APPLYING TO THE CHICAGO ACADEMY FOR THE ARTS

**The application deadline for the 2012-2013 school year has passed. Applications were due by December 2, 2011.

At this time, we are accepting wait list applications. For more information on what it means to be added to the wait list, please contact our admissions office at 312.421.0202. We look forward to assisting you!
 

WHO CAN APPLY?

Enrollment is open to incoming freshmen, sophomores, and first semester juniors only. We do not accept mid-year transfers or seniors.

HOW TO APPLY

STEP 1: Due December 2, 2011

• Submit an online application (includes parent questionnaire and student questionnaire with essays) 
• $65 application fee
• Audition registration (must select one date)
• ISEE Test Registration Confirmation (applicants should test prior to January 2012 to meet all deadlines)
• Begin financial aid online application (begins November 2011)

STEP 2: Due January 13, 2012

• Current grades
• Official school transcript (2 years)
• Math Teacher Letter of Recommendation
• English Teacher Letter of Recommendation
• Head of School Letter of Recommendation
• ISEE Test Results

STEP 3: Due December 10, 2011 OR January 14, 2012

• Attend scheduled audition or portfolio review

STEP 4: Financial Aid Applicants Only, Due no later than January 18, 2012
**We encourage you to complete all necessary financial aid paperwork prior to this date, as the process takes time.

• Completed FACTS online financial aid application
• All 2010 supplemental tax forms due to FACTS

ACADEMIC REVIEW

CAA seeks applicants who can demonstrate, through transcripts, test scores, personal essays, and letters of recommendation evidence of a strong work ethic and intellectual curiosity. In addition, applicants should have a track record of consistent A's and B's over the past 4 semesters and above average ISEE test scores. Applicants must complete their file by January 13, 2012.

REQUIRED TESTING

All applicants are required to take the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). We strongly recommend students test in the months of October, November or December to avoid scheduling conflicts. Test results must be received by January 13, 2012 to be eligible for an admissions review. Please register for the ISEE online at www.iseetest.org.

AUDITION/PORTFOLIO REVIEW

Interested students should sign up for one of two audition/portfolio review days by submitting the CAA application online and checking the appropriate arts discipline and audition/portfolio review date. Audition/portfolio review guidelines can be found on the website here.

PARENT INFORMATION SESSION

CAA offers parents many opportunities to speak privately with an admissions representative. This could include a shadow day or a tour. CAA may request an additional parent meeting at any time during the application process. This meeting, which does not include the student, is an informal discussion of CAA’s programs and the student’s needs.

THE DECISION

Following a completed file and audition, students are reviewed to advance through the admissions process. If a student does not advance, families will receive a notification of non-acceptance. Notifications regarding advancement and non advancement will be mailed on December 14, 2011 and January 18, 2012.

Only students who advance will continue through the final stages of the review process and will be notified of an admissions decision in mid February, 2012.

Please note that CAA is unable to provide individual evaluation/audition results for applicants, and therefore, unable to elaborate on admission decisions.