BS Program Application Instructions

The admission committee will make a decision on your application only after all required materials have been received. The following instructions are also available for download (PDF).

SlideRoom Submission Instructions

1. In addition to submitting the online application, Parsons requires that you submit the Parsons Challenge. The Parsons Challenge exercise must be submitted online through SlideRoom.
2. Finalize your Parsons Challenge submission at the same time that you submit your application. This will help prevent any delays with reviewing your application, as we must receive all required materials before we can place your application under review.
3. Once you have submitted all required materials in SlideRoom, a confirmation number will be emailed to you. Save it for your records.

Required Application Materials

1. Application Form: Complete the online application. All applicants are required to apply online.
2. Application Fee: A nonrefundable $50 application fee and a $5 SlideRoom fee, payable as part of the online application.

3. Official Transcripts: All applicants must submit official high school transcripts and/or college transcripts. Transfer applicants who have completed fewer than 24 college credits (on a semester system) must also submit high school transcripts. Transfer credit will only be reviewed for colleges listed on the application.

   International Transcripts: All applicants who attended high school or college outside the United States must submit an original transcript from each institution along with a certified English language translation. International applicants should refer to the International Students page for transcript evaluation report requirements.

4. SAT or ACT Results: Required of all applicants currently in American high schools.
5. TOEFL or IELTS Results: Applicants who are not native English speakers are required to submit TOEFL or IELTS results. International applicants should refer to the International Students page for test requirements and ESL options.
6. Parsons Challenge: All applicants must complete the Parsons Challenge and submit it through SlideRoom (see submission instructions above).

7. Essay: Please submit an essay of 500–550 words according to the program to which you are applying:

   Environmental Studies Essay: Discuss a major environmental challenge facing a large urban area (for example, New York, Los Angeles, Mexico City, or London) and propose a solution focusing on design and sustainability.

   Urban Design Essay: Describe an urban experience you have encountered in relation to a physical place, book, movie, poem, documentary, artwork, or design piece that left a significant impression on you. Explain how you might change something in your own neighborhood based on your impression from this urban experience. This might include adding, removing, redirecting, or rearranging urban elements or processes. Supporting images included in your text are optional.

8. Two Letters of Recommendation: Applicants coming directly from high school must submit one recommendation from a guidance or college counselor and one from a teacher. Students transferring from other colleges or universities should submit two recommendations from professors with whom they have studied. A recommender should be able to speak of your qualifications to study at Parsons The New School for Design.