UM School of Music, Theatre & Dance

First, we are a University program. Therefore, academics play an important role in the evaluation of the students who apply for admission. Every applicant must meet minimum academic criteria in order to be considered for admission. The evaluation of academic criteria for undergraduate students is a cooperative process. First, admission counselors in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions conduct a preliminary review of a student's high school curriculum and grade point average, their scores on either the SAT or ACT, and all the other information provided in the application. After they make a recommendation based on this information, all applications are forwarded to the admissions staff at the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Music counselors will review both the academic and the performing arts background of each applicant. If all of these reviews are positive, then the student is invited to audition or interview. It is this final step that will largely influence the admissions decision.

Which application do I fill out?

There is only one application to the University of Michigan, regardless of the specific School or College you wish to apply to. All freshmen and undergraduate applicants must fill out the Undergraduate Application. All graduate level students applying for an MM or Specialist degree program must fill out the Graduate Application. A student applying for a DMA, PhD, MFA or MA degree program must fill out the Rackham Graduate Application.

Do you accept paper applications?

We strongly advise you to fill out the online application. Over 95% of last year’s applicants submitted their applications online. The web application allows us to process your application more quickly and easily. It also enables you to track your status and update your contact information online at any time in the admissions process. However, if you are unable to use the online application, you can print out the PDF version of the Undergraduate Application or the PDF version of the Graduate Application.

Do you accept the Common Application?

No.

What is Rackham?

The Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies encompasses many departments, from Archaeology to Biostatistics to Music, at the University of Michigan. At the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, the DMA, PhD, MFA and MA degree programs are Rackham Graduate Studies Programs. Therefore, students applying for these degrees must fill out the Rackham Graduate Application.

What is the UMID? How do I get one?

A University of Michigan ID number is assigned to you when you are placed on our mailing list or when you apply to the University. It is printed on the letter we send to you along with our brochures. You don’t need a UMID to complete the application, but if you already have one, by all means use it!

How do I sign up for an audition or interview?

After we receive your complete application, including letters of recommendation, essays, transcripts, any necessary test scores, your resume (and repertoire list if required) and the application fee, your application will be reviewed by Admissions Officers. We will then notify you by email or postal mail if an audition has been granted and, if so, based on the date preferences you designated on your application, on which date.

Can I apply to more than one program?

If you would like to consider a double major within the School of Music, Theatre & Dance we suggest that you contact our office directly to discuss the details of your plans and the extent of your background with an Admissions Counselor. Because our programs are competitive and each degree program is an intensive, professional curriculum, only those students who can demonstrate the highest level of achievement in both programs of interest will be eligible for two auditions/interviews. We do not encourage students to apply to multiple programs in order to "increase chances of getting in."

Note that applying for a double major differs from applying for a Dual Degree.

I’m applying for graduate studies. Do I need to take the GRE?

The GRE is only required for the following Rackham programs: MAs or PhDs in Media Arts, Musicology/Ethnomusicology, Music Theory or Theatre Studies.

How many letters of recommendation do I need?

Undergraduate applicants must submit three letters: one from a counselor, one from an academic teacher, and one from a music or arts related teacher. Graduate applicants must submit three letters of recommendation (either performing arts related or academic) from recommenders of their choice. All of these forms are part of the application.

Can I submit additional letters of recommendation?

It isn’t necessary to submit more letters than are required. However, if you feel that an additional letter would add important information about you that is not already evident elsewhere in your application, please feel free to mail it directly to our office.

I need an additional copy of the recommendation form. Where can I find it?

Please print out the PDF versions of the Undergraduate Recommendation Forms. Please be sure that the Arts Recommendation is sent directly to our office, whereas the Academic Teacher and Counselor Recommendations should be sent directly to the main Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Graduate applicants can print out the PDF version of the Graduate Recommendation Form and send any additional letters directly to our office.

For Grad Applicants Only: My recommender prefers not to use the online recommendation system. Can he/she send the letter by mail instead?

