HOW TO APPLY

Auditions are on a first-come, first-serve basis. If there are no remaining auditions for your particular instrument, you may need to submit a recorded audition. Please call the Office of Admissions at (617) 912-9153 to see whether or not audition time slots are still available before applying. Also note that certain majors require a pre-screening before an audition is granted.

Please call the Office of Admissions at 617-912-9153 to discuss audition options.

Students applying to The Boston Conservatory should click on APPLY to access our online application.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

— $105 non-refundable application fee

— All necessary transcripts:

• High school transcripts required for all freshman and transfer applicants who have not completed two years of college work
• College transcripts required for all transfer and graduate applicants
• Home schooled students (please see home school requirements below)

— Two letters of recommendation
Students are required to submit two (2) recommendations in support of their application. One recommendation should be from someone who knows the applicant in an academic context and the other from someone who knows the applicant in an artistic context. Applicants to the Orchestral Conducting Program should provide two artistic recommendations from a teacher and/or faculty member who have observed the applicant conducting. Recommendations may be sent electronically via the online application or mailed directly to The Boston Conservatory. (Recommendation coversheets can be
found on the online application.) Artist Diploma candidates should refer to the section “Artist Diploma Applicants.”
Suggested recommenders:
Dance—Ballet or Modern and Academic
Music—Applied Teacher and Academic
Music Education—Employer and Academic
Musical Theater—Music or Acting and Academic

— Artistic resumé (done online)
Relevant to the program to which you are applying,
1. Applied study (e.g., subject, with whom,
2. Performance experience
3. Awards, distinctions
4. Festivals, summer programs attended

— TOEFL/IELTS results (for any non-native speakers of English) The test should be taken by the end of January. Please note that all international students who have graduated from an English-speaking high school or college/university are exempt from taking the TOEFL or IELTS.

— Writing Sample (done online)
Please state in 350 words or less your career objectives and how study at The Boston Conservatory will assist you in achieving your goals.

— SAT or ACT score

IMPORTANT DATES

October 15 Postmark deadline for all applications and supporting materials for January enrollment consideration for MM, GPD, and transfer BM candidates in the Music Division only.

December 1 Postmark deadline for all applications and supporting materials for Fall enrollment consideration for BFA, BM, MM and GPD candidates.

January 18 Postmark for all applications and supporting materials for Fall enrollment consideration for ADP candidates.

February 1 Recommended FAFSA submission.

March 15 Notification of all admission and financial aid offers to GRADUATE candidates in the Music Division.

April 1 Notification of all admission and financial aid offers for ALL UNDERGRADUATE candidates and for GRADUATE candidates in the Theater Division.

April 1 Receipt of all applications and supporting materials for Summer enrollment consideration for MM and GD candidates in Music Education.

April 15 Tuition deposit postmarked for MM (Music Division), GPD, and ADP candidates, except Music Education.

April 28 Notification of all admission and financial aid offers for MM and GD candidates in Music Education.

May 1 Tuition deposit postmark for BFA and BM candidates, as well as MM Musical Theater candidates .

May 15 Tuition deposit postmarked for MM and GD candidates in Music Education.

NOTE: The Boston Conservatory reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant whose file is deemed incomplete, who does not meet the appropriate state educational department regulations as written, and who misrepresents himself/herself in any way.

All supporting materials must be sent to:
The Boston Conservatory
The Office of Admissions
8 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02215

GENERAL INFORMATION

Applicants are considered for admission based on their audition results in conjunction with academic preparation and artistic and academic recommendations. For applicants who have submitted a complete application by the October 15 deadline, decisions for openings in the Music Division’s incoming Spring (January) class are announced on a rolling basis. For applicants who have submitted a complete application by the December 1 deadline, decisions for openings in the incoming Fall (September) class are announced March 15 (for Graduate students in the Music Division) and April 1 for all BFA, BM, and MM Musical Theater Candidates. Applicants are required to notify the Conservatory regarding their intent to enroll, no later than a postmark deadline of April 15 for Graduate Students in the Music Division and May 1 for all BFA, BM, and MM Musical Theater Candidates, by submitting a tuition deposit of $750 and housing deposit (if applicable) of $250. The tuition deposit is non-refundable after May 1, 2008. After December 1, application reviews and status notifications are processed on a rolling basis and will continue until all openings are filled or the beginning of classes in the fall, whichever comes first.

MID-YEAR ENROLLMENT

Application Deadline: October 15
—January enrollment is limited to only those applicants applying for enrollment consideration as MM, GPD, and transfer BM candidates in the Music Division.
—Applicants to the Spring semester must be able to be placed in second semester coursework and not require any remedial or ESL support coursework or orientation.
—Applicants considering Spring semester enrollment should contact the Office of Admissions directly to discuss their situation and appropriate application and audition arrangements.
—Auditions for January enrollment are by recording only.

