We encourage international applicants to submit all of their application materials as early as possible. All students who are not native English speakers are required to submit the results of the TOEFL or IELTS examination as part of their application for admission. We recommend that students try to schedule the TOEFL or IELTS exam by February. The Boston Conservatory’s score code for the TOEFL exam is 3084. Information about the TOEFL and IELTS exams is available at www.toefl.org and www.ielts.org.

English Proficiency Requirements
The TOEFL and IELTS scores required for admissions consideration are:

Intensive English Program in August
Some incoming students will be required to participate in the Conservatory’s three-week Intensive English Program in August. New students are required to participate in the three-week program if their TOEFL score is below 79 (iBT) or 213 (CBT).

In the Intensive English Program, students will develop and enrich their English language skills, academic skills, and cultural knowledge to help them achieve success at The Boston Conservatory. This program is excellent preparation for beginning studies at the Conservatory. In addition to a strong English language curriculum, participants enjoy interesting trips, guest speakers, and other enjoyable activities in the Boston area.

The August 2007 Intensive English Program will be held from August 7 through August 28, 2007. Participants living in the residence halls may move in on August 6. More detailed information will be mailed to participants.

English Evaluations
It is the policy of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and The Boston Conservatory that students have sufficient English language skills to participate successfully in their chosen curricula. In addition to the Intensive English Program described above, The Boston Conservatory offers a comprehensive program of English as a Second Language (ESL) courses during the academic year at both the intermediate and advanced levels.

Most students who participate in the Intensive English Program in August are required to continue their ESL studies during the academic year to further their language development. Students whose TOEFL scores are above the minimums required for their respective degree programs are not required to attend the Intensive English Program in August, but must complete an ESL evaluation during New Student Orientation. As a result of this evaluation, students may be assigned to ESL courses during the academic year. If assigned, these courses 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 semester or more.

Contact Admissions
If you have questions about admissions requirements for international students, please contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@bostonconservatory.edu or (617) 912-9153.

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