How to Apply to Cornish College
of the Arts at Seattle University

The college admission process is about finding the best program for you. Cornish seeks students with passion for their art form, as well as interest in developing both their creative and technical skills.

Still Accepting Applications for the 2025 Cycle

Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University is now accepting applications for Fall 2026!  Click the button below to get started. 

Students interested in Fall 2025 may apply until September 11, 2025. However, our admission process is selective, and each major has limited space, so you benefit by submitting your application as soon as possible.

While the admission process is selective, ours is about helping students find their place in our community. We’re committed to offering prospective students many face-to-face opportunities with admission counselors. Campus Visits, College Fairs, Open Houses, and other events provide valuable information about the application process, audition/portfolio reviews, and the Cornish community. 

Click the button below if you’re ready to apply. If you’re not ready, keep scrolling for more information about the application process

Cornish Students in Cafe

Dates to remember for Fall 2026 Applicants

November 15:
Early Action Application Deadline

Complete all the parts of the application, including an audition or portfolio review, by November 15 and receive an admission decision by late-December.

 

January 15:
Regular Decision Application Deadline

Complete your application by January 15 to receive your admissions reply in early March. After January 15, admission decisions will be sent on a rolling basis as files are completed. 

 

 

 

After January 15:
Rolling Admission

Applications will be considered after January 15, pending space availability.

 

Application Checklist

All applicants will need to provide the following items for their Application for Admission to be considered complete. Items are grouped by task, not necessarily the order in which they need to be completed.

Apply Here

You can also apply via the Common Application!

Common App logo

 

Part I: Start + Submit Your Application

Audition + Portfolio Requirements

An audition or portfolio is required of every applicant before we make a decision. You are able to load the audition or portfolio when you submit Part I or later when you are ready to add it.

See The Audition and Portfolio Review section for details.

Application Fee

$60

International Students

Applicants for whom English is not a first/native language must demonstrate English Proficiency regardless of English language studies, academic history, residence in the United States or other English-speaking countries or immigration status.

  • TOEFL composite score of 75 (iBT); or
  • IELTS score of 6.0; or 
  • PTE Academic score of 54 

Cornish requires these exam scores, or completion of the Prep Pathway at Seattle Central College in order to begin classes. 

You can view the full English Proficiency Requirement on the International Undergraduate page.

Additional documents required
If you are pursuing a student visa to study in the United States, Cornish will also request:

  • A Copy of your passport;
  • a copy of your current immigration status paperwork (if you are already in the United States);
  • documentation of English Proficiency; and
  • financial records showing that you are able to cover your education and living expenses for the first year of study.

 

Transfer Students

Transfer credit may be awarded for college-level, non-remedial coursework with a C grade or better from regionally-accredited colleges or universities.

See Registration + Records for details on transferring to Cornish

Cornish College Application for Admission

Apply via the Common Application:

Apply Here Common App

 

Part II: Request Documents to be sent to Cornish

Official Transcripts

These must be issued to Cornish directly from the institution or testing center.

Official College/University Transcripts are required if you have completed any college or university courses.

Letter of Recommendation

Optional – Submit one letter of recommendation from an instructor or other professional familiar with your work (e.g. an art teacher, dance instructor, etc.) who can evaluate your technical skills, motivation, commitment, maturity, and potential to succeed at Cornish.

SAT / ACT Scores (optional)

Cornish does not require SAT/ACT test score, though you’re welcome to send if you have them.

The Cornish code for SAT is 0058 and the Cornish code for ACT is 4501.

 

 

Part III: Review + Updates

Did you Forget Anything?

Even after you submit your application you can upload documents, files, new portfolio or audition pieces, and make changes at any time during the application process. 

Contact Our Admission Team

Office of Admission

Main Campus Center
Floor 3

206-202-0314 (text)
206-726-5016 (live person, M-F)
admission@cornish.edu
206-726-5016

Come See Us

Come for a visit, stay for the school year

A campus visit is the best way to see if Cornish is the choice for you.

Schedule a Tour
Students sitting on the large Cornish letters posted outside the Commons residency building