Admissions — American College of the Building Arts

Applying for admission

ACBA is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2024 semester.

We encourage you to visit us and see ACBA firsthand. Talk to other students and faculty members to hear their take on this unique educational experience. ACBA Open House schedules are monthly except in December 2023. Breakfast is available from 8.45-9 a.m., with Open House itself running from 9 a.m. to noon. You may register by email.

Spaces are limited within each trade specialization, therefore we recommend submitting your application as early as possible to secure a space in the trade of your choice. Make sure you complete all of the requirements for admissions as outlined below.

Click on the image at right to view or download the Student Prospectus.

Requirements for admission

Application form and deposit

Personal essay outlining your educational and career goals
Official transcript(s) from all schools attended
SAT, ACT or CLT scores
Personal Interview
Portfolio (digital or print)

Recommended - Letters of Recommendation

Transcript(s) from all schools attended

Students preparing to graduate from a public or private high school should have their school send an official copy of their most current official high school transcript.
Students who have graduated high school should ask their previous high school to include a copy of their diploma.
Home School applicants should ask the parent(s) to submit a transcript showing successful completion of all your requirements, which vary by state and organization used to establish the curriculum.
Those who have been enrolled in college before (whether completing a degree or not), ask your college to send official transcripts to determine which classes might transfer to ACBA.

All documents can be sent to admissions@acba.edu.

ACT, SAT or CLT scores

While no minimum standardized test score is required to apply to ACBA*, our Admissions Committee relies on a variety of considerations to put together a complete picture of the applicant. Many students stress out over their test scores while having a great GPA or vice versa. We want you to succeed at ACBA. Lower scores can sometimes be overcome by a good GPA, portfolio, interview, essay, etc. So put together a great application packet and tell us why one test doesn't define you!

*Test scores are not required if you graduated high school more than five years ago.

Portfolios

ACBA’s Admissions Committee is interested in seeing your artistic side as well. Applicants are therefore required to submit a portfolio of artisan/craft experience and completed work, showcasing your artistic/creative skills and experience. Experience in your desired craft specialization, however, is not always a prerequisite for admission to the college.

The portfolio should demonstrate work or artistic ability related to your desired specialization/trade. Please specify your personal contributions to projects on which you may have collaborated. The portfolio can be a representation of you through photos of work, videos, drawings, sculpture, photography, written works, miniature models, or guild/club participation. Make sure to include a description of each work.

Portfolios become a permanent part of your admission file and will not be returned.

Letters of recommendation

Letters of recommendation are optional as part of your application package, but not required. Up to three people (not related to you) with the knowledge to assess your potential as a candidate for admission should submit their letter directly to the Office of Admissions.