APPLYING TO MULTIPLE PROGRAMS

All applicants who intend on applying to multiple degree programs must submit a complete and separate application, including the application fee, for each program to which they are applying. If admitted to two programs, students must choose one program in which to enroll by the deposit deadline, as students are permitted to enroll in only one program at a time. Students are not permitted to double major or minor.
*Applying to multiple programs will not increase an applicant's chance of admission.

FRESHMAN APPLICANTS

In order to be considered for admission, you must complete an audition (live or recorded) and submit a complete application packet. For admission to a bachelor’s degree program, a grade point average of 2.7 is expected. Applicants must have followed an academic-track preparation from an accredited high school. Applicants who have completed a GED in conjunction with some high school level coursework should send all relevant information. Students who are home schooled must take the GED examination and submit a curricular description.

Home Schooled Applicants:
The Boston Conservatory recognizes home schooling as a viable educational alternative. However, there are important and explicit regulations governing acceptable documentation.

The Boston Conservatory requires:
—A full outline of the curriculum by subject, including textbooks for each course.
—Assessment procedures and grades.
—Evidence of official recognition by the school district and/or state department of education or the GED.
*The Boston Conservatory reserves the right to rescind admission to any applicant whose file documentation is deemed incomplete.

General Equivalency Diploma (GED):
High school equivalency diplomas are issued by states to eligible applicants who pass the qualifying examinations. Specific age eligibility and required proof thereof are an essential part of the testing process. The Boston Conservatory adheres to the regulations governing eligibility established by the New York State Education Department and will accept GEDs from qualified applicants.
*Please note: While there are valid reasons for certain applicants to obtain the GED, The Boston Conservatory does not recommend it as a substitute or shortcut for a traditional secondary education. In addition, The Boston Conservatory reserves the right to rescind admission to any applicant who does not meet the appropriate state education department regulations as written.

Tests: The Boston Conservatory does require SAT or ACT scores. Official scores should be sent to The Boston Conservatory (code 3084).

TRANSFER APPLICANTS

In order to be considered for admission, you must complete an audition (live or recorded) and submit a complete application packet. Applicants who have completed at least one full semester of college level credits are considered Transfer students and are required to submit the following:
—Evidence of one semester of college credit demonstrating an overall grade point average of 2.5.
—Official high school transcripts.
—Course selection and length of study to earn the bachelor’s degree will be determined following the audition, transcript evaluation, proficiency examination results, and first semester jury results.
*As programs of study, course selections, and financial aid are often affected by transfer of credit, it is in the best interest of the applicant to be sure that this documentation is received by the general application deadline (December 1).
*Transfer admission to the Theater Division is very limited and only available for freshman entrance.

GRADUATE APPLICANTS

In order to be considered for admission, you must complete an audition (live or recorded) and submit a complete application packet.
—Applicants applying to the graduate degree programs are required to have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. It is recommended that the program of study represent at least four years of focused, intensive training similar to that at The Boston Conservatory.
—It is expected that applicants will have earned a minimum of a 3.0 or “B” average in their coursework upon graduation.
—It is possible to be placed at the graduate level in performance work while completing undergraduate deficiencies. Course selection and length of study to earn the Master of Music degree will be determined following the audition, transcript evaluation, and proficiency examination results. Applicants in this circumstance should expect that the length of time required to earn the master’s degree will be lengthened from the normal two years.

ARTIST DIPLOMA APPLICANTS

Application Deadline: January 18
Only highly qualified applicants will be considered, and an in-person audition in Boston is required. Applicants are expected to be actively pursuing a professional career and have demonstrated success through concert programs, reviews, orchestral employment, etc. Submitted application materials must include the
following:
—Copies of recital programs
—A complete repertoire list
—Four letters of recommendation
—An essay describing your career and study to date and your reasons and goals for pursuing an Artist Diploma
—Preliminary audition tape
Applicants are required to submit a preliminary audition recording (tape, CD or DVD) that should demonstrate a high level of musical and technical artistry:
— Instrumentalists should prepare 20 minutes of contrasting material from the standard repertoire for your instrument.
—The vocal department requires a preliminary recording consisting of no less than 10 minutes of music, including song literature in English, Italian, German and French, as well as one oratorio or operatic aria in the original language.

Based on the review of the recording, applicants may be contacted with an invitation to perform a live audition for the program at The Boston Conservatory. Those invited to audition for the Artist Diploma Program must prepare a full-length recital program including a concerto (instrumentalists only). Accompanists are required for all Artist Diploma Program auditions, and are not provided by The Boston Conservatory. The deadline for all Artist Diploma Program applications and supporting materials is January 18.

