Discover how to apply to Maine College of Art & Design’s Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program. Find application deadlines, portfolio guidelines, scholarship details, and helpful tips for transfer and returning students.
Application Deadlines & Key Dates
Your timeline to apply depends on when you’d like to begin your studies. Maine College of Art & Design reviews BFA applications through Common App and accepts students for both Spring and Fall entry terms.
Spring 2026 admission
Priority Deadline: November 15, 2025
Submit your application by November 15 for full consideration for Spring enrollment. Applications received after this date are reviewed on a space-available basis. Completing materials early ensures timely review for financial aid and housing.
Fall 2026 admission
Early Action Deadline: December 1, 2025
Apply by December 1 to receive your admissions decision and any scholarship award notification before the new year. This decision is non-binding. You’ll have until the national reply date to confirm your enrollment. All required materials (portfolio, transcripts, and recommendations) must be submitted by this date for your file to be complete.
Full Tuition Scholarship Deadline: February 1, 2026
Applications completed by February 1 are automatically considered for the BFA Full Tuition Scholarship, a renewable award recognizing artistic talent, academic achievement, and community engagement. Recipients are notified by mid-March.
Rolling or late review
Applications submitted after March 1, 2026 (for Fall) or November 15, 2025 (for Spring) will be reviewed individually as space remains available in the program. To confirm whether seats are open, contact the Admissions Office at admissions@meca.edu or 207.699.5026 before applying.
Important admissions events
Get a closer look at Maine College of Art & Design’s programs, studios, and community through our year-round events:
- National Portfolio Days: Meet Admissions counselors and have your portfolio reviewed.
- On-Campus Tours & Open Houses: Explore facilities, speak with faculty, and connect with current students.
- Virtual Info Sessions: Learn more about the BFA application process and scholarship opportunities.
See upcoming dates and registration links on our Visit & Events pages.
Next Step: Application Process
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Complete the application
Submit the BFA application through Common App. The application fee is $70 and is payable by credit card in the app. Eligible students may request a fee waiver using the options listed in the Common App Fee Waiver section.
Step 2: Submit supporting documents
- Official High School Transcript or GED/HiSET.
Send digitally through Common App, Parchment, SCOIR, or National Student Clearinghouse. If mailing, use:
Maine College of Art & Design, Attn: Undergraduate Admissions, 522 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101.
- Official College Transcripts
Required from all colleges or universities attended, even if no credit was earned. If you have 60 credits or fewer, an official high school transcript is also required.
- One Letter of Recommendation
Preferably from an art teacher; additional letters from counselors, academic teachers, or employers are welcome. Upload via Common App, Parchment, or SCOIR.
Step 3: Upload your portfolio
Submit 12–20 works completed within the past two years via SlideRoom. Include title, dimensions, media, date, time spent, and a short concept note for each piece. Original work is preferred. If you include fan art, credit the original design or idea.
Step 4: Apply for financial aid (FAFSA)
If you plan to apply for need-based aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at FAFSA.gov. Use Maine College of Art & Design’s Federal School Code: 011673. Questions? Contact finaid@meca.edu or 207.699.5074.
Step 5: Review & decision notification
Once your application, transcripts, recommendation, and portfolio are received, your file is reviewed for admission and scholarship consideration.
- Apply by December 1 to receive an early decision and scholarship notification before the new year.
Next Step: Review Portfolio & Supporting Materials
Portfolio & Supporting Materials
Portfolio requirements
- 12–20 pieces created within the last two years
- Any medium is welcome; show range or depth in a focus area
- Submit via SlideRoom
- Applications are incomplete until the portfolio and all required materials are received
Submission tips
- Use natural light and photograph work sharply in focus
- Crop out backgrounds; for 3D work, show multiple angles
- Label each piece with title, media, size, date, time spent, and a brief concept note
- Keep image files consistent and clearly named
Optional portfolio review opportunities
- National Portfolio Days
- Campus visits and regional art events
- Classroom visits
- One-on-one meetings with Admissions
- Maine College of Art & Design Pre-College program for feedback and college-level studio experience
Additional documents
- Personal Statement: ~500 words responding to “Why art, why Maine College of Art & Design?” or a Common App prompt
- Additional recommendations are welcome but not required
Learn more about creating a portfolio →
Next Step: Explore Scholarships, Financial Aid, & Merit Awards
Scholarships, Financial Aid, & Merit Awards
Full-tuition & merit scholarships
- One renewable Full Tuition Scholarship is awarded annually to an exemplary first-time freshman entering the BFA program in the Fall.
- To be considered, submit a complete BFA application by February 1 and a portfolio via SlideRoom.
