High School and Collegiate Programs FAQ

 

Topics:

Application and Audition Process
Contact Information
Dining
Health and Wellness
Housing and Residence Life
Policies
Security
Transportation
Tuition, Fees, Financial Aid, and Payments

 

Application and Audition Process

Quick Facts

  • Applications close May 1 or June 1 depending on program
  • Applications open December 1
  • Non-refundable application fee on or before April 1 is $90
  • Non-refundable application fee on or before May 1 or June 1 is $125

Can students apply if they miss the deadline?

Late applications will not be accepted for the high school and collegiate intensives.

Does experience in the Conservatory’s Extension Programs improve my chances of being admitted to the conservatory as an undergraduate or graduate student?

Many students who have attended extension programs at Boston Conservatory have applied and been accepted to the school's academic programs. However, participation in extension programs does not guarantee admission to Boston Conservatory's degree programs.

How do I apply?

Students interested in participating in high school and collegiate intensives must apply online using the online system. Applications will not be considered complete until the application fee has been paid and the appropriate audition materials have been received. The application fee is $90 for all applications submitted by the early-bird deadline of April 1. After April 1 the application fee will become $125. Early applications are encouraged.

How do students audition if they apply online?

Applicants may attend a live audition or audition materials may be uploaded onto our online system. Audition materials may include audio and video recording, resumes, head shots, recommendations, and essays. All guidelines for content of audition materials are listed on each program's page on this site.

How do students submit materials online?

Audition recordings and materials may only be submitted through the online system. Emailed audition materials will not be included in your application. Please click on our online system, register, and submit your audition materials to Boston Conservatory Extension Programs by May 1.

All applications to high school and collegiate intensives must submit work through online system.

Total portfolio size needs to be under 3 GB, with a maximum file size of 500 MB. Please upload each piece as its own file.

How does orientation for my program work?

All students participating in high school and collegiate intensives will have an orientation session at the start of the program. All orientation times and locations will be communicated to intensive participants once students have submitted their deposit.

Is the application process the same for international students?

Yes

What are the audition and application requirements?

Audition requirements for high school and collegiate intensives differ for each program. All guidelines for content of audition materials (audio and video recording, musical scores, essays, and recommendation) are listed on the page for the each program.

What is the daily schedule like?

The high school and collegiate intensives follow a rigorous schedule of classes, rehearsals, and lectures that take place for the entire day. Some intensives continue work into the evening with rehearsals and/or lectures.

Contact Information

Further Questions or Concerns

If you have further questions or concerns that are not addressed in the FAQ page, please email extension@bostonconservatory.edu

Mailing Address

Extension Programs Office
Boston Conservatory at Berklee
8 Fenway
Boston, MA 02215

Dining

Where do students with meal plans eat?

Berklee College of Music provides dining services for students in our high school and collegiate intensives at 160 Massachusetts Ave. Enrollment in the meal plan provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner on weekdays; brunch and dinner are served on weekends and holidays. Detailed information regarding fees associated with meal plans are posted on program-specific webpages.

Summer hours for the Berklee Cafeteria are as follows:

Weekdays
Breakfast: 8 a.m.–10 a.m.
Lunch: 11:15 a.m.–2 p.m.
Dinner: 5 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

Weekends
Brunch: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Dinner: 5 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

Health and Wellness

What kind of health facilities are available?

There is no nurse on campus at Boston Conservatory. Students on prescription medication are responsible for the administering of their own medication. Participants in high school and collegiate intensives will utilize local health care providers should they need medical attention. The following services are the most commonly utilized by Boston Conservatory students during the academic year. It is the participants’ responsibility to verify whether their insurance is accepted in this area. The participant will be responsible for any incurred health or insurance expenses.

Harvard Vanguard Pediatric Urgent Care (under 18)
Kenmore Square (617) 421–8888

Mass General Pediatric Urgent Care (under 18)
Fruit Street, Boston (617) 726–2728

Emergency Medical Care (under 18)
Local hospitals include Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Are participants expected to sign a liability waiver?

Yes. Participation in the extension programs may involve some risk of personal injury or damage to Boston Conservatory property. Therefore, participants assume all risks and will need to complete a liability waiver releasing Boston Conservatory of all resulting liability for personal injury and property damage. Information about each student's medical insurance and emergency contact information must be provided prior to the start date of the program. Participants will need to make sure that their insurance is accepted in Boston. All students must bring a valid insurance card to campus and should carry it with them at all times.

What if a student becomes ill or is injured?

If a student becomes ill, a 24-hour emergency contact person will be available to triage the situation, contact the student's designated emergency contact, and set up a medical appointment (if needed). Any student who is taken to see a doctor will be accompanied by a member of the extension programs or residence life staff for the duration of the visit. Employees of Boston Conservatory at Berklee are not permitted to administer medication of any kind, including but not limited to over-the-counter pain relievers.

