How to Apply: Graduate Programs

Applicants are required to apply online. You must complete all required fields and upload materials prior to submission. Most materials can be submitted electronically via the online application. Any additional supporting documents that need to be sent electronically or by mail must include an Application Materials Cover Sheet. All supporting materials must be received before your application can be reviewed.

The application fee for U.S. domestic applicants and international transfer applicants is $50. Application fees are paid through the online application and are non-refundable. The New School waives application fees for those who meet the eligibility guidelines listed in the Application Fee Waivers section of our university-wide undergraduate and graduate How to Apply pages.

Each academic program and admission committee has developed a program-specific Statement of Purpose prompt. This required application item customarily provides the opportunity for you to indicate your reasons for applying to your program of interest; the ways in which you plan to contribute to the program, The New School, and beyond; and your academic and professional goals. Please begin your application to review the program-specific prompt established by your admission committee.

Submit a one to two-page résumé/curriculum vitae summarizing your academic qualifications, relevant work experience, published writing, volunteer/community work, professional networking, public speaking, and/or any other relevant experiences that may relate to your field of study, including dates and positions held. Please also note any special language or computer skills that you have.

Two letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic references are required. Recommendations must be submitted by recommenders directly via the online application portal. Instructions are included in the online application.

Applicants must upload an unofficial transcript, mark sheet, or academic record for each institution (even if you didn’t receive a degree) in the Academic History section of the online application.

All uploaded transcripts must be accompanied by a key, a legend, or the back copy of the transcript. Non-English transcripts must be accompanied by an English translation. Records from non-U.S. institutions must have grades or marks and contain a copy of diploma if the degree has been conferred. Make sure your name appears on the transcript/record. Scanned documents must be clear and legible.

If you experience trouble uploading your transcript, email enroll@newschool.edu and give a detailed description of the issue and attach the document in question.

The New School reserves the right to require official transcripts or an official NACES course-by-course evaluation at any time during the admission process. Any fraudulent activity or discrepancies found between uploaded and official transcripts will result in the immediate revocation of admission and/or dismissal from The New School. Transcripts uploaded with the online application are considered unofficial.

Applicants offered admission will be required to submit official transcripts with proof of their degree conferral(s) prior to enrollment. Admitted applicants must submit all official transcripts pertaining to their entire academic career. Transcripts uploaded with the online application are considered unofficial, and do not satisfy this requirement.

How to Submit Electronic Transcripts
The New School accepts electronic transcripts only from our approved vendors:

• National Student Clearinghouse
• Parchment Exchange
• Credentials eScrip-Safe
• TruCopy Credentials

Electronic transcripts sent directly by a student are not considered official.

Whenever possible, please send all official communication electronically, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and tuition deposits.

In rare circumstances where items must be mailed, please send to:

The New School
Office of Admission
55 West 13th Street
New York, NY 10011

If a portfolio is required or optional for the program to which you’re applying (see our Graduate Portfolio page for additional information), you will be prompted to finalize and submit your portfolio via the Portfolio section of your online application. Applicants to programs with video essay requirements should also upload their videos to the Portfolio section of the online application.

If additional materials are required for the program to which you’re applying (see below), submit these with your online application.

Fashion Management
Writing Sample: An academic writing sample is not required, but if you would like to submit one that you feel reflects your strengths as a critical thinker and writer for this program, please upload a single document no longer than ten pages in length. The writing sample can be an academic paper, professional report, blog entry, nonfiction essay, or combination of writing excerpts that you feel reflect your strengths for the program.

Fashion Studies
Writing Sample: Applicants are required to submit an academic writing sample that reflects their strengths as critical thinkers and writers. The writing sample should be uploaded as a single document no longer than ten pages in length.

Video Essay or Written Essay: Applicants are required to provide either a program essay (250-500 words) or a video recording (five minutes maximum). Essays should be submitted in the Program Questions section of the online application. Videos should be submitted in the Portfolio section of the online application. To review the prompt, please visit the portfolio requirement page.

History of Design and Curatorial Studies
Writing Sample: Applicants are required to submit an academic writing sample that reflects their strengths as critical thinkers and writers. The writing sample should be uploaded as a single document no longer than ten pages in length.

Strategic Design and Management 
Video Essay or Written Essay: Applicants are required to provide either a program essay (500 words) or a video recording (five minutes maximum). Essays should be submitted in the Program Questions section of the online application. Videos should be submitted in the Portfolio section of the online application. To review the prompt options, please visit the portfolio requirement page.

All applicants whose first language is not English must submit valid results for an English language proficiency test taken within the past two years. We permit applicants to submit one of the following tests: TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, or Cambridge English C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency.  

Minimum required scores are:

• TOEFL iBT — 92
• IELTS — 7.0
• PTE — 63
• Duolingo English Test — 115
• Cambridge English — 185

Our TOEFL institution code is 2501.

The New School does not require English proficiency scores for applicants who have earned a four-year degree from a U.S. college/university or from a university where English is the primary language of instruction (minimum of three years attendance). After reviewing your application, the Office of Admission may require you to submit an English Language Proficiency test score to evaluate your candidacy.

We accept test scores taken within the past two years. If your scores are older, you must retake the test.

Applicants also have the option of enrolling in The New School English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Students must pass Level 6 to waive the English proficiency requirement. Visit the ESL website for more information.

All admitted students are considered for merit scholarship awards determined by the strength of their applications. International students are eligible only for merit scholarships. If you are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid  (FAFSA) in order to be considered for federal financial aid. The FAFSA is available each year on October 1. The New School’s federal school code is 002780. You don’t need to wait for an admission decision to apply for federal aid. Our Financial Aid staff are available to guide you through the process of applying for financial aid.

Applications become complete and ready for review once all required items have been received by the Office of Admission. You can check your application status in the Admission Hub.

Allow at least 14 days from the date you submitted your application for items to be matched and shown as received. Applicants are responsible for following up with schools and recommenders to confirm that transcripts and recommendations have been sent.

The Office of Admission will periodically notify applicants by email if their file is missing any documents and again when their file is complete for review. These notifications are sent to the email address provided in the online application.

If you need to change your email address, mailing address, or other contact information, email the Office of Admission.

Spring admission decisions are released on a rolling basis starting in November.

Fall admission decisions are released on a rolling basis starting in late March.

Fall transfer admission decisions will be released on a rolling basis starting in April.

You will be contacted if you are required to participate in an in-person or phone interview, as may be determined upon review of your application.

In any given academic year, a student can apply to only one department or program within The New School. Applicants who file more than one application in an academic year will be required to withdraw one of the applications, and application fees will not be refunded.

All materials and documents submitted in association with The New School application become the property of The New School and cannot be returned to you or transmitted to a third party.

The Application for Readmission should be completed by students who wish to return after an absence of four semesters (fall and spring). If you would like to apply for readmission, review the readmission deadlines and requirements in the Readmission section of our How to Apply information.