Updates for the 2026 undergraduate admissions cycle will be posted in July 2025. Be sure to use the 2026 instructions if you are applying as a first-year or as a transfer student for Fall 2026. 

The Design + Environmental Analysis (DEA) Design Challenge is required of all first-year and transfer DEA applicants. This submission will be considered along with your required application materials (Common Application, transcripts, etc). DEA applicants who do not submit the Case Study will not be considered. 

The goal of the DEA Design Challenge is to communicate your point-of-view. The work you submit should say something about who you are, your opinions, and your personal goals. There is also an optional category if you wish to submit additional examples of your creative expression. Be sure to review the DEA Design Challenge instructions carefully and thoughtfully prepare your materials. 

Submission instructions
All DEA Design Challenge components must be submitted via SlideRoom. Materials submitted through other means will not be reviewed or returned.

Deadlines
Your DEA Design Challenge must be submitted to SlideRoom by the application deadline that corresponds with your application status. Late submissions will not be considered.

DEA Design Challenge Components
The DEA Design Challenge will consist of various creative components. Specific instruction will be posted in July 2025.

All work must be original and produced by the applicant only, with no assistance from consultants, Artificial Intelligence, etc. Submissions found to have significant similarity to work posted on the internet or from other sources will not be accepted.

DEA Design Challenge Instructions (2026 updated instructions will be available in July 2025)

Frequently Asked Questions