top image Admissions

We don’t expect our students to fit the mold.
In fact,we want to help them break it.

FIDM Students are unique. That’s why we take all of the individual achievements and qualifications of our applicants into consideration. While some FIDM Candidates are recent high school graduates, others have previously received an AA or a Bachelor’s Degree from another school. Many potential students decide to attend FIDM after years in another industry, while those with experience in our key industries come to FIDM for additional training to further their careers. Whatever a candidate’s educational and professional background, they can be assured that they will be considered on their own merit by our admissions department. Because diversity only adds to the creative environment we’re passionate about at FIDM.

To help us better understand an applicant’s motivations for attending FIDM, we ask that they submit assets to help us determine their individual eligibility. Candidacy for admission to all Associate of Arts, Professional Designation, and Associate of Arts Advanced Study Programs is based on an initial application and satisfaction of the following requirements:

1. Submission of high school/secondary school transcript(s) and, if applicable, all college/university transcript(s).

All candidates must possess or be a candidate for a high school/secondary school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED). Applicants not meeting these criteria should refer to the Ability to Benefit section of our catalog.

2. Submission of three recommendations from professionals such as faculty, counselors, school administrators, or employers.

3. Admissions Process.

Whenever possible, campus visits and personal interviews are encouraged for all candidates. However, out-of-state students may interview by telephone and international students may apply through the mail (see application at the back of our catalog). Students may also apply online at www.FIDM.edu.

4. Submission of portfolio requirement for certain majors. Contact the Office of Admissions or access portfolio requirements at www.FIDM.edu.

5. Submission of initial $25.00 application fee.

This non-refundable fee is applied toward the final application fee at the time of enrollment.

Addresses and phone numbers of all FIDM Campuses are listed in the back of our catalog and on our website. Applications may also be submitted online at www.FIDM.edu.

Admission to Associate of Arts Advanced Study Degree Programs

Limited to candidates who possess a prior academic degree in a related discipline. Prior FIDM degree required for admission to the Fashion Design Advanced Study Program. Candidates must also meet the general education core requirements or possess a U.S. accredited degree in the discipline in which they wish to pursue advanced study.

Admission to Associate of Arts Professional Designation Degree Programs

Limited to candidates who have a U.S. accredited degree and wish to add a new field of specialization. Information about specific prerequisite coursework and approved professional experience may be obtained from the Office of Admissions.

Out-of-State Admissions

Students residing outside of the State of California may waive the requirement of a personal interview by contacting an out-of-state Admissions Advisor (by telephone, in writing, or online) to arrange for a telephone interview. An additional $200 application fee is due prior to acceptance.

International Student Admissions

International students may apply online at www.FIDM.edu. The following additional requirements may need to be satisfied by international students:

1. ESL classes — FIDM is a professionally oriented college and currently coordinates English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at the Los Angeles and San Francisco campuses.

2. TOEFL — Applicants whose first language is not English are required to take the test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum TOEFL score for admission to FIDM is a computer-based score of 160 (or 183 if you are a student who lives outside of the United States) or an Internet-based score of 56 (or 65 if you are a student living outside of the United States). The TOEFL may be arranged by contacting the U.S. Consul in the applicant’s country of residence or by writing to: TOEFL, Education Testing Services, Box 900, Princeton, New Jersey 08540 USA. On the internet, go to www.ets.org. An international admissions fee, listed on the tuition schedule, is payable 30 days after enrollment. FIDM TOEFL school code is #4457.

3. Transcripts — All international transcripts must be translated and some transcripts may require certification by an official agency.

4. Letter of financial support — The college is on the approved list of the U.S. Department of Justice for non-immigrant students and is authorized to issue certificates of eligibility (Form I-20). International students are required to supply a Letter of Financial Support verifying that they are able to meet their financial obligations. International students residing out of the country are not required to attend personal interviews. International students should not depend on part-time employment for financial support while attending college. Industry experience may be gained by applying for practical training during the second year of enrollment.

Junior Admissions

The Admissions Department provides high school juniors an opportunity for early consideration and acceptance to FIDM. Admissions Advisors interview students and recommend ways in which the applicant can prepare for admission to FIDM while in the senior year of high school. Activities are planned to assist students to prepare for entrance into the college. Interested students can visit us at www.fashionclub.com.

Acceptance

Applicants will be notified about acceptance to the college at the conclusion of the second personal interview. At this time, prospective students complete enrollment forms and pay the non-refundable application fee.

Out-of-state students will be notified of their acceptance and receive enrollment papers by mail upon FIDM’s receipt of all required forms and application fees. The enrollment procedure is concluded when the completed forms and remaining admissions fees are returned to the college.

Ability to Benefit

Admission to FIDM requires that the applicant be a high school graduate or successfully complete the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) exam. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may be considered for special admission under the college’s Ability to Benefit policy. The applicant must be 18 years of age, and pass an independently administered Ability to Benefit test approved by the Secretary of Education, U.S. Department of Education.