How to Apply

Students who are interested in applying to CSSSA must submit an online application by the deadline of February 28, 2025 at 6:00 PM. Start by creating a profile in our application portal.

Students may apply to more than one department. A fully completed application is needed for each department the student applies to. Students may be accepted into more than one CSSSA department, however, they must commit to one department during the pre-registration/enrollment period. For students who are interested in multiple academic programs, we suggest they consider applying again the following year.

There are eight (8) sections in the CSSSA Application. Expand each section to learn more.

Estimated completion time: 3 minutes

This section collects parent / guardian contact information. Parents / guardians are cc’d on all student communications.

  • Parent / guardian name (first, last)
  • Home phone
  • Work phone
  • Cell phone
  • Email address

Estimated completion time: 3 minutes

This section collects information on the student’s school and arts background.

  • School
  • School address
  • Availability of arts resources in your school
  • Years you have been practicing your arts discipline

Estimated completion time: 5 minutes

CSSSA no longer requires letters of recommendation. However, in the event we have a question about your application, we require that you provide the contact information of two (2) teachers.

References can be arts teachers, non-arts teachers, college counselors, school administrators, private instructors, or extracurricular activity leaders. Choose someone who can speak to your ability to succeed in our program. We do not accept peer references.

  • Name (first, last)
  • Email address
  • Phone / Cell
  • Relationship
  • Organization / School
  • Organization / School Address

Estimated completion time: Several days to several weeks

CSSSA offers seven (7) distinct departments. Find out more about each department on our Academic Programs page.

Each department has its own set of assignments that must be completed for your application to be considered:

Animation assignments

Dance assignments

Film assignments

Music assignments

Theater assignments

Visual Arts assignments

Writing assignments

If you are a returning student, you will also need to submit a Returning Student essay. The purpose of this essay is to reflect on your previous experiences in the program, your growth since attending CSSSA, and your motivations for reapplying.

For assistance with technical issues in the application portal, please contact us at comments@csssa.ca.gov.

Estimated completion time: 1 hour

This section collects information to assess the family’s financial need and is typically completed by the parent.

Section 1: Parent / guardian information

  • Name (first, last)
  • Mailing address
  • Phone number
  • Email
  • Household adjusted gross income (AGI)
  • Annual income of parent(s)
  • Size of household

Section 2: Student Aid Index (SAI)

Section 3: Document Upload

  • Upload your most recent income tax return (2023 or 2024).
  • If you do not file taxes, you may upload other documentation to support your financial aid request, such as pay stubs, public assistance award letters, a written statement attesting to your financial situation, and anything else that may be pertinent.

Section 4: Signature

  • Electronic signature certification
  • Today’s date

Estimated completion time: 5 minutes

Supplemental questions will not affect how your application is scored and has no bearing on your acceptance to CSSSA.

  • Interest in the Summer Bridge Program
  • Special Services or accommodations

Estimated completion time: 5 minutes

Fee waivers are available to California residents who can attest to having an economic need.

This non-refundable fee helps to cover administrative costs associated with reviewing and evaluating your application. Accepted forms of payment include credit card, ACH transfer, Alipay and WeChat Pay. CSSSA no longer accepts payment by check or money order.

Important Dates

November 1, 2024

Late January 2025

February 28, 2025

April 30, 2025

Early May, 2025

May 15, 2025

May 30, 2025

Early June 2025

July 5, 2025

July 6, 2025

August 1, 2025

Application Opens

Department-Specific Webinars

CSSSA Application & Scholarship Deadline

CSSSA Acceptance & Scholarship Notification

Invited Students Webinar

Intent to Enroll & Pre-Registration Forms Due

Tuition Payment Due

Department Orientations

Registration Day – CalArts Campus

First Day of Classes

Graduation Day – CalArts Campus