ADMISSIONS

LACHSA  |  APPLY

ADMISSION

REQUIREMENTS

CINEMATIC ARTS
DANCE
MUSIC

Thank you for your interest in applying to the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts!  Students seeking a chance to be a part of our nationally recognized program should review the general information on this page regarding our audition process. For more detailed information about the admission requirements, please use the links on this page to view the application process for each department.

THEATRE
VISUAL ARTS

ADMISSION

LINKS

FAQ
TOURS
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Submit a completed online application by early February​​​ (You may submit up to two separate applications for two departments).

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Completion of department requirements.

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Must be a rising 9th or 10th grade in the upcoming school year.

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2.0 GPA or higher for Fall 2020 grading period.

Applications are closed for 2021-2022

Accepting Applications Nov 5, 2020 - Feb 12, 2021

Applications are only accepted between November and February.

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In addition to the online application, each art department has specific admission requirements. Use the links on this page to view the  specific department requirements. 

OVERVIEW OF TIMELINE

NOVEMBER 2020- FEBRUARY 2021

Online applications are open

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NOVEMBER 2021- JANUARY 2021

Tours, Panels & Seminars

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March 2021

Auditions and Portfolio Reviews (invite only)

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April 2021

Decision letters are emailed

OVERVIEW   |  APPLICATION PROCESS

STEP ONE

Fully complete and submit  online application including personal statement and letter of recommendation by the date listed above.

STEP TWO

Prepare for your audition. Upload your grades from the 2020 calendar year. Upload your pre-screen video or portfolio (if required).

STEP THREE

Submit audition. Please check to make sure you've fulfilled any specific requirements from your desired department.

Please read our FAQ below if you have any additional questions. Should you not find your question below, please reach us at lachsa_admissions@lacoe.edu. For department-specific questions, please email the respective arts chair. All information is subject to change. Please visit the site regularly for updates.

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ADMISSIONS FAQ

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 February 12, 2021.
  3. Audition!
  4. Wait for results.



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

The online application for 2021-2022 school year opened on November 5, 2020 and the last day to submit an application is on February 12, 2021 at 5:00p PST.



Required Documents

Transcripts/ Grades: Applicants will include an uploaded copy of their grades or transcripts with their application. Please do not mail or send separately. By submitting the application, you are affirming that your student meets the minimum GPA of 2.0 for two full semesters prior to the audition day.



My school does not give traditional letter grades, only narratives. May I still include those with my application?

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



When are the auditions?

Auditions for the 2021-2022 school year will be in March 2021. *All 2020-2021 campus activities are subject to change due to Covid 19 guidelines.



Can I just show up for an audition?

No. Live Auditions, Interviews, and Portfolio Reviews are by appointment only. *All 2020-2021 campus activities are subject to change due to Covid 19 guidelines.



Where are the auditions?

Auditions will be held at LACHSA on the campus of Cal State Los Angeles. Click here for directions. *All 2020-2021 campus activities are subject to change due to Covid 19 guidelines.



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?

Students must be residents of Los Angeles County by July 31, 2021. Unfortunately, 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. Please click here visit our Tours page for more information.



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, attend an information session or attend an audition workshop.



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 160 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 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 2020-21 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 November 2020. *All 2020-2021 campus activities are subject to change due to Covid-19 guidelines.



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 April 2021.



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.