Rhode Island School of Design
Providence, RI, USA

Admissions

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Key Admission Stats

Institution Type
Private
  • Coed

Need Blind

This school does not consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission

Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Small city
0
100
19%
Acceptance Rate
4,742
Students Applied
25%
Transfer Acceptance Rate
14
Transfer Students Admitted

Admissions Requirements

SAT
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No
ACT
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No
SAT Subject Tests
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Yes
AP Course Credit
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Yes
Dual Enrollment
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No
Transcript
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Yes

Important Deadlines

Application TypeApplication DeadlineReply Deadline
Early Decision Acceptance is binding so student must attend college if accepted.November 1
Fall Regular DecisionJanuary 17
Test Optional
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No
Application Fee
$60
Fee waivers available
Applications Accepted
Rolling Admissions
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No

Admitted Student Stats

In-State Students
1%
Out-Of-State Students
96%
US States Represented
47
Countries Represented
41
7%
Submitting ACT
31%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 31
0
36
Average SAT Composite: 1349
0
1600
SAT Percentiles

Math
25th
680
75th
770
Reading
25th
630
75th
710
3.70
Average GPA
Students Enrolled By GPA

3.75+
35%
3.50 - 3.74
23%
3.25 - 3.49
25%
3.00 - 3.24
13%
2.50 - 2.99
3%
2.00 - 2.49
1%

Admissions Resources

Admissions: visit page
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Telephone: 800-364-7473
For International Student Services: visit page
For Students with Disabilities: visit page
For Veteran Services: visit page

What Students Are Saying

1. Rhode Island School of Design isn't for EVERYONE. But most people I know love it here and wouldn't want to go anywhere else. So make sure you visit the campus and know all that there is to know about this school.
2. Be prepared to work your butt off 24/7, especially during foundation year. You have studio classes every week as well as two liberal arts classes in between. Although you do have a week between each individual studio class to finish homework, one should know that art takes long periods of time. Don't waste any minute, cause every minute is precious.
3. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. I am a hypocrite of this, I must admit. However, it must be done.
4. Don't be shy, go out and have fun. RISD is a great school filled with various people and connections will always help you in the long run.
Catherine
the recurring tips i've heard for any applying students are (1) make sure your portfolio has a lot of variety (risd eats that stuff up), and (2) don't slack off on academics because it's just an art school. although the application is judged primarily by the portfolio, if your grades are low, you might get rejected just because of that.

- if you're interested in risd, sign up to receive their information in the mail. the stuff they send you is helpful.

- the cost of art supplies adds up. bring whatever you can from home. buy from second life, a store on campus that sells secondhand supplies. you only need new paper, you don't need a brand new ruler / paintbrush / drawing board.

- providence is like san francisco for several reasons: (1) it's liberal (2) it's arsty (3) there are so many hills your calves are gonna grow calves of their own. travel light on campus.

- don't bring your car to campus. the buildings are close together. if you want to cut your travel time, ride a bike / scooter.

- bring a fan and an extra-heavy winter coat.
van donsel from waltham, ma
Make sure art and design is what you want to do. This school offers an incredible amount of opportunities to succeed but will seriously challenge every individual who steps over the threshold into the art and design world.
William
Work hard and show off that you worked hard. Rely on your eccentricities and outlying interests. Expect to work, don't come here if you're planning to glide through college, and be honest with yourself.
Clara from Providence, RI
I assume that my essays helped me the most to get into this school.
RISD also cares about your high school GPA so don't get lazy on getting good grades.
Julie
draw, draw, draw!! admission is mostly about your artistic talent and abilities. keep your grades up and write interesting essays. they are looking at your artwork and grades mostly, so concentrate on them during junior and senior year!
meri
Get your work done. If you let things pile up, you will drown under all of the work. Also, stay organized. Life will be a lot easier for you if you do
Julia from Horsham, PA
I'm a prospective student, and tips I've gotten are bring LOTS of charcoal, be prepared to work harder than you ever have, but try to have fun.
Anshika from Ellicott City, MD
Get used to minimal sleep, save money for artsupplies, shop at thrift stores
Jessica from PROVIDENCE, RI