School of the Art Institute of Chicago: Acceptance Rate, Admissions Statistics

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago is an independent school of art and design with an acceptance rate of 59%. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the urban SAIC campus sits in the heart of the Loop. SAIC has 24 academic departments and a student / faculty ratio of 12-to-1. The curriculum at School of the Art Institute of Chicago is interdisciplinary and students design their own creative programs of study. The majority of undergraduates are in the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio program. The contemporary practices first year program includes a first year seminar, art history, core studio I and II, research studio I and II, and studio electives. SAIC does not use a standard letter grade system, a critique-based credit/no credit assessment is used.

Considering applying to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago? Here are the admissions statistics you should know.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago had an acceptance rate of 59%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 59 students were admitted, making SAIC's admissions process competitive.

SAT Scores

During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, 61% of SAIC's admitted students submitted SAT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago's admitted students fall within the top 35% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to SAIC scored between 580 and 660, while 25% scored below 580 and 25% scored above 660. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 540 and 680, while 25% scored below 540 and 25% scored above 680. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1340 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

ACT Scores

During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, 33% of SAIC's admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of SAIC's admitted students fall within the top 36% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago received a composite ACT score between 22 and 28, while 25% scored above 28 and 25% scored below 22.

Testing Requirements

Beginning in fall 2020, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago offers test-optional admissions. Applicants may submit SAT or ACT scores, but they are not required. 

SAT Scores

For applicants who choose to submit SAT scores, note that SAIC does not require the optional SAT essay section. SAIC does participate in the score choice program, which means that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT test dates.

ACT Scores

For applicants who choose to submit ACT scores, note that SAIC does not require the optional ACT writing section. In addition, SAIC does not superscore ACT results; your highest composite score from a single test administration will be considered.

GPA

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago does not provide data about admitted students' high school GPAs.

Admissions Chances

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, which accepts over half of applicants, has a competitive admissions process. Successful applicants tend to have test scores and/or grades that are above average. However, SAIC applicants need more than a good academic record to be admitted. All applicants will need to submit an art portfolio that showcases 10-15 examples of their best work, an artist statement that explains their artistic process and inspiration, and one letter of recommendation from an instructor or professional who can attest to their potential to succeed at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Students with particularly compelling stories or achievements and talent in the arts can still receive serious consideration even if their test scores are outside SAIC's average range.

If You Like SAIC, You May Also Like These Schools

• Pratt Institute
• Rhode Island School of Design
• Fashion Institute of Technology
• The New School
• University of Illinois Chicago
• New York University
• Savannah College of Art and Design
• Maryland Institute College of Art

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and School of Art Institute of Chicago Undergraduate Admissions Office.