Admission Requirements
Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) is the first and oldest art school and museum in the United States. Located in the historic district of Philadelphia, PAFA offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in 11 areas of study, as well as a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree. The admissions process is highly selective and competitive, and requires a portfolio review, interview, and essay.
PAFA is committed to educating the next generation of artists and fostering a community of creative professionals. The Academy provides a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes both traditional and contemporary practices. Students have the opportunity to learn from renowned faculty, take advantage of state-of-the-art facilities, and participate in a variety of extracurricular activities.
PAFA’s admissions requirements are designed to identify students with the potential to succeed in the rigorous academic and artistic environment of the Academy. The admissions process is highly selective and competitive, and requires a portfolio review, interview, and essay.
Portfolio Review
The portfolio review is the primary means by which the Admissions Committee evaluates an applicant’s artistic ability and potential. The review is conducted by a committee of PAFA faculty and staff, and is based on the following criteria:
Originality: The applicant’s portfolio should demonstrate a unique and personal vision.
Technical Skill: The applicant’s portfolio should demonstrate a mastery of the technical skills required to execute the proposed program of study.
Conceptual Strength: The applicant’s portfolio should demonstrate a strong understanding of the concepts underlying the proposed program of study.
Commitment to Art: The applicant’s portfolio should demonstrate a commitment to the study and practice of art.
Interview
The interview is an opportunity for the Admissions Committee to get to know the applicant on a personal level and to assess their motivation for pursuing a career in the arts. The interview is conducted by a committee of PAFA faculty and staff, and is based on the following criteria:
Artistic Potential: The applicant’s interview should demonstrate a commitment to the study and practice of art, as well as a potential for success in the rigors of the PAFA curriculum.
Intellectual Curiosity: The applicant’s interview should demonstrate a willingness to engage in critical thinking and to explore new ideas.
Communication Skills: The applicant’s interview should demonstrate the ability to
Financial Aid
| State Aid |
|
| Percentage of students receiving state aid |
13% |
| Average state aid |
$3607 |
| Institutional Aid |
|
| Percentage of students receiving institutional aid |
94% |
| Average institutional aid |
$22096 |
| Student Loans |
|
| Percentage of students receiving a student loan |
65% |
| Average student loan |
$9213 |
Degrees Offered
- Associate's degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree
- Certificates of 1 year, but less than 2 year
- Certificates of 2 years, but less than 4 year
- Postbaccalaureate certificate
Majors Offered
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- Drawing
- Fine/Studio Arts, General
- Painting
- Sculpture
