Application and Key Dates

Ready to apply to KCAI? Here's how you do it.

Submit the application form 

Complete and submit the application form and include a non-refundable $35 application fee for applications postmarked or time-stamped prior to midnight, Eastern Time on May 1. The application fee for applications postmarked or time-stamped after midnight, Eastern Time May 1 is $50.

You may apply online now, or you may download an application and print it from your personal computer. If submitting by mail, make checks payable to Kansas City Art Institute, or if submitting online, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted. Include the non-refundable application fee with the completed application form. The application will not be processed without receipt of the fee.

Compile your portfolio

Compile your portfolio for review. All applicants are required to have a portfolio review by an admissions counselor. Students who wish to transfer as a sophomore or junior into a major department will also have their portfolio reviewed by a counselor. In addition, CDs, DVDs, photographs or slides must be submitted to KCAI for permanent portfolio reference.

Request two letters of recommendation

Request two letters of recommendation from teachers, a high school counselor or professional artist or employer. These individuals should be familiar with your work and work ethic and be qualified to make evaluations of your past performance and potential growth. Download the letter of recommendation form.

Request official transcripts

Request official transcripts, containing the official school seal, be mailed directly to the KCAI admissions office from each high school and/or college previously attended. A GED is a suitable substitute for a high school diploma. Request that official copies of GED scores be mailed to the KCAI admissions office.

Submit standardized test scores

Test scores are required for admission for all first-year students and some transfer students. Submit standardized test scores from either Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT) to the office of admissions. A minimum combined score of 1425 is required for the SAT (or 950 without the writing test), and a minimum composite score of 20 is required for the ACT. Official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must be submitted by international students or by U.S. citizens whose first language is not English. A minimum paper TOEFL score of 550, a minimum electronic score of 213 or a minimum of 79-80 on the Internet-based TOEFL is required. KCAI codes: ACT-002277; SAT-006330.

Prepare a statement of purpose

Prepare a statement of purpose, a brief one-page or two-page essay providing insight into your goals, interests, educational and artistic background.

Deadlines