Degree Program Admissions
Application Guide
Applying to a degree program can seem daunting, especially if you are applying to several schools, and thinking about tuition, financial aid, and so on. At Sessions, our goal is to make applying to college simple and convenient, so you can focus on starting your program and your future. Below is our quick guide to applying to our Bachelor’s and Associate Degree programs.
Academic Calendar
Classes start in January, April, and August, with mid-term starts available in February, June, and September.
What Do I Need to Submit to Complete My Application?
- Completed application form.
- 500-word essay expressing why you are interested in your chosen major (Graphic Design, Digital Media, Illustration, and so on.) Essays will be evaluated for style and content, as well as grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, and spelling.
- 5-10 samples of your original art, design, or digital media work* OR a written creative skills assessment (Available on request.)
- Transcripts from your high school** OR any college courses and/or programs completed. (Transcripts must be provided for any course you wish evaluated for credit transfer.)
- A $75 Application Fee to process your application.
*”Original art, design, or digital media work” means that you created the work yourself and did not alter someone’s work and/or use generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create your work. If you included royalty free images in your work, include a document that features your source materials along with links to the images.
** GED and state-approved home school transcripts are acceptable alternatives to high school transcripts.
What Transcripts Do I Need to Submit?
Transcript(s) to submit based on educational experience:
| Highest Education | Transcript to Submit |
|---|---|
| Completed High School | High School* |
| Completed High School + college courses | High School + college transcript (optional)** |
| Earned college diploma/degree | College transcript |
* GED and state-approved home school transcripts are acceptable alternatives to high school transcripts.
** Submit college transcript(s) if you wish to show you improved your grades from High School and/or are interested in potentially transferring credits.
What If My Native Language is Not English?
Applicants whose native language is not English must provide evidence of a valid, minimum score of 61 (iBT) or 500 (PBT) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or 44 on the Pearson Test of English Academic Score Report or 50 on the Duolingo English Proficiency Test or a high school diploma completed at an accredited high school where the medium of instruction is English.
The code for submitting TOEFL scores is 6346.
How Do I Request Transcripts?
All applicants must provide official transcripts by the application deadline. Please provide transcripts from your high school OR any college courses and/or programs completed. If you have graduated college, high school transcripts are not required. Official transcripts must be provided for any college course you wish evaluated for credit transfer.
Requesting transcripts is easy. Visit the Web site of your school for a transcript request form or call their registrar’s office to make the request. Ask that an official transcript be sent to Sessions College at this address:
Sessions College for Professional Design
Main Campus
404 S. Mill Avenue, Suite 201
Tempe, AZ 85281
What Level of Creative Work is Expected?
Please keep in mind, we are not looking for professional-level work from entering students. Our focus it to review work that demonstrates your creativity or passion for art, design, digital media, and/or photography. Any examples of your original design, drawings, photographs, art projects, or other creative work are acceptable.
If you do not have art or design samples to submit, your Admissions Advisor can provide you with a written creative skills assessment in which you demonstrate your current understanding of creative fields by completing a written assignment that demonstrates how you think about creative work and concepts.
What Are My Chances of Acceptance?
The goal of the Sessions College degree program admissions policy is to identify students who have a potential to complete the program and succeed in design and digital media field. We are looking for students who have a passion for art and design and who will make a positive contribution to the program.
Every aspect of the application is carefully considered. We look at each candidate’s academic record, essay, art and design samples, and any supporting materials before a decision is made. This process helps us ensure that you start class with a group of talented, committed students who will spur you to improve your work.
Are SATs and ACTs Required?
No, but you are welcome to submit them to enhance your application if desired. Here are the codes for submitting SAT and ACT scores:
| SAT | College Board scores reporting | Code 6356 |
| ACT | ACT score reporting | Code 5344 |
What If I Have Questions?
We encourage prospective students to talk to an Admissions Advisor if they have any questions about the application process.