Applications and Auditions

How can I find out about an application and audition for Juilliard?

To access our online application and complete instructions, please go to the General Application Procedures page in the Admission secion of our Web site. A print application packet is also available upon request from the Office of Admissions; however, we strongly urge you to use the online application whenever possible.

There are explanations of all degree programs as well as diploma programs found in the material. Since there are different requirements for the various departments, it is important to carefully review the requirements for the department or instrumental area for which you intend to apply. Auditions are never scheduled until completed applications are received and reviewed. In many cases, there are pre-screening procedures before auditions are granted. Students are only accepted for entrance in the fall, so there is only one application and audition cycle each year.

Do I need advanced training in order to apply?

Yes. The Juilliard School is a conservatory offering pre-professional training in its programs for music, dance and drama, with a highly competitive applicant pool. Only about 8 percent of our applicants are accepted (it may be more or less for an individual program); therefore, only those students who are best qualified to fill our limited spaces will be admitted. As is the case for many other colleges with competitive admissions processes, some talented and deserving students who would undoubtedly benefit from our training will not be offered a place as a result of our limited openings.

Are there specific courses that I should be taking or standardized test scores that are required in order to qualify?

Although The Juilliard School does carefully evaluate the transcripts and diplomas earned by applicants, there are no specific courses, GPAs, or class rank required. Transcripts are reviewed to determine the general background of an applicant and essays are required to help evaluate the intellectual and scholastic aptitude of prospective students. The greatest importance is placed on the required audition in which the student performs in front of Juilliard faculty.

Do I have to know someone, a teacher or administrator, in order to get admitted?

Absolutely not. One reason the audition process is so rigorous is to ensure that every applicant will be heard or seen in virtually identical settings. Auditions are attended by the faculty artists of each department or musical area. Decisions are reached by consensus of the entire department, not by the wishes of individual teachers. In fact, students are welcome to visit and/or tour the School before the audition in order to gain the greatest understanding of the opportunities available at Juilliard.

Can I major in two divisions such as Music and Drama?

No. Although a musician may qualify to major in more than one instrument if an application and audition is approved in each area, the curricular demands of each division (Music, Dance, Drama) do not allow for multiple interdisciplinary majors.

Does Juilliard provide career counseling?

Yes, Juilliard has an excellent Office of Career Development. An advisor will meet individually with students and help them assess long-term career goals. Helping students build careers with jobs that utilize strengths, interests, personality, long-term goals, values, and desired lifestyle is the goal of career development. Placement services will act as a general clearinghouse for immediate employment opportunities for students who seek temporary employment while in school or following graduation.

Does The Juilliard School offer part-time classes?

No, not within the College Division. The Juilliard School College Division programs are all full-time degree or diploma programs. Juilliard does have a Saturday Pre-College program for advanced students from ages 8-18 and an Evening Division for adult students who wish to take a courses in the evening. These courses do not reflect the full-time curriculum and are not designed to prepare students for the full-time conservatory program.

Financial Aid

Will I qualify for scholarship?
It is not possible to determine one's eligibility for financial assistance until all admissions and audition procedures are completed. An application for financial aid is included with the original admissions packet and the FAFSA is required as well for United States citizens and permanent residents. All students are eligible to apply for financial aid. The final decisions are based primarily upon financial need but also consider merit. Students are also eligible for federal student loans and work-study programs while attending Juilliard.

Are international students eligible for financial assistance?
International students are not eligible for U.S. government assistance, but can apply for Juilliard scholarship, alternative loans, and work-study. Included in the Juilliard Financial Aid Application is a special financial supplement that international students must complete in order to be considered for financial aid.

When should I begin the financial aid application process?
All applications and supporting documents must be received by March 1. FAFSA applicants should file the application (available on the FAFSA Web site) prior to the deadline since it may take up to two weeks for Juilliard to receive your data. Be sure to read all of the instructions included in the Juilliard Financial Aid Application.

Will applying for financial aid affect admissions decisions?
No, Juilliard has a "need-blind" admissions policy, and therefore your financial status will have no impact upon whether or not you are admitted to the School.

I don't think I will qualify for any need-based financial aid. Can I just apply for a merit scholarship?
Scholarship decisions are based on a combination of need and merit, and therefore all forms and supporting documents must be submitted for consideration. In addition, an application is required in order for you to qualify for student loans and work-study.

Orientation and Registration

Do I have to attend orientation?
Yes, orientation is required of all new students.

What happens during new student orientation and registration?
Orientation is an opportunity for new students to meet each other as well as staff and faculty members. Workshops and presentations address topics such as safety, diversity, health, financial aid, and student rights. Evening socials and outings throughout New York City acclimate students to both the Juilliard and Manhattan communities. Students take placement exams, register for courses, and attend department meetings.

What extracurricular activities are available within the Juilliard community?
The Office of Student Affairs maintains a calendar of events that range from social dances to alcohol awareness workshops to cultural heritage celebrations.

