Undergraduate Admissions Requirements

Application Form

Enter general personal and educational information. There is no fee associated with the CCS Undergraduate application. If you choose to submit your portfolio on ccs.slideroom.com, Slideroom will require $10US.

Portfolio

Upload 8-12 pieces of your original visual artwork to ccs.slideroom.com or get a one-on-one review with a CCS representative. Five drawings from imagination or observation are required for the following majors: Entertainment Arts: Animation, Entertainment Arts: Concept Design, Entertainment Arts: Game, Illustration, Transpiration Design. Works from all visual mediums can be submitted.

Applications for our Film major do not require a portfolio. Applicants with a 3.0 Cum GPA are admissible. Portfolios submitted will not be used for determining an admission decision or merit scholarship.

High School or College Transcript(s)

Email or request an electronic version of your current transcript (unofficial or official electronic version) to the CCS Admissions office.

High school students who have attended more than one high school: Submit a transcript that details all four years of enrollment or a transcript from each school attended.

Homeschooled applicants: Submit a detailed transcript that includes student’s full name, address, dates and detail of courses completed, grades earned and the signature of the person who oversaw the education plan and created the document. If any coursework was completed at a college or high school, a transcript from that institution must be submitted as well.

Transfer applicants: Submit transcripts from all previously attended colleges if they want to transfer previously-earned credit.

International Applicants: If you’ve completed coursework outside the United States and wish to transfer credits, we strongly recommend you obtain a professional course-by-course evaluation of your academic records. Please use recognized credential evaluation services World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), to ensure your coursework aligns with the U.S. education system.

Official copies of all transcripts confirming graduation from high school, a GED test transcript, or the equivalent international education level, must be one file prior to the Add/Drop Deadline of the student’s initial start term, and is required for matriculation.

Test Blind for Domestic Applicants

Starting with applications for semesters in 2020, CCS will not require a standardized test (ACT or SAT) score. If a Test Score is submitted it will not be used to influence admission or scholarship. While CCS is committed to admitting students who have proven potential to succeed in our programs, our historical data indicates that Test Scores do not consistently identify that potential.

English Language Test Score for International Applicants

International applicants whose primary and/or native language is not English must submit one of the following English language test scores: TOEFL, IELTS, DuolingoEnglish Test, SAT or ACT. The test requirement may be waived if the primary language of instruction at their secondary school or college is English.

Letters of Recommendation and Artists Statements are not required.

Conditional Admission

The College may occasionally admit students as Conditionally Admitted if their potential to succeed is not directly reflected in their High School Cum GPA. Conditions of admission and enrollment are as follows:

  • You will be limited to taking 13 credits during the first semester of your first year of study while you acclimate to the rigors of college. While this is still considered full-time enrollment, your limitation on credit load during this first semester may mean that you will need to attend classes during a summer semester or take an additional semester in order to satisfy your degree requirements.
  • You will successfully complete the CCS First Year Experience (SLP 007) course in your first semester.
  • You must receive a 2.0 or better GPA during your first semester at CCS or you will be placed on academic warning.
  • You are strongly encouraged to meet regularly with the staff of the Center for Tutoring and Writing to identify and receive any academic support you need.

These guardrails support student success by engaging students with the staff, offices and processes that will foster their success.

Reapplication Guidelines

If an applicant for admission to the College has been admitted to the same academic level four times in the past, but has never completed attendance through the first semester Add/Drop period of any admitted Start Term, the fifth and following applications for admission will be denied.

Students with Disabilities and Requesting Accommodations

CCS Nondiscrimination Policy

Chosen and Legal Name

The College for Creative Studies recognizes the importance of accommodating members of the institution regarding the use of an individual’s legal or chosen name, while remaining in compliance with federal and legal obligations. There are various reasons students, faculty and staff may choose to use a name to identify themselves that differs from their legal name. It is the policy of the College to use a chosen name (if requested) within CCS systems where a legal name is not absolutely necessary. The use of a chosen name does not automatically change the legal name in College systems/records. Proper documentation is required for students, staff or faculty members that wish to change their legal name.

Definitions

Legal Name
A name, also commonly known as a given name, that appears on the state issued ID card, driver’s license, passport, social security card, birth certificate, and immigration documents.  Documentation (marriage license, court order, divorce decree, etc) is required to change a legal name. A legal name change will result in a comprehensive change in the individual’s records.
Chosen Name
A first name that you may choose to be called. It is different from your legal first name and no legal documentation is required. A chosen name, also known as preferred name, is generally used by individuals who choose to use:

Legal Name Policy

CCS must always maintain a record of students’ and employees’ legal name and are used where required within CCS records/systems (i.e., Human Resource records, Financial Aid documents, student conduct records, medical/insurance records, academic transcripts, etc). A legal name will continue to appear within institution records for reasons related to conducting institutional business, technology limitations or if required by law. Legal name change requests will be approved based on submission of legal evidence indicating the name change.  All requests must be verified with Information Technology Services through the approving office, to update CCS systems.

Chosen Name Policy

A chosen name will appear in select institutional systems, records, or documents in which a legal name is not required. To assure accurate identification, the legal last name will appear along with the chosen first name whenever possible. CCS reserves the right to remove or deny the chosen first name if used inappropriately. This includes, but is not limited to, names using foul or inappropriate language, names submitted to avoid a legal obligation, fraud, and names used to create misrepresentation.  A chosen name that includes numbers or symbols will not be recognized. Each individual may request one chosen first name change during each twelve month period.  An Individual may request to revert back to their legal name at any time. Historical notes in systems may not be updated to reflect the change. 