Although we prefer letters to be submitted online, we are happy to receive letters by mail as well.

What is your address?

Office of Admissions and Student Services

School of Music, Theatre & Dance

1100 Baits Drive

Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2085

Do I need to send a resume and repertoire list? How do I submit them?

Yes, we need a resume (and for performance programs, a repertoire list) in order for your application to be complete. You can either upload these documents onto the online application as a supplemental material or mail them directly to our office. It isn’t necessary to do both.

What is a repertoire list?

A repertoire list is a complete list of the musical works you have studied and/or performed on your principal instrument. We require all applicants to performance programs to submit a repertoire list. Our webpage contains suggestions and information regarding how to complete the resume and repertoire list.

I can't upload my resume, repertoire list, or essays to the online application using Pages (part of the Apple iWork suite.)

What do I do?

Embark does not support Pages file types, therefore the online application will not be able to upload any documents saved with this file extension. You can bypass this technicality by exporting your Pages document to a format that Embark does accept: PDF, Word, RTF (Rich Text Format), or Plain Text.

Do you accept rush score reports for the SAT or ACT?

The University of Michigan does not accept rush reports. Please plan ahead so that your score report arrives by the application deadline.

Am I required to take the Writing portion of the SAT or ACT?

Yes, the Writing portion is required of School of Music, Theatre & Dance applicants.

What is the minimum SAT or ACT test score required to apply?

Our webite contains information regarding academic prerequisites, including suggested test score results, for undergraduate applicants.

I’ve already submitted my application. How can I change what I’ve submitted?

You cannot change your application after it has been submitted. However, by creating a Friend Account, you can track the status of your application and update your contact information.

The application deadline is here. May I still apply? What if a document arrives late?

December 1 is a firm application postmark or on-line "submit" deadline for admission and merit-based award consideration in all programs which require an audition or interview—composition, composition and theory, conducting,media arts, music education, and performance. The application must include Request for Audition/Interview, resume, and repertoire list (if applicable).

Complete applications include all transcripts, any required test scores, three recommendations, and audition/interview/portfolio results. If transcripts or recommendations come a few days late, it will not be a problem.

After December 1, we will continue to accept applications, and they will be marked with the date received. Applications submitted after December 1 will be processed in the order they are received.

What is a Friend Account? How do I get one?

A Friend Account is an online account that allows you to access the University of Michigan computing environment for the purpose of tracking your online application status, your financial aid information if applicable, and updating your contact information. One to two days after you have submitted your online application, you will receive an email with instructions on how to create this new “Friend Account.”

Auditions/Interviews

When are auditions? Are in-person auditions and interviews better? How do I schedule a date & time?

Audition & Interview season at Michigan is mid-November through mid-March. To be invited to an audition, you must apply for admission. A preliminary academic review is completed to be sure you meet the minimum guidelines, and then invitations are extended. You will be contacted by email with date and time information.

Always try to do an in-person audition/interview at your top choice schools. If it’s just impossible, then send a recording or go to a regional audition site. But remember, your audition/interview is your chance to make not only a good artistic impression, but a personal impression as well. Go to the school whenever possible and meet the faculty in your potential department. Let them see what a great student you’d be!

My first choice audition/interview date is approaching and I haven’t yet received a confirmation. What should I do?

Feel free to contact our office if you would like to check the status of your application. If your application was submitted late or if your materials are missing or were mistakenly sent to the wrong office, a short delay in response time can result.

How will you notify me if I have been confirmed for an audition/interview date?

You will receive an email confirmation of your assigned audition/interview date. This first confirmation will notify you of the date only. Two weeks before the date you will receive another email confirming your specific audition/interview time.

Can I change my audition repertoire? How?

You can certainly change your audition repertoire. If you send changes via email to our Auditions Coordinator (music.auditions@umich.edu) at least four weeks before your audition date, these changes will be reflected in the materials that the faculty review at your audition. Otherwise you my simply announce your repertoire changes at your audition.

Can I send a recorded audition?

