New York School of Interior Design
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NYSID

NYSID


170 East 70th St NY NY 10021
T 212 472 1500 F 212 472 3800

BFA REQUIREMENTS

To apply to the Basic Interior Design (BID) certificate program, the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree program, or the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree program, you will need to submit to the Office of Admissions the following:

1 – Application form and fee

  • Complete online or download and mail to the Office of Admissions.
  • A nonrefundable application processing fee of $50 ($75 for those living outside of the US) must be mailed along with the application, or it can be paid online.

2 – Essay

  • Submit a personal statement describing your reasons for applying to NYSID.

3 – Transcripts of previous academic work

  • A transcript that includes a graduation date from an accredited secondary high school must be sent to the Office of Admissions. Applicants who did not complete secondary school but who have passed the High School Equivalency Examination (GED) must have an official score report sent directly to NYSID.
  • Applicants who have a degree from another college or university do not have to submit an official high school transcript but must have official college transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admissions from each college or university attended. Transfer credit will be assessed by an academic advisor as part of the admissions process.

4 – Letters of Recommendation

  • All applicants are required to submit at least two letters of recommendation. Typically, letters come from, but are not limited to, teachers, employers, design professionals, or counselors. Letters from friends or relatives are generally not accepted. Applicants may choose to use this Letter of Recommendation form.

5 – Test Scores

  • Applicants who have graduated from high school within the past five years are expected to submit results from either the American College Testing Program (ACT code 2829) or the SAT Reasoning Test of the College Board (CEEB code 0333). These results should be sent directly to the Office of Admissions.
  • Applicants who have successfully completed 45 or more credit hours at another accredited college or university are not required to submit standardized test results.

6 – Portfolio Requirements – Required for BFA and AAS programs. Applicants without a portfolio, see note below.

  • The portfolio should demonstrate the applicant’s technical and creative abilities in the fine and/or applied arts.
  • Applicants must submit a portfolio of 10 to 15 pieces. The work should be of varied media and may consist of still life compositions, individual objects, landscapes, portraits, self-portraits, and/or figure drawings. At least two pieces should reflect an interior space. Drafting/technical drawings should be submitted if possible.
  • Slides or CDs of work should be sent to the Office of Admissions. Portfolios are returned upon request (a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope must be provided). To present a portfolio in person call 212-472-1500, ext. 204, to make an appointment.

Note: Applicants who are interested in pursuing either the AAS or BFA degree but do not have the required portfolio materials for admissions will be considered for admissions to the nondegree Basic Interior Design (BID) program. Upon successful completion of at least the first semester of the basic program, students may apply for a change of program to either the AAS or BFA degree program. A portfolio of class work is required as part of the change of program application. Required credits earned in the BID program are applied to the AAS and BFA upon acceptance into these programs.

International applicants have additional international requirements.

Apply online through NYSID's web portal.

Download and print the application.