First Time College Student Admissions Process

First Time Freshman

Students at Harrington College of Design may begin studies in our interior design, photography or graphic design degree programs during the fall, spring or summer semesters. In applicants, we’re looking for the following documents and criteria:

  • Application for admission
  • Attestation of graduation from high school or equivalent
  • Request for official U.S. high school transcript, GED or equivalent
  • Payment of non-refundable application fee
  • Aptitude for creativity
  • Commitment to achieving professional and personal goals

Previous education in design is not essential.

The school reserves the right to reject applicants if the items listed above are not successfully completed.

Acceptance into Harrington College of Design

Students are accepted into Harrington’s programs within two to four weeks of all admissions requirements being completed. Students will receive a letter of acceptance, and may receive an email or phone call prior to the receipt of the letter.

Advance Program

Students whose application materials suggest they may be underprepared for college-level work are required to participate in Advance.

Advance is a 7.5-week, six-credit, pass/fail program that will begin in July 2011. Advance is available during each of Harrington’s 15-week semesters and as determined for other start dates. This program is designed to provide individualized support in improving student study habits, introducing students to Harrington’s programs and providing developmental support in the fields of Math and English. Advance also addresses the following skills: research, financial literacy, time management, and basic technology skills.

When students successfully complete Advance, they take the academic placement tests and register for appropriate coursework. Students who score below the threshold for college-level work will be required to take developmental courses as described in the Developmental Education section.

The Following Must Be on File by the Final Day of the Drop/Add Week:

Proof of graduation from a High School recognized by the board of education in the state in which it operates, proof of graduation from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or proof of high school equivalency via a General Education Development (GED) test. Proof of the above may be submitted as one of the following:

  • An official transcript from the educational institution
  • An unofficial transcript sent directly from the educational institution
  • A fax received at Harrington from the educational institution
  • A scanned copy received at Harrington from the educational institution
  • An original, unaltered transcript copied by designated Harrington staff
  • An unofficial transcript obtained directly from the educational institution’s Website by designated Harrington staff

All High School and GED transcripts are to be sent to the Office of Admissions. All college transcripts are to be sent to the Office of the Registrar. All documentation must be submitted prior to the end of drop/add week. Acceptance will be conditional until all documentation has been accepted. Students with extenuating circumstances may appeal in writing for an extension of this deadline. A request form must be completed by the student and submitted to the president for review and approval prior to the end of drop/add week.

Students whose proof of graduation is from a non-U.S. institution must provide copies of the original documents in addition to the evaluation for U.S. equivalency from an approved credential evaluation service and an English translation of all non-English documents.

Home-Schooled Students

The transcript for a home-schooled student will be accepted as official proof of graduation only if the state board of education of the prospective student’s state recognizes the diploma. Home-schooled applicants whose individual programs of study are not recognized by the Illinois Board of Education, or their home residence state’s board of education, must provide proof of equivalency of high school via a General Education Development test (GED).

If you have questions at any time, a Harrington Admissions Representative can provide assistance and help the process go smoothly, quickly and efficiently.