For prospective applicants to the Parsons Scholars Program
Resources for learning more about the program, how to apply, and what to expect.
Recruitment has been paused for the 24-25 academic year.
Sections:
How to Apply
Applications for the Parsons Scholars Program opens in the fall every year. Prospective scholars must fill out the online application, attend one info session on Parsons’ campus, and submit a digital portfolio of 5-10 images. We accept all forms of art, but prefer portfolios to be submitted in presentation style (aka, a slideshow).
Prospective scholars can come from any of the five boroughs and must be ready to commit to 2.5 years of programming.
Note: Parsons Scholars is regrettably pausing recruitment for the 24-25 school year. We look forward to reopening applications in fall 2025!
Application Questions
The application for Parsons Scholars is long and must be completed in one sitting. You can view all the questions in advance here, and also have a brief overview of each section below.
Section 1: Eligibility Verification
Confirm that you are financially eligible for this program.
Section 2: About You
Share your basic info with us so we can be sure to contact you with application updates.
Section 3: About Parents/
Guardians
Share basic info about your parents/guardians.
Section 4: Household information
This gives us more backstory into where you’re coming from.
Section 5: Family Information
This gives both you and us an idea of what to expect when it comes time to verify financial eligibility.
Section 6: Activities & Interests
Tell us all the fun stuff! These are short response questions where we can learn more about you.
Section 7: Portfolio
Show off your work – create your own portfolio (we made a Google Slides template for you!) with 5-10 images.
Section 8: Final Steps
Almost there! Let us know how you found out about Parsons Scholars and make sure to sign your application.
Section 9: Info Session Reminder
It is mandatory for all applicants to attend at least one info session on Parsons campus. This section will remind you of the dates and times.
Application Phases
Phase 1
- Important Dates
Info Sessions: early October
Application deadline: late October - What’s Happening?
Prospective scholars submit their applications and portfolio, as well as attend one info session.
Phase 2
- Important Dates
Status update: by late November - What’s Happening?
Selected applications will be notified about an interview request. Interviews will be held on Parsons campus in lower Manhattan.
Interviewees must provide a school transcript, financial eligibility verification. It is optional to bring letters of recommendation or a letter of clarification.
Curriculum
Our 2.5 year curriculum encompasses studio classes, college preparation, and portfolio development. Scholars can earn up to 8 college credits throughout their time in the program. Fall and spring classes take place every Saturday. Summer classes run Monday – Friday during July/August.
Sophomore: Spring
Saturday | 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Foundation Studio | drawing & imaging
- Afternoon Making | workshops & field trips
Junior: Fall
Saturday | 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Studio Class
- Afternoon Making | workshops & field trips
Junior: Spring
Saturday | 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Studio Class
- Afternoon Making | workshops & field trips
- Afternoon College Prep | writing classes & workshops
Senior: Fall
Saturday | 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Portfolio Development Class
- Afternoon Making | workshops & field trips
- Afternoon College Prep | writing classes & workshops
Senior: Spring
Saturday | 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Capstone Studio
- Afternoon Making | workshops & field trips
Summers
Monday – Friday | 9:00am – 4:00pm
- Rising Junior | Studio Class, 2-week intensive in August
- Rising Senior | Studio Class, 3-week intensive in July
Areas of Study
Animation
Fashion Design
Game Design
Architecture
Fine Arts
Graphic Design
Illustration
Photography
Product Design
Interior Design
Printmaking
Video
Portfolio
Applicants must submit 5-10 artworks as part of their application. The application form has a section where you can share the link to your portfolio. Please use our Google Slides portfolio template and make sure to share the file with us at ParsonsScholars@newschool.edu.
Portfolio Examples:
Alex S. (2023)
Watercolor on canvas
‘Alebrijes‘ Alex A. (2022)
Cardboard, wire, masking tape, and acrylic
Antonio (2022)
Pastels on paper
Mimi (2021)
Digital sketch using Procreate
Alex A. (2021)
Screenprint on paper
Financial Eligibility
Parsons Scholars uses the NY State Opportunity Program financial guidelines. We are committed to providing vital access initiatives that seek to counterbalance barriers that students of color encounter in their pursuit of higher education and career opportunities in the fields of art and design. The financial eligibility guidelines change every year. Please find the 2024 guidelines here.
How do we check?
During Phase 2 of the application process, applicants who have been invited to interview will be required to bring in one of the following forms of eligibility verification:
- Most recent tax forms (preferred)
- Pay stubs showing annual earning
- Letter from employer stating annual earning
- Proof of:
- Section 8
- TANF
- SNAP
- Unemployment
Note: do not bring in any original documents, only copies are accepted.
Applicants who are part of the foster care system are automatically financially eligible.
| Household Size | Total Household Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $26,973 or less |
| 2 | $36,482 or less |
| 3 | $45,991 or less |
| 4 | $55,500 or less |
| 5 | $65,009 or less |
| 6 | $74,518 or less |
| 7 | $84,027 or less |
| 8+ | $93,536 or less; plus $9,953 per family member in excess of 8 |