How to Apply

We accept applications online through SlideRoom. Start or finish your SlideRoom application here.

The application fee is $70 for all applicants. The application is payable by credit card on the application and is non-refundable.

In order to make applying to Salt as accessible as possible, please let us know if you need a fee waiver by emailing us at salt@meca.edu.

The Statement of Intent includes two parts:

— a 500-word essay that describes your interest in documentary studies and which Salt track you intend to pursue while at MECA&D, either Radio & Podcasting or Short Film.

— roughly 500 words that encompass at least two (2) short pitches (1–2 paragraphs each) describing stories that you would like to potentially pursue while at Salt. Each pitch should include basic information about the story, including mention of a potential main character and setting, as well as why it's interesting, and how you would potentially approach reporting it. While you are not obligated to pursue these stories if admitted to Salt, these pitches are important as they show curiosity, research skills, and problem-solving.

Please submit your statement of intent on the SlideRoom application.

This should include education, employment history, exhibitions/publications, and honors. Please upload a PDF version of your CV or resumé to your SlideRoom application.

Please provide information from two people who know you well. These can be professional and/or educational references or anyone else who can speak to your abilities, work ethic, and character. They do not need to send a written letter of recommendation; you will only be asked to fill in their name, email, and phone number and in what capacity you know or have worked with them.

We require official transcripts from all previously attended undergraduate and graduate institutions. Transcripts will be considered official if they are sent by the issuing institution through Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse Transcript Service or if they arrive at MECA&D in an envelope that is stamped and sealed by the issuing institution.

If your institution is mailing your transcripts, please have them sent to the following address:
Maine College of Art & Design
Attn: Salt Admissions
522 Congress Street
Portland, ME 04101

Please submit the portfolio for review on your SlideRoom application.

Choose from ONE of the following options:

Radio & Podcasting
Two short audio stories, ranging from 3-5 minutes

Submit one .mp3 file per piece. (Note that .wav, .aiff, or .mp4s file formats are not accepted.) Files should be labeled as follows: FirstnameLastname_audio01.mp3, FirstnameLastname_audio02.mp3

Short Film
Two short, 2-3 minute films. Future film-makers may choose to substitute 20 photos that create a visual narrative, or a 20-photo slideshow.

File requirements:
— video (.mp4, up to 250MB each)
— images (.jpg, up to 5MB each or 250MB collection)

Captions are permitted but not required. If you would like to submit your images in book format, please format as a PDF, up to 10MB. Files should be labeled as follows: FirstnameLastname_image01.jpg, FirstnameLastname_image02.jpg

Please note: We are not looking for “professional” or “distribution ready” pieces — gaining that level of achievement is one reason why students apply to Salt in the first place. We are interested in your potential and what type of stories you feel compelled to tell. Salt is looking for individuals with all levels of media ability, from beginning to advanced students.