How Hard is it to Get into Juilliard?

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The Juilliard School was founded in 1905, continuing to offer one of the best performing arts education in the world, including graduate and undergraduate degrees in music, drama, and dance. It’s located in New York, with its alumni going on to win various prestigious awards. Due to its excellence, securing admission at the institution can be challenging, but fear not. In this article, we’ll consider how hard it is to get into Juilliard and ways to improve your chances of getting accepted.

How Prestigious is Juilliard School?How Prestigious is Juilliard School?

There’s no doubt that the Juilliard School is a prestigious performing arts college, preparing emerging actors, dancers, and musicians to take center stage. Juilliard offers 21 Bachelor of Music degrees and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in drama and dance. Every undergraduate student takes liberal art classes in arts, history, languages, literature, social sciences, and philosophy.

As one of the top schools in New York City, it is ranked at #5 by QS Rankings, with faculty members and students putting on more than 700 performances every year across ten performance venues.

The institution also provides scholarships based on your artistic merit and financial need. For example, if you wish to study classical music and are awarded the Kovner Fellowship, your board, room, and tuition will be covered. But wait, it gets better: some popular entertainers that attended Juilliard include Robin Willians, Kevin Spacey, and Viola Davis.

How Hard Is It to Get Into Juilliard?

How Hard Is It to Get Into Juilliard?

Let’s take a look at the admission requirements at Juilliard that help determine how hard you need to work to get into Juilliard, especially if it’s your dream school:

What is the Acceptance Rate at Juilliard

Juilliard’s acceptance rate stands at a mere 8%, making it a highly competitive school. Only 8 out of every 100 applicants get selected, and while these stats seem daunting, this is the case at schools offering the same quality of academic excellence and extracurricular options.

Since Juilliard is an elite school, you’re bound to be the best of the best if you attend. If you secure admission, you can take advantage of the smaller class sizes and obtain more personal time with world-class professors. Paying more attention to your instrument will result in you getting more proficient, opening up more opportunities for you to play it.

Juilliard GPA Requirements

Unlike other schools, grades aren’t the most important factor in the admissions process at Juilliard, and every student has to pass a primary instrument audition. As the college doesn’t disclose the required GPA threshold for accepted students, you might be wondering what GPA you need to get into Juilliard. Aiming for a 3.0 GPA or higher is in your best interest, even if students with lower GPAs are considered for admission.

It’s likely most students won’t be invited to audition unless they pass the recording phase in front of a screen, while majors like writing require passing a theory test and having a successful interview with the faculty.

A prospective Juilliard School student should focus on playing their instrument several times a day and pace their voice rather than worrying about sticking their nose into a book or spending late nights in the library. College is no easy feat, and Juilliard ensures that only those applicants that meet its expectation are given admission because they can be dealt with reliably.

Juilliard SAT and ACT Requirements

Typically, the institution doesn’t require ACT or SAT results. However, homeschooled students must submit test results, and a non-native English speaker can submit their ACT, SAT, or TOEFL scores. These exceptions are also encouraged to take the ACT or SAT writing section.

Juilliard Essay Requirements

The university expects you to write a personal essay that is your personal statement, allowing the admissions team to get to know you beyond your application, portfolio, and transcripts. Try to be as original as possible in the essay and ensure it’s not longer than two pages. Talk about your goals and why you want to join your chosen program.

Juilliard Letters of Recommendation

You have to send at least two recommendation letters to Juilliard, written by people who know you well and can vouch for you. Once you choose the individuals who’ll write the letters, an email will be sent to them with a link to upload it. If the college does not receive the recommendation letters in this way, they will not be accepted.

Juilliard Audition Criteria

Rather than conducting an interview, the Juilliard School holds auditions for prospective students. Whether you are applying for dance, drama, or music, applicants have to complete an audition, as it is one of the most significant steps in the admissions process.

You will get an email regarding registration instructions if you are selected for a call-back audition. Reply as quickly as possible because these spots are limited. Additionally, the audition format is entirely dependent on what you’re auditioning for and you should review all specific major-related requirements on the institution’s website. Dancers typically have to go through an all-day, 5-stage process before getting an admission decision.

Why is it so Hard to Get into Juilliard?

Why is it so Hard to Get into Juilliard?

Now the question remains: is it really hard to get into Juilliard? The simple answer is yes- is it one of the toughest schools to get accepted to in the United States. Juilliard’s school ranking and acceptance rate showcase how competitive it is. Here’s some reasons why it’s hard to secure admission into Juilliard:

  • It has a significant reputation in classical art history
  • It is the best performing arts school in the world
  • It’s music school is synonymous with music excellence
  • It wants students who are driven and highly passionate about the performing arts
  • It looks for pure artistic gift, originality, dedication, and determination in prospective students

9 Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Into Julliard

9 Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Into Julliard

If you’re stressed about meeting Juilliard School’s standards, keep reading as we look at ways to improve your chances of getting in:

Practice, Practice, Practice!

