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.

Now Accepting Applications for the 2026 Cycle

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

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 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 all parts of your application, including an audition or portfolio review, 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

Start + Submit Your Application

Add Seattle University to your Common Application

Start your Common Application and add Seattle University to your “My Colleges” page.

You’ll use your application to tell us a little more about yourself and your experiences inside and outside the classroom. You’ll also be able to choose one of Cornish’s BFA or BM majors in the list of majors.

Assemble Required Materials

Check out required application materials and make a plan. A complete application includes the following:

  • Common Application with completed essays and short answers
  • Official high school transcripts
  • One teacher recommendation
  • One counselor recommendation or school report
  • Nonrefundable $60 application fee (waivers available)
  • Students who have earned college credit must also submit official college transcripts
  • Optional: ACT or SAT scores
    • Self-reported scores via the Common Application or scores listed on high school transcripts are accepted.
    • Please note: If you choose to submit test scores, the writing sections of either test are not required.
    • Learn more about applying test-optional to Seattle University.

Submit Your Application

You’re halfway there!! Your next steps are to complete an audition or upload a portfolio.

 
 

Audition + Portfolio Requirements

An audition or portfolio is required of every student pursuing a Cornish major.

How to submit a portfolio

For all Cornish applicants, you must first complete and submit your Seattle University application through the Common Application.

Within a few days of submission, you’ll receive login credentials for your Redhawk Admissions Portal. Log in there to see your application checklist and a place to upload your portfolio items.

Additional items required for all Cornish majors

  • An Artist Statement
  • A recommendation from a teacher who can best speak to your artistic or performing talents
  • Portfolio items or audition videos (please check the requirements for your major here)
  • When you are done uploading your additional items, let us know your portfolio is complete and ready for review by our faculty by submitting the Portfolio Certification Form, which you can find in your Redhawk Admissions Portal. Your portfolio will not be reviewed unless this form is submitted.

 
 

International Students

Learn more about applying to Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University as an international student.

Visit the International Undergraduate Admissions site
 
 

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.

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