Housing and Residence Life

What are the dorms like?

On-campus housing at Boston Conservatory consists of five historic brownstones on Fenway in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston. All of these buildings are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The layout of each residence hall is different, each room is unique and the number of students housed in each hall ranges from 25–50. Participants in high school and collegiate intensives will be housed in rooms ranging from doubles to quints. Every room contains furniture for each resident, including an extra long twin bed, desk, chair, and bureau.

Are the dorms air conditioned?

No, the dorms are not air conditioned. As Boston is known to be very hot during the summer, we recommend that all participants plan to bring a fan for use in the dorms. There are a number of stores convenient to the school at which fans may be purchased on arrival.

Is there a curfew?

Yes, all participants in high school and collegiate intensives, regardless of age, have a 10 p.m. curfew, Sunday–Thursday, and an 11 p.m. curfew Friday–Saturday. Observation of the curfew policy is mandatory; violation of the policy will result in immediate dismissal from the program.

When do students check into the dorm?

Each high school and collegiate intensive program has a set check-in time, which will be communicated to enrolled students upon deposit. On move-in day, students will check in with the extension programs coordinator and residence life staff, at which time all enrolled students will receive ID cards for facilities access, as well as a room key for their assigned dorm room. Boston Conservatory cannot provide housing prior to the published check-in date and time for each program.

Will parking space be available at school on move-in day?

There is no parking available on Boston Conservatory campus. On move-in day, participants should expect to pull up to the curb in front of the dorm buildings to unload their belongings before moving their vehicle to a metered parking space or parking garage off campus. Any unattended vehicles left on the Fenway are likely to be towed by state police.

Can students leave on the weekends during their program?

All students staying in the dorm are required to participate in all scheduled activities, both on- and off-campus. Most activities will take place on the weekend or on weekday evenings. Participants may request a curfew extension provided the Extension Programs Office receives 24-hour advanced written notice from a parent or legal guardian. Any student who is granted a curfew extension must be accompanied by a designated guardian while off-campus. Participants may request only two curfew extensions during any high school and collegiate intensive session.

Is there laundry service in the residence halls?

Washers and dryers are available in each residence hall. Washers and dryers are operated by swipe card, which may be obtained from the Residence Life staff after move in. The cost for laundry is $2.00 per load; students may add funds to their swipe cards using machines located in the conservatory Student Center, in the basement of 24 Fenway.

Are overnight guests allowed in the dorms?

Participants in high school and collegiate intensives may not host guests overnight in the dorms. No off-campus visitors, other than family members and commuting high school and collegiate intensive students are allowed in the dorm.

Are sheets and towels provided to students staying in the dorms?

No; sheets and towels are not provided. All students staying in the dorms should bring twin extra-long bedding, pillows, towels, and any other linens they may require during their stay.

How can students be reached while in the program?

High school and collegiate intensive participants should be contacted using their personal cell phones, if at all possible.  In the event of an emergency during business hours (9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Friday), parents and guardians may contact the Extension Programs Office at (617) 912–9203. After-hours emergencies should be reported to Campus Public Safety at (617) 912–9191.

High school and collegiate intensive participants are welcome to receive mail during their stay at the Conservatory. All letters and packages should be addressed as follows:

(Student Name)
(Name of Intensive)
The Boston Conservatory
31 Hemenway Street
Boston, MA 02215

Should students bring extra cash?

Meal plans and extension programs-sponsored activities are covered by meal and activity fees paid by the participants prior to arrival in Boston. Students who choose to explore Boston on their own, who have a meal plan and decide to eat elsewhere, or who wish to purchase souvenirs (or any other item) during their stay in Boston should plan to bring extra cash. Spending money should be provided at the discretion of the student's parent and/or guardian.

Can participants request their roommates?

Yes, participants may request a roommate provided that the request is received in writing by the Extension Programs Office from the parent or guardian of each requesting party no later than June 1.

Are the bathrooms in the dorms private or shared?

All bathrooms in the dorms are shared, either as suites or by floor.

What kinds of appliances can I bring for my dorm room?

We recommend that students do not bring any major appliances to their dorm rooms. The following equipment is not permitted in the residence halls under any circumstances: air conditioners, electric percolators, halogen lamps, candles, microwave ovens, electric frying pans, hot plates, immersion coils, sun lamps, toasters and toaster ovens, popcorn poppers, and other heating or cooking elements. A microwave is available for student use in the lobby of each residence hall.

Policies

Refund Policy

All application fees, registration fees, and deposits are nonrefundable. If circumstances prevent a participant from attending before the first day of the program, a refund (less the nonrefundable application, registration and/or deposit fees) will be issued only if the Extension Programs Office receives written confirmation of the student's withdrawal prior to the start date of the program.

