Admissions Process to the Game Design Degrees

DigiPen is now accepting applications for the upcoming school year. Click here to apply online or to download Application forms.

Admission to the Game Design degrees is competitive, and applicants who exceed the minimum standard requirements are more likely to be admitted than those who do not.

Minimum Requirements

• Applicants should have completed grade 12 or the equivalent prior to matriculating to DigiPen.
• Applicants should have at least a 2.5 overall grade point average in their most recent studies to be considered for admission.
• Applicants to the Bachelor of Science in Game Design (B.S.G.D.) degree program should have completed math through pre-calculus and have at least a “B” (or 3.0 grade point average) in their math classes.
• Applicants to the B.S.G.D. degree program are encouraged to take calculus, physics, computer science, and related AP courses before coming to DigiPen.

Applicants to either Game Design degree program should submit the following application materials:

1. $75 Application Fee (U.S. funds only): The application fee is fully refunded for applicants who are not admitted.

2. Undergraduate Application Form: This can be completed online at www.digipen.edu.

3. Official High School Transcripts and Proof of High School Graduation or the Equivalent: Applicants should have at least a 2.5 overall GPA in their most recent studies.

4. Official College Transcripts, if applicable.

5. SAT or ACT Test Scores: These may be waived for high school graduates with at least one full year of college-level education (not including dual enrollment or Running Start).

6. Two Letters of Recommendation: Templates for the letters of recommendation are available online, under the online application forms. References should come from teachers, mentors, and/or employers.

7. Observational Analysis: Great game designers need to be analytical and able to go beyond the average thinker. Show us how you think by observing and analyzing a traffic pattern. This can be broadly construed – you could observe people moving through a mall, cows in a field, or some other similar traffic pattern. Be sure to address the following in your analysis (maximum of two pages):

• Analyze the traffic pattern. Remember that we are interested in your analysis of this traffic pattern, not just what it is. Explain the flow of traffic and any patterns that you notice. Consider the following in your analysis: is the pattern logical, is it efficient, are things poorly placed, are there physical barriers to flow, are there people or animals going against the flow, what is drawing or repelling the group or herd?
• How would you improve the pattern or environment? Be specific.
• Illustrations are optional.

8. Game Critique: In less than 500 words, fully describe a game that you disliked, why you disliked the game, and what you would have done to improve the game. You may choose any type of game to critique.

9. Art Portfolio: Please submit at least six pieces of observational artwork. Please note each piece with the approximate date of completion and the medium used. Color copies or reproductions are recommended as original pieces will NOT be returned. Portfolios may be submitted on standard 8.5” x 11” sheets of paper in a binder or digitally on CD. Please ensure that your portfolio has your full name on it.

Bachelor of Arts applicants should submit drawings of real life that are observed and not from one’s imagination or a 2D reference. At least three pieces should be of objects, and three should be of environments or architecture.

Bachelor of Science applicants must submit either the requirements listed above for Bachelor of Arts applicants or drawings or other types of visual observation and representation (such as photographs or sculpture) of things that inspire you as a level designer. At least three pieces should be man-made artifacts (building, cities, sculpture, art, etc.), and three should be of natural settings (spaces, landscapes, etc.). Please include a two-sentence description of what inspiration is derived from the visual observation.

Please note that the three short personal statement questions on the 2008-2009 physical application form are NOT required for the Game Design applications.