One way to achieve mastery of the necessary skills and techniques required to secure admission into Juilliard, as well as to continuously improve and succeed, is by having a mentor. Whether it’s a teacher or someone else, a mentor can evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and guide you accordingly. To further enhance your skills, it’s recommended to practice for at least an hour every day.

Improve Your Skills by Challenging Yourself

You can enrich your expertise in your chosen field by actively seeking opportunities to expand your knowledge. For example, musicians can explore various musical techniques and instruments, while dancers can venture into different dance styles, transcending proficiency in just one. In contrast, drama students can challenge themselves by embracing acting roles that lie beyond their comfort zones.

As you enhance your skill set, it is essential to subject yourself to the highest standards set by experts in your domain. Actively seek out masterclasses, competitions, and lectures to participate in since they lead to growth. Public performances can also help conquer stage fright, facilitating smoother auditions and enhancing your overall performance.

Plan Carefully for Auditions

Think about what you want to do for your audition and then bring it to life by collaborating closely with your mentor. Pick a performance method that effectively highlights your unique talents and capabilities. You should also ask for feedback from other experts or loved ones to obtain insight into which areas you can improve on and use their advice to refine your performance.

The more feedback you receive, the easier it will be to tailor your audition to perfection. Once you have made your selection, practice regularly to build unwavering confidence and hone your performance to the best of your ability.

Carry Out Mock Auditions

Why not involve your friends and family as judges while you perform your audition piece? Their feedback can give you a sense of what to expect during the actual audition. Take their criticism into consideration, and make tweaks and adjustments to your performance accordingly. Remember, it’s important not to take their feedback too personally, as it can benefit you in the long run. Don’t hesitate to embrace their input and use it for growth and improvement.

Do Your Research

It’s always a good idea to browse through the Juilliard website and gather information about the specific requirements for their auditions. Keep in mind that auditions can differ depending on your chosen major, with each having its own set of unique expectations.

For example, if you’re applying to be a dance major, you have to prepare a pre screening video of a prepared solo to musical accompaniment, such as contemporary, ballet, or modern music.  It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the dress code and various stages of the audition process to prepare properly.

You’re more likely to be successful during your audition if you reach out to the administration regarding any uncertainties or questions. They will be able to provide you with the necessary guidance and clarification.

Dress Appropriately

As mentioned earlier, there might be a specific dress code for your audition. For dancers, wearing a leotard is typically expected, whereas musicians should opt for professional attire. If you are uncertain about what to wear, ask trustworthy family or friends what will look good.

Additionally, referring to the audition requirements page on the Juilliard website ensures that you meet the stated dress code and any other requirements.

Rest Properly the Day Before Your Audition

It may sound cliché, but securing a good night’s sleep is a straightforward yet highly beneficial step that can significantly contribute to your best performance. You should focus on getting ample rest before your audition so that you are energized on audition day. So, make proper rest a priority as you prepare for your audition.

Grab Some Breakfast on the Big Day

When it comes to the big day of your audition, don’t forget to indulge in a nourishing breakfast. Since Juilliard school auditions often require physical exertion, fueling yourself with a well-rounded breakfast becomes crucial.

A balanced meal in the morning will provide you with the necessary energy to perform at your best, help maintain stable blood sugar levels despite nerves, and keep brain fog at bay. It’s universally known that starting your day with a satisfying breakfast sets the stage for success.

Do Your Best

At your audition, trust yourself and give it your all. Think of reassuring thoughts like how you’ve dedicated time and effort to reach this stage and have been improving your skills as a result. Remember that Juilliard is renowned for its fierce competition, with an acceptance rate of only eight percent.

Embrace the journey and the lessons it brings, knowing that each step contributes to your growth in the long run. For this reason, don’t let discouragement seep in if you don’t pass the audition. Regardless of the outcome, view it as a valuable learning experience that adds to your professional repertoire.

Wrapping Things Up: How Hard is it to Get into Juilliard?

So, exactly how rare is it to get into Juilliard? Securing admission into Juilliard requires more than just impressive transcripts and a well-crafted application. It demands the unwavering determination and innate talent of individuals who are truly passionate about leaving their mark in the performing arts world.

You can apply to one of Juilliard’s diverse and creative programs if you haven’t already, as the school guarantees a promising future in both academia and your chosen artistic field.

Professor Conquer
Professor Conquer

Professor Conquer started Conquer Your Exam in 2018 to help students feel more confident and better prepared for their tough tests. Prof excelled in high school, graduating top of his class and receiving admissions into several Ivy League and top 15 schools. He has helped many students through the years tutoring and mentoring K-12, consulting seniors through the college admissions process, and writing extensive how-to guides for school.

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