Juilliard is a prestigious performing arts school that encompasses music, drama, and dance. Students interested in these subjects are probably also curious about how to get into Juilliard since it is arguably the best performing arts school in the world. If you want to learn about the requirements for admission into this prestigious school, this article is for you.
Juilliard’s reputation is not one to overlook, so it is important for interested high school students to understand what it takes. You must know Juilliard requirements, Juilliard acceptance rates, and the top 10 tips for successfully making your way into Juilliard’s programs to truly understand how to get accepted into Juilliard.
All About Juilliard Admissions
Juilliard is a top performing arts school in the United States that includes a drama school, music school, and dance school with over 25,000 alumni globally. Juilliard is an audition-based, dream school for talented and creative students who want to increase their knowledge in the arts and reach the pinnacle of their careers. Below, we have detailed the three major admissions factors you should be aware of before applying.
Juilliard Acceptance Rate
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that only eight percent of 2,434 applicants were offered admission for the 2020 fall semester. Of the eight percent of people offered admission, 67 percent of those candidates enrolled at the school.
Juilliard GPA
Juilliard does not have a minimum standard for grade point averages (GPAs) or standardized tests, nor does it require preparatory high school courses. However, Juilliard’s admissions officers will review and evaluate your academic records and your personal essay to ensure you have what it takes to succeed. As well, international students with a foreign language as their first language must show proof of English language proficiency to be considered.
Juilliard Total Enrollment
As of the fall of 2020, there were 589 undergraduate students, 372 graduates, and nine transfer-ins currently enrolled in the university. This brings the total number of enrollment at Juilliard up to 961 students.
Juilliard Requirements
- Online application. As with all universities, you must submit an online application to Juilliard either on or before the deadline. Create your Juilliard account, gather your application materials, and carefully follow the application instructions.
- Personal essay. A personal essay is your personal statement that allows the admissions committee to learn more about you beyond your application and transcripts. Your essay must be original and no more than two pages. Explain why you want to join your chosen program and state your goals.
- Transcripts. High school or previous education transcripts must be sent to the school for review. This helps the admissions team determine whether you’re academically inclined to excel at their school. Do not send your transcripts before they are requested, though.
- Letters of recommendation. Later in the application process, two letters of recommendation written by people who can vouch for you will be sent to the university. An email will be sent to these people with a link to securely upload the letter in the Juilliard application system. Only letters received this way will be accepted.
- Resume. Candidates are required to upload a one or two-page resume. Your detailed, professional resume must contain your name, education, and any experience you have which is related to your major. Your resume must be uploaded in a .doc file format or a .pdf format.
- Photograph. Dance and drama applicants must send in a photograph or a headshot of themselves. Professional photos are not necessary and there is no specified picture format for the image to be sent in.
Is It Hard to Get Into Juilliard?
Yes, Juilliard is one of the hardest schools to get into in the United States. Their acceptance rate is extremely low at just eight percent, which is an indicator of how competitive Juilliard is to get into. The reason for this competitiveness is that Juilliard is the best performing arts school in the world, with high admission standards and a significant reputation in classical art history.
How to Prepare for a Juilliard Interview
In place of an interview, Juilliard hosts auditions for prospective students. Applicants, regardless of whether they are applying for music, drama, or dance, must complete an audition. Audition requirements include proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, attending a virtual information session, and searching for your specific audition date.
The audition process is one of the most important aspects of the admissions process. If you are selected for a call-back audition, you will receive an email with registration instructions. Be quick because spaces are limited. Auditions are different based on what you are auditioning for, but for dancers, it is an all-day, 5-stage process. Ensure you review all the audition requirements.
10 Tips for Getting Into Juilliard
Juilliard applicants need to have an artistic gift, determination, and dedication in order to get into Juilliard school. Find out the different stages and steps in each stage you need to be aware of if you want to get accepted into Juilliard. Below are 10 tips for getting into Juilliard school.