- The recipient is notified by mid-March.
- Other scholarships are available based on merit.
Learn more about scholarships →
Need-based aid & FAFSA overview
Complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal aid. Maine College of Art & Design’s Federal School Code: 011673.
Learn more about financial aid →
Key funding deadlines
- FAFSA: Follow federal and institutional priority dates
- Scholarships: February 1 for Full Tuition Scholarship consideration
Next Steps:
- If you have prior college credit, review Transfer & Re-Admission Requirements.
- If you are an international student, review International Applicant Requirements.
- None of the above: Review what happens after you apply.
Transfer & Re-Admission Applicants
Transfer credit evaluation
We welcome transfer students and aim to transfer as many previously earned credits as possible. General guidelines:
- Grade of C or higher
- 100-level or higher courses from a regionally accredited institution
- 3 credits (or 5 quarter hours) per course
Official transcripts are required for evaluation.
Eligibility criteria
Submit the standard BFA application materials plus all college transcripts. Even if credit was not earned, transcripts are required to determine aid eligibility.
Readmission process for former students
- If you withdrew in good academic standing and have been away four semesters or less, contact registrar@meca.eduto request readmission.
- Away more than four semesters: reapply by submitting the Application for Re-Admission, a personal statement outlining your time away and goals for return, and transcripts for any interim coursework.
Learn more about the transfer process →
International Applicants
English proficiency requirements
Provide one of the following minimum scores or credentials:
- TOEFL: 550 (paper) or 79 (internet)
- IELTS: 6.5
- Pearson PTE: 53
- Duolingo English Test: 100
- Alternatives include graduation from a U.S. high school with two years of non-ESL English at B or higher, completion of two college-level English Composition courses in the U.S. with grades of B or higher, or two years at an English-speaking higher-education institution with a 3.0 GPA and school verification of English as the language of instruction.
Transcript translation & credential evaluation
Applicants with postsecondary study outside the U.S. must submit an official evaluation by a member of NACES, such as World Education Services (WES).
Visa & financial certification details
After admission and enrollment fee payment, submit:
- Declaration of Finances (DOF)
- Verification of Finances (VOF)
- A color passport scan
These documents are required to issue your I-20 for an F-1 student visa.
Questions? Contact: Assistant Director of Admissions & International Student Counselor Emily Brighi at ebrighi@meca.edu.
Learn more about international student requirements →
What Happens After You Apply
Application review timeline
Applications are reviewed once all required materials are received. Review times vary. Early Action applicants who complete their files by December 1 receive decisions and scholarship notifications before the new year.
Decision notification process
Decisions are communicated via the contact information provided in your application. If additional materials are needed, Admissions will reach out with clear next steps.
Next steps for accepted students
- Submit your enrollment deposit by the stated deadline
- Activate student accounts and review housing, orientation, and advising materials
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to use the Common App?
Yes. All applications to Maine College of Art & Design’s BFA program are submitted through Common App. Using Common App streamlines the process by letting you manage transcripts, recommendations, and your personal statement in one place.
What are your art school’s portfolio requirements?
Your portfolio should feature 12–20 recent works that reflect both your creativity and technical ability. Include a range of media or focus on one area that represents your strongest voice — either approach is welcome. Be sure to label each piece clearly, and if you’re submitting 3D work, include multiple angles to help our faculty reviewers fully experience your work.
When will I hear back?
If you apply by the December 1 Early Action deadline, you’ll receive your admissions decision and scholarship notification before the new year. Applications submitted after that date are reviewed on a rolling basis as space remains available. You’ll be notified directly by email once your file is complete and a decision has been made.
Is there an application fee or waiver?
There is a $70 non-refundable application fee, payable by credit card through Common App. If the fee poses a hardship, you can request a waiver directly within Common App. Maine College of Art & Design encourages all qualified applicants to apply. Your eligibility is not affected by a fee waiver request.
Is there a minimum GPA or prerequisite coursework?
There is no strict GPA cutoff, and applicants from a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The admissions review focuses on the strength and originality of your portfolio, along with your academic achievement, personal statement, and engagement within your community.
Where can I get more portfolio feedback?
You can schedule a one-on-one portfolio review with an Admissions counselor via admissions@meca.edu, attend National Portfolio Day events, or share your work during a campus visit. Many students also strengthen their portfolios through our Pre-College program, a three-week summer session designed to build confidence and creative range.
Contact & Support
Admissions
- Email: admissions@meca.edu
- Phone: 800.699.1509 or 207.699.5026
- Office: 522 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
Financial Aid
- Email: finaid@meca.edu
- Phone: 207.699.5074
International
- Email: ebrighi@meca.edu