What clubs and organizations are available at Juilliard?
There are various student-run organizations. Students may start an organization of shared interest by completing a registration process, and providing a mission statement to Student Affairs, including membership, budget proposal, and the name of a staff advisor.

Residence Life

What are the general living arrangements in the residence hall?
Juilliard students are housed in suites in the residence hall. Each suite consists of:

• Five bedrooms (three doubles and two singles)
• 2-1/2 bathrooms
• A large living room

The double rooms are equipped with:

• Two loft beds
• Two desks with bookshelf and study lamp attachments
• Two three-drawer chests with a two-shelf cabinet attachment
• A small closet for each resident

The single room is equipped with the same furnishings, except the bed has no loft.

How is my roommate determined?
Upon acceptance to The Juilliard School, you will be sent a housing application which asks very specific questions about your interests, habits, and lifestyle, and the attributes you feel are important in your roommate. The School reviews this information carefully in order to match you with a compatible roommate.

An effort is made to house first-time college students together. Once your roommate assignment has been made, you will be given the individual's name, address, and telephone number so that you can contact him or her prior to your arrival.

As a Juilliard student, am I required to live in the residence hall?
All first-time college students are required to live in the residence hall. However, on-campus housing is not guaranteed for all four years.

Are there practice areas in the residence hall?
Most floors are equipped with two soundproof practice rooms containing Steinway L pianos.

What other types of facilities and services are available in the residence hall?
The lobby floor of the residence hall contains:

• A lounge area (with color television and a billiard table)
• A community kitchen
• Vending machines
• A quiet study lounge
• A typing room equipped with electric typewriters
• A laundry room

A fitness center is located elsewhere in the residence hall. A cable television and a campus phone are provided in each suite. Students may arrange for individual phone service in their rooms.

Is the residence hall a safe and secure place?
The Juilliard residence hall is located in one of the most desirable Manhattan neighborhoods. Lincoln Center security personnel screen visitors at the building entrances 24 hours a day. An electronic surveillance system is employed at the entry of the residence hall, and no one may enter the hall without an access card.

What about meals for resident students?
The total cost of on-campus living includes a meal plan. Resident students may choose one of three meal plan options. These allow resident students the flexibility of choosing the meal plan that best suits their individual eating habits and daily/weekly schedules. The cafeteria is located on the plaza level of the building that houses the residence hall.

Are single rooms available for new students?
First-time college students are always assigned to a double room. A new student with a documented disability should request special accommodations.

Can you suggest some items that I should take with me?
Be sure to bring linens and a pillow for your bed; twin-size, extra-long sheets will fit perfectly. Also bring towels and a laundry bag/basket. Stereos, televisions, computers, and wall hangings are optional. You can rent refrigerators through the Office of Residence Life, or you may bring your own.

Health and Counseling Services

Who can use Health and Counseling Services?
Any full-time student or intern enrolled at Juilliard is entitled to use the services available through Student Health Services.

What about health insurance?
The student insurance covers accident and sickness only. It does not cover eye care or dental care. All full-time students and interns are covered by the basic plan as part of their tuition. If a student does not have sufficient outside coverage, he or she may be also covered by a supplemental policy, which is mailed to each student directly.

What happens if I have a medical emergency?
If you have an emergency on the campus during office hours, you will be seen and treated immediately. If necessary, you may be referred to the nearest hospital emergency room.

International Students

What type of visa do I need in order to study in the United States?
International students will need either an F-1 visa or a J-1 visa.

How do I obtain an F-1 visa?
You will need to first obtain Form I-20 (or Form DS-2019 for J-1 visa) from the International Advisement Office at Juilliard. You will then submit to the American Embassy/Consulate nearest you, your I-20 (or DS-2019) with a visa application form and fee, a valid passport, evidence of sufficient funds, Juilliard acceptance letter, and two passport-size photographs. Note that visa application procedures vary slightly from country to country. Please visit the United States Department of State for the most updated information at unitedstatesvisas.gov.

What are Forms I-20 and DS-2019?
Form I-20 is a "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status." Form DS-2019 is a "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status". To obtain one, you will need to complete and submit the following information:

• Certification of Finances (COF)
  This is a form Juilliard uses to collect information on your sources of funding. Students must prove they have funds readily available to meet all expenses for the first year of study, and that adequate funds will be available for each subsequent year of study. Students must have the COF form notarized and attach supporting financial documents. (Download a PDF version of the form.)
• Request for I-20 or DS-2019 form. (Download a PDF version of the form.)
• A transfer form (for those who have attended a school in the United States). (Download a PDF version of the form.)

As an international student, can I work in the U. S.?
You are eligible to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week when school is in session. Students who have been in F-1 status at Juilliard for at least one full academic year are eligible to work off-campus. Written work authorization is required before you start an off-campus job.

How can I find housing in New York City?
International students may apply for on-campus housing through the School's Office of Residence Life. You may also consider International House (I-House) as an alternative. I-House is located near Columbia University and is just 10 to 15 minutes from Juilliard by subway. For detailed information, contact I-House at (212) 316-8436 or visit its Web site at www.ihouse-nyc.org.