Admissions Frequently Asked Questions
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Find answers here to frequently asked questions regarding admission to The Boston Conservatory.
If you cannot find the answer to your questions here or within our website, please e-mail (admissions@bostonconservatory.edu) the Office of Admissions and the staff will be happy to help.
Application Questions
How do I apply?
Prospective students may apply online only. Apply now. Applications for 2013 will be available September 1st, 2012.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline for all divisions is December 1 for Fall enrollment. The application deadline for Music Education is April 1.
Can I mail my resume and essay?
Your artistic resume and essay should be uploaded directly on to your online application.
What scores do you look for on the SAT or ACT?
SAT or ACT scores are required as part of your application process. However, The Boston Conservatory does not have a minimum score requirement for admission. Scores are used as another tool to evaluate you academically. The Office of Admissions has no preference as to which test you take.
What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
The minimum requirement for admission is a 2.7 GPA.
What should I do about transcripts if I have been home-schooled?
Home-schooled applicants are required to submit a curriculum, grades received, and a signed letter from their respective school district stating that the applicant has received the equivalent of a high school diploma from the district or in lieu of a letter, the GED.
How many applications are received each year?
In general, The Boston Conservatory received approximately 2000 applications for admission (about 1000 music, 750 theater and 250 dance).
Audition Questions
How do I schedule an audition?
Applicants schedule their own audition through our online Events/Interviews page. Instructions will be sent via email upon submission of your application.
How can I change or cancel my audition?
If you need to change or cancel your audition, simply log back into your audition invite link and make the necessary changes.
Do you require preliminary screening recordings for auditions?
We require preliminary recordings for all Voice applicants (male and female), Voice (Opera Emphasis), Vocal Pedagogy, Choral Conducting, Collaborative Piano, Orchestral Conducting, Multi-Woodwind, and all Artist Diploma applicants. Also, as a Composition applicant, you need to send a portfolio before being invited to schedule an interview. Notification is sent in early January letting you know whether or not you are invited for a live audition/interview.
Program Questions
Is there part-time enrollment?
We do not offer part time enrollment, except in the Master of Music in Music Education program.
Do you have a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Ed?
Our Music Education program is only a graduate program; however there is also a 5 year BM/MMED track. On this track you would start as a Bachelor of Music candidate on your principal instrument. During the junior year a student can apply for the Master’s degree in Music Education. If you maintain a 3.0 GPA, have a positive letter of recommendation, and pass the interview, you will be accepted into the graduate Music Education program, after your junior year.
Do you have degree programs in theater education, technical theater, music business or producing/directing?
We do not. We are a performance-based school, except for our Music Education degree programs. However, Musical Theater majors may have an emphasis in directing their senior year. Music Business courses may be taken at Berklee through the Pro Arts Consortium.
What type of Liberal Arts courses will I be taking?
Liberal Arts classes are based in the humanities. Students take primarily English and History courses. One Science or Math related course is also required.
Visit Questions
Can I meet with faculty or take a lesson?
If you would like to meet with a faculty member or have a lesson, please email the admissions office at admissions@bostonconservatory.edu to obtain the necessary contact information for our faculty. Though we do provide faculty contact info, we do not personally schedule meetings or lessons. Please contact the faculty directly to setup lessons.
When are your tours?
We offer tours throughout the year, Monday through Friday except holidays. All tours are by appointment only and can be scheduled through our campus visit registration page. Please feel free to contact the admissions office with any questions about the tour schedule.
Acceptance Questions
What are admissions decisions based on?
All decisions are first based on the audition. The applicants that are artistically acceptable are then given to the admissions committee. The committee then looks over your grades, test scores, letters of recommendations and your essay to determine acceptance.
Are decisions mailed or emailed?
All decisions will be sent electronically. You will receive an email when your decision is available online. Undergraduate notifications will be sent by April 1. Your deposit is due by May 1. Graduate notifications will be sent by March 15 and deposits are due by April 15. Music Education decisions are sent by May 1 and deposits are due by May 15.
Can I defer admission?
Deferments are no longer available, except in the Masters of Music Education program on a case by case basis.
Enrollment Questions
Can I apply for Spring Semester?
No, we do not offer Spring enrollment.
Can I cross register for classes in different divisions?
This is entirely up to the student’s credit load and the discretion of the faculty. Space is limited in many classes.
Can I double major at your school?
No, you cannot double major or minor at our institution. The curriculum is very prescribed and extremely intense. We want you to concentrate on your particular field with all of your time and energy.
Can you double major at any of the ProArts Consortium schools?
No, you cannot double major here or there. You may not minor either. You may, however, take courses at any of the ProArts schools, as long as you don’t go over your credit limit here. You may receive credit for undergraduate ProArts courses only.
Enrollment Figures
How many students attend The Boston Conservatory?
We have approximately 700 students. We have 500 undergraduate students and 200 graduate students. There are 405 music majors, 85 dance majors and 210 theater majors. The female to male ratio is approximately 2:1.
Where do most of your students come from?
We enroll students from 29 countries. However, a majority of our domestic students come from California, New York, Massachusetts and Florida and our international students come mainly from Taiwan, Korea and Japan.
How big is the 1st year Masters in Music Class?
Class size averages 80 to 90 students.
How big is the Freshman Dance Class?
Class size averages 25 to 30 students.
How big is the Freshmen Theater Class?
Class size averages at 55 to 60 students. You are broken into core groups of 12 to 15 students. These core groups will take core Musical Theater classes together and then get placed for dance courses, which are assigned by skill level.
Financial Aid Questions
What is yearly tuition?
How are scholarships awarded?
Scholarships are primarily merit-based, with your financial need considered. We offer limited need-based grants. We do not offer academic grants.
Campus Questions
Do you have dorms?
We have five brownstones on campus that serve as our residence halls. They are beautiful, newly renovated buildings. All freshmen are required to live on campus. Most freshmen live in triples or quads. Housing is not guaranteed after the first year.
