Policies & Procedures

Admissions

Admissions Policy | International Admissions Policy |
| Transitional Studies (TS) and Language Studies (LS) Placement Testing and Coursework |
Placement Determination Criteria | Non-Discrimination Policy | Student Right-to-Know Act

- Admissions Policy * revised Winter 2008

All applicants to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale must submit a transcript evidencing high-school graduation or the attainment of a GED prior to matriculation. Home-schooled students entering an Art Institute must provide proof of graduation through a state or accreditation-issued credential or a GED. In lieu of evidence of a high-school diploma or GED, an official transcript from a nationally or regionally accredited — recognized by the U. S. Department of Education — postsecondary school that demonstrates completion of an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or higher degree will suffice. High-school seniors who make application prior to graduation and who meet all other admission requirements will be accepted, pending submission of a final transcript following graduation. Students who are not granted final acceptance within 30 days after matriculation will be cancelled from enrollment. In the case of a fully documented extenuating circumstance, the Director of Admissions may approve an extension to the 30-day limit that will not extend beyond the student’s first quarter of study.

Each individual who seeks admission to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale is interviewed, either in person or by telephone, by an Associate Director of Admissions. The purpose of this interview is threefold:

1. to explore the prospective student’s background and interests as they relate to the program offerings at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale
2. to assist prospective students in identifying the appropriate area of study consistent with their backgrounds and interests
3. to provide information concerning curricular offerings and support services available at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale

As part of the application process, applicants must independently conceive and write an essay of approximately 150 words stating how their education at The Art Institute of Fort
Lauderdale will help them to attain their career goals.

The Associate Director of Admissions reviews the application and essay of those applicants
who meet the following criteria:

1. any applicant who presents evidence of high-school graduation with a history of satisfactory academic performance, as demonstrated by a cumulative grade point
   average (CGPA) greater than or equal to 2.0 on a 4.0 scale or greater than or equal to the equivalent of a “C” grade, or evidence of a passed GED test with an average score greater than or equal to 500; and no essay concerns;
2. any applicant who presents college transcripts for transfer-of-credit consideration and a history of successful academic performance, as demonstrated by a CGPA greater than or equal to 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, and academic status in good
   standing at all previously attended institutions;
3. any applicant requesting to transfer to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale from another Education Management Corporation (EDMC) school and in good standing at the previous EDMC institution;
4. any applicant who presents evidence of high-school graduation other than an official transcript (such as diploma, certificate or passed GED test) and also presents evidence of successful college-level work (see #2 above);
5. any applicant who presents evidence of graduation from a nationally or regionally accredited U. S. postsecondary institution with an associate’s degree or higher.

Note: Additional entry requirements need to be satisfied for all students seeking admission into the Illustration or Game Art & Design programs. Entry requirements follow.

If the application of a prospective student does not meet the above criteria, the Associate Director of Admissions submits it to the Admissions Committee for review. The Admissions Committee is appointed by and functions under the direction of the Dean of Academic Affairs. The purpose of the committee is to review applicants for acceptance, rejection, or acceptance with required remediation. The Admissions Committee reviews the application of any applicant:

1. who presents evidence of high-school graduation with a history of poor academic performance, as demonstrated by a CGPA of less than 2.0 on a 4.0 scale or less than the equivalent of a “C” grade, or evidence of a GED with score less than 500
2. who presents any college transcripts (for transfer-of-credit consideration) with a history of poor academic performance, as demonstrated by a CGPA of less than 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, termination for academic reasons, and/or academic status not in good standing
3. who is requesting transfer to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale from another EDMC college and not in good academic standing with the other EDMC school
4. who presents evidence of high-school graduation other than a high-school transcript or a passed GED test but without evidence of successful collegelevel work
5. who writes an essay that demonstrates a need for further language skill assessment.

The Associate Director of Admissions and/or the Admissions Committee determines the suitability of the applicant for the programs at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and ultimately makes a decision regarding acceptance or rejection. The Associate Director of Admissions and/or the Admissions Committee reserves the right to request additional records of accomplishments in core academic courses and/or the results of any nationally based examinations such as the ACT or SAT prior to making this decision. An application and enrollment agreement must be completed and signed by the applicant and parent or guardian (if the applicant is a minor).

Prospective students are encouraged to visit The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, although a visit is not a condition for submitting the application/enrollment agreement for acceptance. Arrangements for an interview and tour of the college may be made by telephone (800-275-7603) or by letter addressed to the Director of Admissions, The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, 1799 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316-3013.

Adult/Professional Student Admissions
The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale is committed to providing career preparation for the adult/professional community. Upon their request, adult/professional students who seek admission to degree programs will be considered for waiver from ACCUPLACER testing (test of English and math proficiency), provided they meet all of the following criteria:

1. present proof of high-school graduation or a passed GED test with a score of 500 or
   higher;
2. show evidence that they will be at least 25 years of age by the first day of classes;
3. provide official evidence of satisfactory academic performance on all transcripts or documents presented (see criteria above for definition of successful academic performance). Applicants who present college level work for transfer credit consideration that shows a history poor academic performance, CGPA of less than 2.0, termination for academic reasons, and/or status not in good standing will be required to take the ACCUPLACER test. Applicants who do not have any official evidence of satisfactory academic work completed are required to take the ACCUPLACER exam (test of English and math proficiency).

