Admissions Policy

Compass College of Cinematic Arts admits only persons who have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent (GED). Applicants must request a copy of their completed high school transcript be sent to CCCA for record in their permanent file before acceptance will take place. The school does not admit ability-to-benefit students.

Application Process

Compass College of Cinematic Arts accepts applications from students who are eager to learn the process of filmmaking and who have a drive to implement the skills they develop. Admission takes place on a rolling basis and continues until all cohort seats are filled. Enrollment occurs simultaneously with admissions as all students are enrolled in all courses offered in the Film and Media Production Program. All students must be admitted/enrolled prior to the session start date.

Application Requirements:

• Completed and signed application form.
• Two (2) recommendation forms to be completed by designated representatives (listed on the application).
• Non-refundable application fee of $25.00.
• Proof of high school completion such as transcripts or GED equivalent is required. Although encouraged, submission of college transcripts is optional and not required.
• Homeschooled applicants must submit a list of courses taken, as well as a transcript.
• ACT or SAT test scores (may be obtained from the applicant's high school or directly from actstudent.org or sat.collegeboard.org/scores).
• A portfolio of the student’s creative work related to film (video, scripts, storyboards, music, etc.) and non-film work (photography, painting, poetry, building, sculpture, etc).
• Two essays (250+ words each).
• All applicants are required to meet in person or via phone with a Compass College of Cinematic Arts representative for an interview.

For more information, please contact the Admissions Office. You can also find the application and required forms on our website.

When all admission requirements have been satisfied, applicants will receive written notice of their program acceptance status. An admissions team reviews applications, and the applicant is notified of his or her acceptance status within four weeks of the completion of application requirements. CCCA reserves the right to change the application minimums and requirements at any time.

Transfer

Credits from Other Institutions

Due to the nature of the Film and Media Production Program, transfer credits from other colleges or schools will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Credits to Other Institutions

Credits earned at Compass College of Cinematic Arts are not universally transferable. Decisions concerning the acceptance of credits by any other institution are made at the sole discretion of the receiving institution. No representation is made whatsoever concerning the transferability of any credits earned to any institution. Students considering continuing their education at, or transferring to, other institutions must not assume that the credits earned at CCCA would be universally accepted by the receiving institution. An institution’s accreditation does not guarantee that credits earned at that institution would be accepted for transfer by any other institution. Students must contact the Registrar of the receiving institution to determine what credits, if any, that institution will accept.

Reenrollment Policy

If a student decides to discontinue enrollment, or Compass College of Cinematic Arts dismisses the student, during the program’s duration, he or she may apply for reenrollment at any time.

If more than 12 months have elapsed since last enrollment, the following policies will apply:

1. Complete a regular application for admission. A $25 fee must accompany the application.
2. Tuition and fees will be charged at the current rate at the time of readmission. The student will be charged for any course that is repeated.
3. The student will be notified in writing and may then join the group following the last course successfully completed. The student will be charged at the current rate for any course repeated.

A student who chooses to discontinue enrollment while not in good standing, as defined by the policies in this catalog, must be approved by the Academic Dean prior to apply for readmission. A copy of the acceptance letter will be sent to the registrar to document the conditions for the student’s continued enrollment and financial aid eligibility.

General Graduation Requirements

All students must satisfactorily complete all of the required classes or their equivalents in the Film and Media Production Program, 60 credit hours. The student must be in good academic standing and earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in order to receive his or her diploma. A graduation fee of $80 per student is billed during the second term and must be paid prior to graduation. Students with charges remaining on their student account will not be awarded their degree or diploma until full and final payment is received.

Disability Accommodations

CCCA will make reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities in compliance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The purpose of accommodation is to provide equal access to educational opportunities to students with disabilities, and the school does not intend that academic standards be altered, or that essential elements of programs or courses be changed. Accommodations are granted on the basis of determined needs and documentation of disabilities.

International Students

International students are welcome at CCCA. In addition to a completing an Application for International Students, other forms and requirements must be fulfilled. Be aware that the dates and deadlines are different than those for domestic students. Contact the Admissions Office for further information.

International students are not eligible for federal or state financial aid, as they do not meet the citizenship requirement.

Student Services

CCCA employs individuals dedicated to serving the student body and graduates. The student services department works collaboratively with students, instructors, and administration to create a positive learning community. The Student Services Coordinator (SSC) acts as a liaison to staff and faculty on behalf of the student. The SSC also provides services through student advising and transitional service activities. Advising consists of attendance tracking, mid-term advising meetings, and tutoring services to provide students with a supportive learning environment. Transitional service activities include assistance with housing, transportation, and part-time employment.

In addition to the Student Service Coordinator, CCCA’s Industry Relations Specialist (IRS) actively monitors the film and media industry for current news on job placement. The IRS works with students and alumni to develop their job-seeking skills through placement services such as job referrals, mock-interviews, resume and demo-reel reviews and job research.

For more information, please refer to the Student Services section of the website.

Housing

CCCA does not provide on-campus housing. The student services office assists out-of-area students in connecting with others looking for housing and roommates by providing them with information on various housing options in the Grand Rapids area. A list of private residential opportunities is provided upon request.

Orientation Day

Each program session begins with an Orientation Day. This day’s primary goal is to focus on the idea of community and is designed to introduce incoming students to one another and the CCCA faculty and staff. Formal and informal sessions are held throughout the day to give information about life as a student at CCCA. This session is mandatory for student participation.

Student Handbook

Students in each cohort are given a Student Handbook that addresses many topics. The Student Handbook works in conjunction with the Academic Catalog to inform students and parents of the school’s policies and procedures. Students are encouraged to thoroughly read through both documents familiarizing themselves with the school’s policies and procedures.

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