1. Learn and Practice
Having someone to mentor you will help you master the necessary skills and techniques while pushing you to practice so you can improve and succeed. A teacher is a great example of a mentor, as they will assess your strengths and weaknesses and help you work on each. Practice daily for at least an hour to help build your skills.
2. Expand Your Skill-Set and Compete With Others
Expand your knowledge on your chosen subject to broaden your repertoire. Musicians can expand their knowledge on musical techniques and different instruments, while dancers can choose different dance styles instead of just being good at one. Those in the drama field can choose acting roles outside their comfort zones and push themselves to be better.
As you improve your skill-set, you also need to push yourself against the very best in your field. Look for competitions, masterclasses, and lectures to attend. Public performance can help you manage stage fright which will make your auditions easier.
3. Plan for Your Auditions
Select what you want to do and work with your mentor. Ensure your choice effectively showcases your talents, and ask others their opinions on how to improve. The more input you receive, the better you can tailor your performance for your audition. Once you choose your audition performance, practice constantly, build your confidence, and master your performance.
4. Do Mock Auditions
Invite friends and family to act as judges as you perform your audition piece. Ask them for their feedback. Doing this will provide you with a sense of how your actual audition will go. Tweak and change your performance based on their criticism, and don’t take their feedback to heart, as it will help you later on.
5. Carry Out Basic Logistics
Check the Juilliard website to find the requirements for the auditions. Auditions vary based on specialization and each will have different requirements you need to be prepared for. From dress code to stages of the audition process, you must fully understand what Juilliard School expects from you to ensure your success. Contact administration if you have uncertainties.
6. Get Proper Rest
Proper rest before your audition will provide you with the energy and focus you need before your audition. As cliche as it sounds, getting rest is a simple, yet beneficial step to ensure you perform your best.
7. Grab Some Breakfast Before Your Audition
On the day of your audition, it’s crucial to fuel yourself with a complete breakfast. Since the nature of these auditions is quite physical, having a balanced breakfast will ensure you have the energy to perform well, keep your blood sugar up despite the nerves, and reduce brain fog.
8. Dress Appropriately
As mentioned previously, there may be a dress code. Dancers are required to wear a leotard, while musicians should dress professionally. Ask trusted family or friends for advice on what to wear if you’re unsure, and refer to the audition requirements page on the Juilliard website to ensure you meet the requirements.
9. Take Last Minute Action
Before your audition, practice a few more times to instill confidence and security in yourself. Ask a family member, friend, or mentor to stay with you and help you practice, or even just offer moral support.
10. Give It Your Best Shot
At your audition, simply do your best. You have put in the work to get yourself to this point, and you’ve sharpened your skills. Remember, Juilliard is a highly competitive institution with only an eight percent acceptance rate, so do not feel discouraged if you don’t pass your audition. Regardless of the outcome, this learning experience will add to your professional toolbox.
What Does It Take to Get Into Juilliard?
To get into Juilliard, it doesn’t only take good transcripts and an impressive application, it also takes determination and talent from passionate people who want to contribute to the performing arts. Being a Juilliard applicant encourages both personal and professional growth and learning beyond the classroom. Enroll in one of Juilliard’s many creative programs today and start your professional and academic future at this dream school.
How to Get Into Juilliard FAQ
Yes, attending Juilliard is very rewarding, especially for those who are highly passionate and driven regarding the performing arts. The training at Juilliard might be rigorous but you will surely build your skills and become a top performer.
Yes, Juilliard is considered the best music school in the US and is synonymous with musical excellence. Further, Juilliard is the number one performing arts school in the world.
Juilliard students who are in an undergraduate program or otherwise have no former college education experience are required to reside in the Meredith Willson Residence Hall on campus.
Students at Juilliard School who are residing in the hall are required to be on a meal plan which is included in their board and room fees. The students are originally placed on a 19-meals per week plan but can switch to a different plan after arriving on campus if they wish to.
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