Adult/professional students may be recommended for transitional studies or Language Studies (LS) coursework by the Admissions officer, Admissions committee, academic advisor, and/or program chair. Adult/professional students are strongly encouraged to take the ACCUPLACER test if they are aware of any weaknesses they may have in the written English language or mathematics areas. Adult/professional students are subject to all academic requirements and standards established by The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.

Game Art & Design Program Entry Requirements
All applicants and continuing students who wish to enter into the Game Art & Design program at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale must meet the following requirements prior to starting classes in addition to all other admission requirements set forth by the college in the college catalog.

CGPA Requirement
Applicants requesting enrollment in the Game Art & Design Bachelor of Science Degree program must present a high-school transcript that shows evidence of graduation with a CGPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Alternatively, applicants who do not meet the CGPA
requirement may be accepted into the program as described in CGPA Exception 1 or 2 below.

Portfolio Requirement
Additionally, all applicants must submit to the Game Art & Design Entrance Portfolio Committee, a portfolio of 5-10 observational/full figure life drawings in a variety of poses, with hands, feet, and facial features that show an understanding of the human body's anatomy and skeletal structure, and 5-10 pages from the applicant's sketchbook. The drawings should show the body's form in space, proportions, and perspective.

If a portfolio submission is rejected, the student may appeal to the Chair of the Game Art &
Design Entrance Portfolio Committee to resubmit new work. If the portfolio is rejected a second time, the student may submit a written appeal to schedule a meeting with the Chair of the Game Art & Design program to determine a course of action.

CGPA Exception 1 - Successful College Performance
To have college performance accepted in lieu of high-school performance, a minimum of two semesters or quarters of successful college work with a minimum total of eight courses
must be demonstrated. Applicants must present official transcripts from all colleges attended. If the CGPA from all of the college transcripts are equivalent to a 2.5 CGPA on a 4.0 scale, the applicant will be permitted to enter the program.

CGPA Exception 2 Changing Major to Game & Art Design at The
Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale
Applicants who do not meet the CGPA requirements listed above may enroll at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in another major. Continuing students must successfully complete a minimum of two quarters with a minimum total of eight courses at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale before they can request to change their major to Game Art & Design. A continuing student's CGPA must be 2.5 or greater before a change of major will be approved. The student must also be in good academic standing for a change of major to be approved.

Additionally, continuing students must submit a portfolio of work as described above to the Game Art & Design Entrance Portfolio Committee.

Illustration Program Entry Requirements
All applicants and continuing students who wish to enter into the Illustration program at
The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale must meet the following requirements prior to starting
classes in addition to all other admission requirements set forth by the college in the college catalog.

CGPA Requirement
Applicants requesting enrollment in the Illustration Bachelor of Science degree program must present a high-school transcript that shows evidence of graduation with a CGPA of
2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Alternatively, applicants who do not meet the CGPA requirement may be accepted into the program as described in CGPA Exception 1 or 2 below.

Portfolio Requirement
Additionally, all applicants must submit to the Illustration Entrance Portfolio Committee, a
portfolio of 5-10 observational/full figure life drawings in a variety of poses, with hands, feet and facial features that show an understanding of the human body's anatomy and skeletal structure, and 5-10 pages from the applicant's sketchbook. The drawings should show the body's form in space, proportions and perspective.

A continuing student's portfolio will not be reviewed until they have passed the following
courses: Drawing and Perspective, Design Basics, Life Drawing, and Illustration.

Continuing students requesting a review of their portfolio for entry into the Illustration program must pass the Life Drawing and Illustration courses with a minimum grade of “B-” to be considered for the Illustration program.

If a portfolio submission is rejected, the student may appeal to the Chair of the Illustration
Entrance Portfolio Committee to resubmit new work. If the portfolio is rejected a second time the student may submit a written appeal to schedule a meeting with the Chair of the
Illustration program to determine a course of action.

CGPA Exception 1 - Successful College Performance
To have college performance accepted in lieu of high-school performance, a minimum of two semesters or quarters of successful college work with a minimum total of eight courses
must be demonstrated. Applicants must present official transcripts from all colleges attended. If the CGPA from all of the college transcripts are equivalent to a 2.5 CGPA on a 4.0 scale, the applicant will be permitted to enter the program.

CGPA Exception 2 - Changing Major to Illustration at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale
Applicants who do not meet the CGPA requirements listed above may enroll at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in another major. Continuing students must successfully
complete a minimum of two quarters with a minimum total of eight courses at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale before they can request to change their major to Illustration. A
continuing student's CGPA must be 2.5 or greater before a change of major will be approved. The student must also be in good academic standing for a change of major to be
approved.

Additionally, continuing students must submit a portfolio of work as described above to the
Illustration Entrance Portfolio Committee.

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