Once you've submitted your application, transcripts and other documents, and sent in your portfolio and personal statement, you can check the status of your application as it moves along the process. You will need to use the login ID and PIN you first created with your online application. If you have trouble logging in click the help button on the top right corner.
You've applied to ACAD, waited to learn the results. Here's what to do after you've learned your status:
Accepted
Congratulations! You've been fully accepted. We have received your confirmation fee and supporting documents. You will be able to register for your courses on the appropriate date.
Provisionally accepted
Applicants who receive a letter of provisional acceptance must submit a $140 confirmation fee by the deadline indicated in the letter as well as any documents that are specified in order to finalize their acceptance to ACAD. If no documents are specified in the letter, applicants will only be required to submit the confirmation fee.
If you have been accepted to ACAD but have outstanding transcripts or English proficiency documents we must receive them by the correct deadline before we accept you. Our provisional acceptance offer will be withdrawn if the documents do not arrive by the appropriate deadline:
- Advanced Standing applicants' official transcripts deadline is October 1 (Winter) and May 31 (Fall).
- First Year Studies applicants' official transcripts deadline is October 1 (Winter) and August 1 (Fall).
If you get your documents to us by the correct deadline we will send you a letter of full acceptance and you should follow the steps above for accepted students.
If your application becomes cancelled because you missed the deadline you must then reapply to the college at a later date. To check the status of your documents, please access the online application system.
Waitlisted
If you are on a prioritized admissions waitlist, we will contact you regarding your admission immediately should a position become available. If all positions remain full we hope you will apply for admission to ACAD at a later date!
Declined
We get twice as many applications as we have places in the college. If your application was declined because of your portfolio score, consider attending our Open House this fall or come to a NPDA event in your area. You can have your portfolio reviewed by faculty or Admissions staff, who can offer some constructive criticism. You could also take an Extended Studies drawing course (credit OR credit free - it's up to you) to develop your portfolio and become more familiar with the college. We also suggest that you try daily observational drawings on your own - carry a sketchbook, draw what you see - the milk carton, people on the train, anything! Experiment!
If your application was declined because of academic or English proficiency requirements, you might consider upgrading and reapplying for January term, or entering Artstream. Artstream is a collaborative program of the Alberta College of Art + Design and Bow Valley College, designed specifically for applicants who have demonstrated sufficient portfolio achievement but do not meet ACAD's academic and/or English proficiency requirements. Upon completion of the Artstream program, ACAD will waive the academic and/or English proficiency requirements for admission. You might also consider taking credit courses through ACAD Extended Studies.
Attend as a nondegree student
You may apply to register in courses on a nondegree basis. To register, you will need to submit a portfolio and have your transcripts reviewed. Nondegree registration requires a Nondegree registration form (PDF).
Courses in Visual Communications Design and Photography are restricted to degree students only.
