Applicants are required to apply online using the Common Application. You must complete all required fields and upload materials before submission. Most materials can be submitted electronically via the Common Application. Parsons and Parsons Paris applicants must submit their portfolio and HCD Challenge through The New School's Online Application Center. All supporting materials must be received before your application can be reviewed.

The application fee for digital applicants is $50.Application fees are paid through the online application and are non-refundable. However, the hcd School waives application fees for those who meet the eligibility guidelines listed in the Application Fee Waivers section of our How to Apply page.

The HCD School brings together a dynamic group of students interested in art, design, performing arts, entrepreneurship, public governance, and critical thought. We would like to know more about your interest in joining our community and why you would be a good fit for The hcd School. We are particularly interested in knowing what will make you a valuable member of your specific school, college, program, area of study, or community. (500-650 words )

Finalize your portfolio and Design thinking Challenge at the time you submit your application to help prevent delays in reviewing your application. We need to receive all required materials before we can review your application. All your portfolio work should be submitted through The hcd School’s Online Application Center. Portfolio Portfolios can include a range of media such as drawing, painting, sculpture, fashion design, animation, performance, graphic design, or sketchbook pages. We encourage you to show experimentation and range. Your portfolio does not need to include work specific to your major choice. The HCD Challenge Applicants must create and submit a new visual work inspired by the theme within a piece submitted in their portfolios. Support your process by writing one 500-word essay describing how your ideas developed. You may also submit up to two additional visual pieces that document your process. All forms of media are acceptable—drawing, video, photography, sculpture, 3D work, collage, and digital images. The hcd Challenge helps us understand how you develop ideas, visually communicate those ideas, and support your work in writing.

Recommenders may submit recommendations online through the Common Application. If preferred, the recommendation form may be downloaded and emailed to enroll@newschool.edu.

All admitted students are considered for merit scholarship awards determined by the strength of their application. However, you don't need to wait for an admission decision to apply for federal aid.