Once a student pays a deposit or registration fee for any extension program, s/he agrees to attend all classes and activities as scheduled at the discretion of the program's director(s) and the Extension Programs Office. Tuition will not be refunded, in full or in part, if a student chooses not to attend classes or activities as scheduled.

Please allow 12–14 business days for refunds to be processed by the Finance Office.

Housing and meal plan fees are nonrefundable.

Withdrawal Policy

In cases of withdrawal after the program has commenced, refunds may be granted when there are extenuating circumstances (injury, illness, family emergency, etc.). Documentation of the extenuating circumstance must be submitted to the Extension Programs Office within 30 days of the last date of attendance. Tuition and fees cannot be deferred to future programs. Housing and meal plan fees are nonrefundable.

Cancellation Policy

Boston Conservatory reserves the right to cancel any programs, with as little as 48 hours' notice, due to insufficient enrollment.

Housing and Meal Plan Enrollment Policy

Participants who intend to enroll in housing and/or meal plans must do so prior to June 1. Housing assignments and meal plan enrollments cannot be guaranteed after June 1. Requests for housing assignments and/or meal plan enrollments after that date will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Security

How safe is Boston?

It is important to remember that Boston is a major city and that vigilance and preparedness are crucial to maintaining one’s personal safety and the security of one’s property. While the members of Boston Conservatory at Berklee and Berklee Department of Public Safety are here to maintain our institution as a safe, secure, and comfortable place to live and learn, a truly safe environment may only be achieved with the active participation of participants in the process.

What is security like at Boston Conservatory?

A public safety officer is stationed in 8 Fenway from 6 a.m.–2 a.m. Public safety officers also make regularly scheduled rounds throughout the campus.

Will my child be safe and secure on campus?

Access to Conservatory instructional facilities is limited to those who hold Conservatory-issued ID cards. The Conservatory's dormitories are subject to the same restricted access. Each dorm building is supervised by a member of the conservatory's Residential Life staff. In addition, Campus Public Safety officers and a designated on-call staff member are available to Extension Programs students in the event of an emergency.

Do I need a photo ID?

All participants arriving on campus for extension programs will be required to have a Boston Conservatory ID. Once participants arrive on campus, they will be issued a Conservatory ID that will allow access to the appropriate buildings and housing facilities.

Transportation

Is transportation to the Conservatory provided in my tuition?

No, transportation to and from the Conservatory is not provided. Participants can find the information on airports, train, and bus stations, public transportation, driving and parking, and maps of the area.

How do I get to Boston Conservatory from the airport?

We suggest participants take a taxi from Boston Logan International Airport to the conservatory. There are cab stations outside the baggage claim area. Cab fare from Boston Logan International Airport averages $25-30. Participants can also take public transportation (The T) from the airport to the Conservatory. Information regarding the T can be found at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority website. It takes approximately 45 minutes to get to Boston Conservatory by public transportation.

Is there parking available?

There is no parking available for participants on the Boston Conservatory campus. Commuter and resident participants are encouraged to utilize public transportation. There is limited meter parking. Please follow all signs as violators may be towed at their own expense. There are a few garages in the area, however they have varied daily rates.

Tuition, Fees, Financial Aid, and Payments

What is the tuition for my program?

Tuition, housing and meals prices vary by program. They are listed on individual program pages.

Do extension programs have any kind of financial aid or scholarship?

Some programs do offer some scholarship options. See individual program pages for details.

Are discounts available for siblings or students enrolling in multiple sessions?

Not at this time.

Are all fees included in the tuition?

The tuition includes all classes and the activities fee. There is an additional fee for housing and/or meal plans.

How do I pay my application fee?

Application fees must be paid online with a credit card when you submit your online application.

How do I pay my tuition?

Accepted students will receive an email with a link to enable payment of deposit and tuition costs by credit card. Most programs will require a $500 initial deposit at time of enrollment to reserve a spot in the program. You may also mail a check for payment to the Extension Programs Office. Please do not mail cash. Boston Conservatory cannot be responsible for any payment made via mail as cash. Mailing address: Extension Programs Office, 8 Fenway, Boston, MA 02215.

If I pay the application fee and am not accepted, do I get a refund?

No, application fees are non-refundable.

If I pay the deposit and decide not to come, do I get a refund?

No, all deposits are non-refundable regardless of circumstances.

When are payments due?

All accounts must be paid in full prior to the start date of the program.

What is your refund policy?

If circumstances prevent the accepted student from attending, a refund (less the non-refundable application fee and deposit) will be issued. A written request must be submitted to the Extension Programs Office before the commencement of the program.

In cases of withdrawal after the program has commenced, refunds are granted when there are extenuating circumstances (injury, illness, family emergency, etc.). Documentation of the extenuating circumstance must be submitted to the Extension Programs Manager  within 30 days after the last date of attendance. Tuition and fees cannot be deferred to future programs.

Please allow 12–14 business days for refunds to be processed by the Finance Office.