FAQs

We receive approximately 500 applications each year.

Each year we admit 60 students.  Usually around 8 of the 60 students are Transfer students.

No. NYU does not allow for second bachelor’s degrees (except for Nursing). The Clive Davis Institute is an undergraduate program only. If you have already earned an undergraduate degree, you are not eligible to apply to the program.  However you are eligible to become a visiting student for our Summer courses, or any other non-matriculated program.

All undergraduate applicants can apply online, however it is a two-part application.

Please remember that, as a separate step, you must also complete your Clive Davis Institute Creative Portfolio. There is a special section at the back of the undergraduate application called "Special Admissions Requirements." This section lists what you must submit for your specific program at Tisch. All Tisch programs require a creative review. For more specific information on the Clive Davis Institute Creative Portfolio, visit our Applications Requirements page. 

• Early Decision I: November 1 (notified December 15)


• Early Decision II: January 1 (notified February 15)

• Regular Decision: January 5 (notified April 1)

• Internal Transfer: March 1 (notified mid-April)


• External Transfer: April 1 (notified-mid-May)

We do not have rolling admissions or spring admits. All incoming classes start each fall. All admissions decisions are final. 

You might see on NYU admissions' website to submit the Common App 1 month prior to the posted deadlines.  For our department, due to the application's online nature, you will still be able to submit both parts of the application by the posted deadlines above.

No. You must choose one, and if you are denied admission to one department, you cannot apply to another in the same admissions cycle. However, you can check a box on your common application to be considered for other departments at NYU.

NYU has extended our test-optional policy due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for the 2023-2024 application cycle. For students who elect to submit testing as part of their application, NYU has one of the most flexible testing policies of any college or university. 

When completing the Common App, you will be able to select whether you wish to submit standardized testing, and if so, which form of testing you plan to submit. If you choose to submit standardized testing, you only need to submit one form of testing for the NYU Admissions team to review.

You can learn more about NYU's standardized testing options here.

Yes. Department tours and information sessions are held in-person and virtual. You can sign up for a tour here.

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions offers information sessions and tours of the NYU campus. Please call 212.998.4500 to make a reservation or go to the Undergraduate Admissions website to schedule a visit online.

Yes, we do accept international students. Please view the international freshman applicant requirements and steps to apply on the Undergraduate Admissions website. In addition, all applicants must complete the required Creative Portfolio for admission to The Clive Davis Institute.

NYU also welcomes applications for transfer admission from international applicants. More international transfer information can be found on the Undergraduate Admissions website. Additionally, more resources for international students can be found on the Tisch-Student Affairs website.

Yes. The Clive Davis Institute does have a transfer admissions process for students from other accredited colleges and universities. All transfer students must start coursework in the fall semester, and spend a minimum of five semesters in residence in the department in order to complete the 128 credits needed to obtain the BFA degree. The maximum amount of transfer credits that a student can bring to the department is 48 credits, which are typically awarded towards general education and elective requirements. In addition to completing the online application for transfer, applicants must also complete the required Creative Portfolio for admission to The Clive Davis Institute. All applications for transfer and creative portfolios for admission are due April 1.

If you are a student from another school of NYU, you may apply for an internal transfer online here. Students must be enrolled in the division to which they were originally admitted for one full year before they may transfer to another division. Any courses taken within NYU prior to matriculation will transfer in above and beyond the 48 credit limit. Internal Transfer applicants are still required to submit a Creative Portfolio in addition to the Internal Transfer application. All applications for transfer and Creative Portfolios for admission are due March 1.

Use this application if you are currently a Tisch student and you would like to transfer within Tisch.

Change of major applicants from within Tisch must still complete the Creative Portfolio application by the Internal Transfer Student deadline, March 1.

Click here for the estimated expenses including Tuition/Fees.

Clive Davis Institute students are also required to pay a non-refundable lab fee each semester. 

Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid online at Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may find more information online at the Tisch-Financial Aid website.