Applicants who live more than 300 miles from Ann Arbor can send in a recorded audition in lieu of a live audition. Exceptions are musical theatre, theatre & dance candidates, for whom in-person auditions are required. Guidelines regarding audition repertoire are the same as for live auditions.

Do I need to send a prescreening audition tape?

Graduate applicants to Piano Performance, Piano Pedagogy & Performance, Conducting, Music Education, and Doctoral applicants to Strings are required to send a prescreening audition recording at the time of application. We will let you know if you have passed the prescreening and are invited to audition as quickly as we can.

Will I be required to take music theory tests on the audition day?

No. We do not give music theory tests on the audition day. Music theory placement tests are instead given during freshman orientation.

What should I do if I can’t attend my audition/interview appointment?

Call or email us and let us know at least 24 hours in advance, whenever possible. It's polite, and the right thing to do. We understand that sometimes things come up --it's OK. But... audition days at Michigan are busy and you surely don't want a faculty committee expecting to meet you when you're not coming.

If you ask to reschedule, we'll do our best, but do know that it won't always be possible. We begin booking audition/interview appointments in October and some dates will fill quickly. Do everything you can to make your original appointment.

I would like to minor in Music. Do I need to audition or interview for the School?

Students who wish to minor in Music need not apply to the School of Music, Theatre & Dance nor complete an interview or audition.

I would like to audition for the Michigan Marching Band. How do I schedule an audition?

The Michigan Marching Band is an extracurricular activity open by audition to any student at the University of Michigan. Please contact the Michigan Marching Band directly to schedule an audition.

Deadlines

When is my application due?

The priority application deadline for all programs in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance is December 1. However, there are some earlier application deadlines for certain programs and audition dates. Please view the audition information linked from each department on our website for more specific details.

When are recorded auditions due?

To receive consideration for merit-based scholarships, recorded audition materials must be submitted by January 15th. Otherwise, recorded audition materials must be received by March 1st. Any pre-screening recording must be submitted by the relevant application deadline.

When is the portfolio due?

Composition portfolios are due by December 1st. Performing Arts Technology portfolios are due six weeks before the assigned interview date.

When is the School of Music, Theatre & Dance merit-based scholarship deadline?

The merit-based scholarship application deadline for undergraduates is December 1st and auditions must be completed by March 7th, 2008. The merit-based scholarship application deadline for graduates is December 1st and auditions must be completed by February 22nd, 2008.

International Students

What are the suggested minimum TOEFL or MELAB scores needed to determine my eligibility?

We suggest that applicants to the School of Music, Theatre & Dance demonstrate the following TOEFL or MELAB test results in order to be eligible for admission:

	Undergrads	Grads (MM)	Grads (Rackham)
TOEFL iBT	90	92	100
TOEFL cBT	230	237	250
TOEFL pBT	570	588	600
MELAB	80	80	80

What’s MELAB?

The MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery) is a standardized test of the English language. We accept either a MELAB or a TOEFL score from non-native English speakers. Either exam is sufficient.

I can’t take the TOEFL before the application deadline. Should I still send in my application?

Yes, be sure that your application is submitted by the deadline. However, we will not be able to invite you to an interview/audition until we have received an official TOEFL or MELAB score report. Please be sure to tell us the date you plan to take the exam on your application. Plan your test date so that you are sure the score report will be delivered to us on time.

Do I need to submit a Financial Resources Statement (FRS)?

The Financial Resources Statement is only required of international students who are accepted to the School of Music, Theatre & Dance and plan to enroll. Our office will contact you approximately three months prior to your planned arrival date to request the FRS and will provide you with any assistance necessary.

How do I get a travel VISA in order to audition live in the US?

We are happy that you would like to audition live in Ann Arbor or at a regional audition site. Once we have received your application, we will let you know whether or not you have been approved to audition. Please take this letter to the American consulate or embassy in your home country to request a travel visa. Unfortunately, we cannot provide financial assistance to cover the expense of obtaining a travel visa. Please note that it is important to submit your application early to allow plenty of time to obtain the visa.

