Ready to join our lineage of storytellers?
This page will guide you through every step of the admission process, from application requirements, expectations, to important dates and deadlines.
As of June 2025, we are accepting new applications for Fall 2025 entry. We will begin accepting applications for Spring 2026 later this year.
Refer to this page as you develop your application in the Applicant Portal. If you have any questions, please reach out to us via email at GraduateAdmissions@meca.edu.
Application Checklist
To complete your application, please submit a set of required materials to help us understand who you are, why you are interested in the Salt Graduate Certificate, and your goals for graduate study.
You can start or continue your application in the Applicant Portal and review information about each required material below.
Online Application
The application will ask for your personal information and you can attach your Portfolio, Personal Essay, and current Résumé (or Curriculum Vitae) before submission. You will also need to pay a $70 application fee to finalize your submission.
After submission, you can use the Applicant Portal to upload your college transcripts, track your admission progress, and make an enrollment decision. We require all materials on the application checklist to begin reviewing your application.
We offer application fee waivers when needed. Please be in touch with us at GraduateAdmissions@meca.edu for instructions to receive a fee waiver.
Portfolio
Please submit two (2) narrative nonfiction work samples in video, audio, or writing. Below are requirements for video, audio, and written work samples:
- Short Film: 3–5 minutes in length.
- Radio & Podcasting: 3–5 minutes in length.
- Writing: 1,000–1,500 words.
At least one sample should be produced in the medium of your track interest. We recommend submitting both samples in the medium of your track interest to demonstrate program readiness. We encourage submitting your most recent work to demonstrate your skills and interests at the time of application.
Excerpts
You may edit an excerpt from a longer work sample for the purpose of the application.
Translations
If your work is not in English, please embed English subtitles or include a transcript.
Collaborative work
If the work was produced collaboratively, please state your role and involvement through the description box in the application.
Personal Essay
The Personal Essay is an opportunity to convey your interest in the Salt Graduate Certificate program. All prompts are required to complete your submission:
- In 500 words, describe your interest in the Salt Graduate Certificate program. Give us an overview of your relationship with storytelling, documentary studies or narrative nonfiction; how your life experiences have shaped your voice in storytelling; and your purpose in pursuing graduate studies at Salt.
- In 250 words, pitch a story in relation to your own journey. How has your life experience, personal interests, and academic background shaped you as a storyteller? What is a story that interests you personally? Please identify a subject matter, a potential narrative, and at least one person of interest to interview.
- In 250 words, pitch a story in relation to Maine. As a professional documentarian, you will be tasked to work in an unfamiliar environment. Show us your research skills and pitch a story about Maine. Please identify a subject matter, a potential narrative, and at least one person of interest to interview.
A strong essay shows understanding of the relationship between your personal journey, your creative vision, and your goals for graduate study.
Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
Please use your resume or curriculum vitae (CV) to highlight your experiences and achievements beyond your essay and your portfolio. Upload your document as a PDF in the application portal.
College Transcripts & Academic Prerequisites
All applicants should have earned a minimum of 72 undergraduate credits and a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above from previous and current degrees.
You can upload unofficial transcripts after submitting your application or request official transcripts to be delivered electronically to GraduateAdmissions@meca.edu. Official transcripts are only required at the time of enrollment.
Maine College of Art & Design alumni can request a transcript transfer from the Registrar office via email at registrar@meca.edu.
International applicants
International applicants are asked to submit additional materials in order to be offered admission. See Requirements for International Salt Applicants.
Start or continue your application here
Questions? Email Graduate Admissions Coordinator Joel Tsui at joel.tsui-staff@meca.edu.
Important Dates
Fall 2025
Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are completed on a rolling basis. We aim to provide an admission decision within a month of completing your application.
Rolling Admission
After the Application Deadline, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space permits.
Program Start Date: Tuesday, September 2, 2025
The program begins with a student orientation and classes begin on the same day.
Spring 2026
Starting October 2025, applications will be reviewed as soon as they are completed on a rolling basis. We aim to provide an admission decision within a month of completing your application.
Early Application Deadline: Sunday, November 2, 2025
We encourage international applicants and applicants who are studying abroad from their home institution to apply by this deadline.
Application Deadline: Sunday, November 30, 2025
We encourage applicants who want graduate housing to apply by this deadline.
Rolling Admission
After the Application Deadline, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space permits.
Program Start Date: Monday, January 12, 2026
The program begins with a student orientation and classes begin on the same day.
Fall 2026
Starting October 2025, applications will be reviewed as soon as they are completed on a rolling basis. We aim to provide an admission decision within a month of completing your application. Dates are subject to change as the 2026–2027 academic calendar is not finalized.
Early Application Deadline: Sunday, March 8, 2026
We encourage international applicants and applicants who are studying abroad from their home institution to apply by this deadline.
Application Deadline: Sunday, May 3, 2026
We encourage applicants who want graduate housing to apply by this deadline.
Rolling Admission
After the Application Deadline, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space permits.
Program Start Date: Monday, August 31, 2026
The program begins with a student orientation and classes begin on the same day.
Questions? Email Graduate Admissions Coordinator Joel Tsui at joel.tsui-staff@meca.edu.
Admitted Students
Admitted students should plan to reply to their offer of admission at least one month before the program start date. International students should enroll as soon as possible to complete additional legal requirements. Visit the Academic Calendar for more information.
Questions? Email Administrative Director of Graduate Programs Rachel Katz at rkatz@meca.edu.
Tips & Notes
- To learn more about the Salt Graduate Certificate, visit Program Overview.
- To learn more about the financial commitment and funding opportunities, visit Scholarships, Tuition & Fees, and Financial Aid.
- If you are eligible for the US Federal Student Loan, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Our School Code is 011673.
- Consider completing your application by the earliest deadline. We cannot guarantee decision extensions, deferral requests, or graduate housing if you apply in the rolling admissions period.
- Applications are reviewed based on the strength of the portfolio, personal essay, and academic achievement, as well as cohesion across application materials. The admission process and criteria are identical across tracks and deadlines.
- Salt Institute does not expect distribution-ready works from applicants. Gaining that level of achievement is one reason why people join Salt. We are interested in your potential and your creative vision. As long as you have hands-on experience with telling stories through audio, video, or writing, we welcome your application.
Questions?
Reach out to the Admissions office by email at GraduateAdmissions@meca.edu or call 207.699.5023.