission counselor may require a
transcript evaluation by WES or an NACES-approved evaluator if it is
deemed a necessary part of the admission decision process, even when
applicants do not want transfer credits applied to a program of
interest. Instruct the provider to send the report to The New School for
Drama Office of Admission, 72 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011. If you
request your report online, search for "New School Drama" when selecting
our institution. If your provider is unable to send the evaluation
report directly to the school, please obtain the report and send it to
The New School for Drama along with a Materials Cover Sheet (PDF).
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Score: Required if English
is not your native language. Minimum score required: 600
paper, 250 computer, 100 Internet. International students should
register to take the exam on the earliest date available. Visit the Educational Testing Service for
more information. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
results are also accepted. Minimum score required: 6.5.
Additional Information
Submitted Materials
All materials submitted to the Office of Admission become the property of The New School for Drama.
Accepted Applicants
When notified of acceptance, applicants will receive complete instructions for additional procedures regarding financial aid, housing, tuition and fees, I-20 visas (for nonresidents of the United States), and other matters. The decision to admit applicants is always contingent upon their successful completion of any current studies and receipt of their final transcripts by the Admission Committee.
Mailing Address for Letters of Reference and Transcripts
The New School for Drama
Office of Admission
72 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10011