RE-ADMISSION APPLICATIONS

—Students seeking re-admission after an official Leave of Absence of less than four semesters must contact the Registrar to re-enroll and are not required to complete an application or re-audition.
—Students seeking re-admission after an official Leave of Absence of more than four semesters must submit a complete application and re-audition.
—Students seeking re-admission without an official Leave of Absence must submit a complete application and re-audition.
*Approval of requests for re-admission is not automatic and requests are subject to approval by both the Division Director and the Dean of Enrollment.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

Checklist for International Applicants:
—English Proficiency Exam Results: All non-native English speakers must submit an official score report from the TOEFL or IELTS exam. The TOEFL or IELTS exam should be taken by January. The Boston Conservatory’s score code for the TOEFL exam is 3084.
—Financial Documents: Original, official bank documents showing availability of funds for the first academic year (should be sent after acceptance).
—Sponsor Letter(s): If the bank account listed is not in the student’s name, the sponsor must submit a letter of support (should be sent after acceptance).
—Passport: Photocopy of personal data pages in passport (may be sent after acceptance).
—U.S. Visa Documents: Photocopy of all previous U.S. visa documents, including I-20s (may be sent after acceptance).

English as a Second Language Admissions Policy
All non-native English speakers must submit an official score report from the TOEFL exam or the IELTS exam. The Boston Conservatory’s score code for the TOEFL exam is 3084. Information about these exams is available at www.toefl.org and www.ielts.org. The scores required for consideration are:
—Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Fine Arts: TOEFL score: 213 (550 on the paper-based test). IELTS score: 6.0.
—Master of Music Degree in Performance or Composition: TOEFL score: 213 (550 on the paper-based test). IELTS score: 6.0.
—Master of Music Education: TOEFL score: 237 (580 on the paper-based test). IELTS score: 6.5.
—Graduate Performance Diploma, Artist Diploma in Performance: TOEFL score: 173 (500 on the paper-based test). IELTS score: 5.0.

English as a Second Language Academic Policy
Some accepted students will be required to participate in The Boston Conservatory’s three-week Intensive English Program in August. Participation is required of students whose TOEFL scores are below 237 (580 on the paper-based test) for the BM, BFA, and MM programs; or 213 (550 on the paper-based test) for the
GPD and ADP programs. Students with TOEFL scores above these minimums for their respective degree programs are not required to attend the Intensive English Program, but must complete an ESL evaluation during New Student Orientation. Students may be assigned ESL classes during the academic year at the discretion
of Conservatory ESL faculty. ESL courses that are assigned are graduation requirements and are not optional. Students pursuing the BM, BFA, or MM degree should be aware that insufficient ESL skills will delay enrollment in Liberal Arts, Music History, and other degree requirements. Accordingly, a low level of English Ability will lengthen the time necessary to complete a program of study and may extend enrollment by a year or more.

International Student Visa Information
Most international students study in the U.S. under an F-1 student visa. Students may obtain an F-1 visa by visiting a U.S. embassy or consulate and presenting a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) issued by The Boston Conservatory. F-1 students are expected to attend the educational institution that issued the Form I-20.
Any students currently attending another school in the U.S. must consult with the international student advisor at their current school for a transfer release before a Form I-20 can be issued by The Boston Conservatory.

The F-2 visa is issued to the spouse and/or children (under age 21) of an F-1 student. It may be obtained by presenting to a U.S. consulate the Form I-20 issued to each family member and proof of adequate funding for the support of the accompanying family members. Proof of marriage for spouses and birth certificates for children are also required. No paid employment is permitted for F-2 visa holders under any circumstances.

International students requiring a visa to study in the U.S. must supply proof of financial support for the first year of their program. A letter of support from the account holder should be provided if the funds are not in the student’s name. Only original documents less than 6 months old are acceptable. The amounts listed below were the estimated cost of tuition, fees, room, board, and miscellaneous expenses for the 2006–2007 academic year. The official 2007–2008 tuition and fee schedule will be published in the spring of 2007, so please note that the funds you must demonstrate will be somewhat higher than those listed below. Admitted students will receive additional information regarding financial documentation requirements with their acceptance letters.

—Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Fine Arts: US $48,580
—Master’s Degree (except Opera and Musical Theater): US $46,237
—Master’s Degree in Opera or Musical Theater: US $47,785
—Graduate Performance Diploma (except Opera): US $36,761
—Graduate Performance Diploma in Opera: US $47,785
—Artist Diploma in Performance: US $36,761
—August 2005 Intensive English Program: add US $3,323