Embark, the online application system, will not accept my credit card. How can I pay the application fee and submit the online application?

If you cannot pay the fee by credit card, we suggest that you print out a PDF version of the application, available on our website, and mail the application along with all other required materials with a bank or cashier’s check.

Do you offer financial assistance to international students?

All students, including international students, are eligible for merit-based School of Music, Theatre & Dance scholarships as long as they have applied and completed an audition by the appropriate deadlines.

Please note that if you are a US citizen, you are also eligible for need-based federal financial aid. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.

Where can I find more resources and support for international students at the University of Michigan?

The International Center is an important resource for any international student, faculty or staff person at the University of Michigan. Please contact them directly for more information.

Transfer Students

Do you accept transfer students?

We welcome applications from students who wish to transfer from an accredited four year college or two year junior college. The highest level that students can transfer as is a junior.

I am a transfer applicant. Do I need to take the SATs or ACTs?

Transfer applicants do not need to submit SAT or ACT test scores to the University. International transfer students, however, must still submit valid TOEFL or MELAB test scores.

How many credits can I transfer?

Students from four year colleges can transfer a maximum of 75 credits; students from junior colleges can transfer up to 62.

How can I transfer my credits?

All credit transfers requests are evaluated after we have received your final, official transcript from your College or University. Evaluations are made on a case-by-case basis.

What is a cross-campus transfer?

Cross-campus transfer students are those already enrolled in another School or College at the University of Michigan who want to either add a second degree in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance or switch degree programs entirely.

Which application do cross-campus transfers fill out?

Cross-campus transfer applicants need only fill out the first few pages of the undergraduate application and submit an updated resume, repertoire list (if required), essays and letters of recommendation. You do not need to pay the application fee or send in your UM transcript.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

How much is tuition?

The Office of Financial Aid maintains a useful Cost of Attendance calculation that is updated every year. This calculation includes an estimate of a typical student's living and miscellaneous expenses for one year in addition to tuition and fees.

Do I qualify for Michigan Residency?

Qualifications for Michigan Residency are very specific. Please review the information available on the Registrar's website to consider your specific situation.

What scholarships are available?

The School of Music, Theatre & Dance awards merit-based scholarships to qualified undergraduate and graduate students. The amount of the scholarship can vary from approximately $1000 to full tuition. These are need-blind awards.

How do I apply for merit-based scholarships?

As long as you submit your application and complete your audition by the appropriate deadline, you are automatically eligible for a merit-based scholarship from the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. The merit-based scholarship application deadline for undergraduates is December 1st and auditions must be completed by March 7th, 2008. The merit-based scholarship application deadline for graduates is December 1st and auditions must be completed by February 22nd, 2008.

Are merit-based scholarships renewable?

Yes, merit-based scholarships are renewable, contingent upon a student’s continued good academic performance (a 3.2 GPA) and participation in ensembles as required by the degree program.

How do I apply for need-based financial aid?

Students interested in applying for need-based financial aid must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit it to the federal processor between January 1 and February 15, 2008 to be considered for all need-based federal and state aid programs. Be sure to use UM’s Federal School Code: 002325.

In addition, entering freshmen must complete the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Financial Aid PROFILE to apply for all need-based University grants and scholarships. Be sure to list UM’s CSS Code: 1839.

Finally, students and parents must submit copies of their 2007 tax returns to the Office of Financial Aid. Please check with them for the deadline.

What is a GSI?

A GSI (Graduate Student Instructor) is a graduate student employed in a teaching position at the School of Music, Theatre & Dance in which the student helps coordinate and teach some courses while assisting a faculty member. A GSI appointment provides students with a full or partial tuition waiver.

Who is eligible for a GSI?

Any graduate student in good academic standing is eligible for consideration. Preference is given first to doctoral level students, then to Masters level students.

How do I apply for a GSI?

All Rackham graduate students must submit an Application for Financial Award form, which they will receive with their admission letter from the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. All incoming M.M. or Specialist graduate students are automatically considered.