LACHSA  |  APPLY

How do I apply to LACHSA for the upcoming school year?

1. Review the audition requirements for each art department and prepare!
2. Apply online and submit by the deadline January 17, 2020.
3. Bring your transcripts to the audition.
4. Audition!
5. Wait for results.

When can I submit my application for the upcoming school year?

The online application for Fall 2020 will open on October 1, 2019. Please check back for Fall 2020 Admissions information.

Required Documents

Transcripts/ Grades: Please bring your transcript with you in person on audition day. Please do not mail or send separately. By submitting the application, you are affirming that your student meets the minimum GPA of 2.0 with no Fail grades for two full semesters prior to the audition day.

My school does not give traditional letter grades, only narratives. May I still turn those in at the audition?

LACHSA can only accept transcripts in traditional A - F letter grade or 0 - 100% number grade format. Please contact your school's counselor for a translation.

When are the auditions?

Auditions for the 2020-2021 school year will be in February 2020.

Can I just show up for an audition?

No. Live Auditions, Interviews, and Portfolio Reviews are by appointment only.

Where are the auditions?

Auditions will be held at LACHSA on the campus of Cal State Los Angeles. Click here for directions.

Who can audition?

LACHSA only accepts applications for rising 9th and 10th grade students. (This means you must currently be in 8th or 9th grade to apply.) LACHSA is a public tuition-free, donation-dependent high school for residents of Los Angeles County.

What if I don't live in Los Angeles County?

LACHSA does accept a small percentage of students outside of the county district. However, we are not able to accept international students.

We are planning a move to Los Angeles. Can we still audition?

Yes! However, we cannot make accommodations for auditions or time changes to accommodate individual schedules. Please include in your application a contact email that will not change. We are unable to update applicant files after submission.

Is there an Open House or Tour that I can attend to get more information?

Yes. Click here to sign up online for tours of LACHSA and Information Sessions.

What if I can't make it to a tour? Can I still audition?

Yes, you can still audition if you are not able to take a school tour or attend an Information Session.

I am currently a high school student. Can I transfer to LACHSA?

LACHSA does allow current 9th graders to apply during our annual auditions. They must complete an audition or portfolio review, and pass academic review. Openings for rising 10th graders are through attrition only. LACHSA has approximately 140 openings annually for rising 9th graders and 10th graders through attrition.

Can a student audition for more than one art department?

Yes. During general auditions, students may apply to a maximum of two departments, but they must submit a separate application for both and meet the audition requirements for both. The student can only be admitted into one art department. ATTENTION MUSICIANS: You must audition with one primary instrument. If you are equally adept at multiple instruments, you may audition for up to two instruments but you must prepare auditions for each instrument according to the criteria set forth under the Music Department.

Do I have to prepare for my audition or portfolio review?

ABSOLUTELY YES! Entrance to LACHSA is extremely competitive with up to 1200 applicants for approximately 160 total openings. Review the audition/portfolio criteria as soon as possible. Be prepared to show the Adjudication Board your best and most complete work.

Do I need good grades to get in LACHSA?

ALL applicants to LACHSA must demonstrate an academic GPA of 2.0 minimum with no F's (FAIL) for the two semesters prior to the audition. If a student meets these criteria, passes the audition and is offered enrollment, the offer is contingent on meeting academic requirements for the entire 2019-20 academic year. Students who do not continue meeting the academic requirement may have the offer to enroll in LACHSA rescinded.

How do I prepare for my audition/portfolio review?

You will find a detailed breakdown of the criteria required for auditions/portfolio review under each department page. You can also sign up for an Audition Info Session. Online sign-ups for workshops will be available in October/November 2019.

How are the auditions judged?

Each applicant is adjudicated by a number system rubric based on each department's specific requirements and by LACHSA faculty and industry professionals. The applicants with the highest overall audition score and who have met all other application requirements, will be offered tentative enrollment (pending OFFICIAL verification of grades).

How many openings are available for new students?

LACHSA has a total enrollment of approximately 600 students. This year LACHSA expects to have spaces for approximately 145 incoming freshmen. Spaces for 10th grade become available through attrition or departmental need.

When do applicants receive their audition results?

Acceptance letters are EMAILED on or around March 2020.

If I am not accepted to LACHSA this year, may I audition again?

YES. Please audition again if you are eligible. Please note that LACHSA only accepts rising 9th and 10th grade students.