A chosen name can appear on CCS ID cards and email, among other approved areas if requested. All requests must be verified with Information Technology Services through the approving office, to update CCS systems.

For the purpose of F-1 and J-1 student visa status, the legal name must be used on I-20s and DDS-2019s. An individual’s legal name is what appears on the passport.

Under FERPA, a student’s chosen name or legal name may be disclosed as directory information (unless a request to withhold is on file to prevent disclosure, see FERPA Policy). The Chosen name will be used as first preference.

Note: Parents/families that have access to your personal CCS accounts, will be able to see the same information accessed by a student or employee. It is recommended that personal accounts and login information is not shared with anyone (including family).

Procedures for Chosen Name Requests and Legal Name Changes

Procedures for chosen and legal names may vary. Individuals interested in updating personal records should contact the appropriate office directly related to their status of enrollment or employment. 

Chosen & Legal Name Display Areas: 

The below chart indicates where chosen and legal names will appear in CCS records and documents, along with the affiliated campus office*. 

If a chosen name is requested, it will display on all items in the “Chosen Name” column. 

The Legal Name will always appear within records listed in the “Legal Name” column.

*Changes to a name (chosen or legal) may take 2 to 3 business days to update across campus systems.

“The college will continue to review the section below to adhere to policy updates and institutional changes that impact the use of Chosen and Legal Names.”

Last Updated: 07/30/20

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:
Legal Name
will display:
Academic EvaluationTranscripts (Official, Unofficial, and CE)
Registration ConfirmationEnrollment Verifications
Class ScheduleSubpoenas
Graduation Reports
Academic Standing (probation/suspension)
Diplomas
Commencement line-up name cards
Commencement Program
Deposit Reports
Course & Attendance Rosters
Student Email1
Academic Advising & Registration Office Chosen and Legal Name Usage

Last Updated: 08/10/20

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:
Legal Name
will display:
Dean’s/President’s list/lettersAcademic Honesty Records/notifications
Review week schedules for departmentsImre Molnar Award letters
Mentor or other Departmental student listsAward of Academic Excellence – Graduate Studies
Student Affairs Monthly Reports
Academic Affairs Chosen and Legal Name Usage

Last Updated: 08/17/20

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:
Legal Name
will display:
Transfer Credit EvaluationsAcceptance Letters
Admissions EmailMerit Scholarship Award letters
Text messagesMailed documents
Admissions Chosen and Legal Name Usage

Last Updated: 08/10/20

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:
Legal Name
will display:
Individual communication (email & text)Admissions documents & reports
Institutional communication
International Admissions Chosen and Legal Name Usage

Last Updated: 08/10/20

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:
Legal Name
will display:
Tuition Billing
Checks
Pay Stubs
W2’s
All payroll systems/reports
Receipts
Business Services and Payroll Chosen and Legal Name Usage

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:
Legal Name
will display:
CCS ID cards
Campus Safety Chosen and Legal Name Usage

Last Updated: 08/13/20

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:
Legal Name
will display:
College Central Network (formerly Job Book)
Display/exhibition, Career Dev. recruiting events (or showcase)
Career Development Chosen and Legal Name Usage

Last Updated: 08/10/20

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:
Legal Name
will display:
Individual Email communicationFinancial Aid Award letters
Mailed correspondence
Correspondence with Department of Education
Loan records
Pell Grant records
Enrollment records
Financial Aid Chosen and Legal Name Usage

Last Updated 08/10/20

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:
Legal Name
will display:
Employee/Phone DirectoryIRS forms
CCS Employee ID cardBenefits
CCS Employee email2Retirement
Employee hire records
Work-Study hire records
Tuition remission records
Employee fee waivers (credit and non-credit)
Human Resources Chosen and Legal Name Usage

Last Updated: 08/11/20

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:
Legal Name
will display:
CCS email address2
Access Manager2
Self-Service, student2
Self-Service, staff2
WebAdvisor for Faculty2
Phone Directory2
Information Technology Chosen and Legal Name Usage

Last Updated: 08/10/20

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:
Legal Name
will display:
Registration Confirmations (AARO printed)Registration Confirmations (ISSO printed)
Degree AuditsSEVIS
Immigration documents
International Student Services Office Chosen or Legal Name Usage

Chosen Name
(if reequested)
Displays on:
Legal Name
will display:
Title IX records
Office for Institutional Equity & Inclusion Chosen and Legal Name Usage

Last Updated: 07/31/20

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:
Legal Name
will display:
On-Campus housing rostersMeal Plans
Roommate assignmentsMedical & Insurance Records
OrientationStudent Disability Services Records
Disability Accommodation NotificationsStudent Conduct Records
Student Elections
Student Organization Representatives
Student Affairs, Student Life, Housing, Wellness Center, and Nurse Chosen and Legal Name Usage

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:
Legal Name
will display:
use of Legal name as required
Compliance Reporting for Internal & External Auditing Processes Chosen and Legal Name Usage

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:
Legal Name
will display:
use of Legal name as required
Federal Government Compliance Reporting for Internal & External Auditing Processes Chosen and Legal Name Usage

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:
Legal Name
will display:
use of Legal name as required
State of Michigan Compliance Reporting for Internal & External Auditing Processes Chosen and Legal Name Usage

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:
Legal Name
will display:
use of Legal name as required
Subpoena Compliance Reporting for Internal & External Auditing Processes Chosen and Legal Name Usage

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:
Legal Name
will display:
Tax receipts & gift agreements
Alumni Chosen and Legal Name Usage

Footnotes

  1. All student records (UG, MFA, TC, Guest Students and non credit records) ↩︎
  2. IT updates systems, but does not handle the initial requests for changes. Updates by office requests. ↩︎