The application process is an opportunity to share your story, your music, and your professional goals. We want to know what you’ve accomplished so far and what you hope to achieve in the future. Your application form, academic transcript, interview, and/or audition will help the admissions staff determine if Berklee is the right fit for you.
Take the first step in joining our vibrant community. Begin your application today—and launch your career in music.
The application process consists of three parts.
Application Form
Create your account in the applicant portal and complete the application form, then pay the nonrefundable fee to submit your application.
Supporting Materials
Send us official transcripts from any high schools and colleges you’ve attended. If you are applying to the Bachelor of Arts program, you also must send a portfolio consisting of a résumé and cover letter.
Audition and Interview
After we receive your application form, we will schedule your audition and/or interview. Bachelor of Music applicants must complete both. Bachelor of Arts applicants must interview, but are not required to audition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Completing Your Application
Does Berklee accept the common app?
Berklee does not accept the common application. Our own application form is designed to meet our needs as a music school.
Do I have to declare a major when I apply?
If you are applying to the Bachelor of Music program, you do not need to declare a major until the end of your second semester. Bachelor of Arts applicants may apply only to the music industry leadership and innovation degree program, which does not require a declaration of major.
Which program should I apply to, the Bachelor of Music or the Bachelor of Arts?
The Bachelor of Music program offers complete musical instruction in over 30 principal instruments and 14 major areas of study. The Bachelor of Arts program in music industry leadership and innovation is a music business major designed for non-musicians.
Can I apply to both undergraduate programs?
No, you must apply to either the Bachelor of Music program or the Bachelor of Arts in music industry leadership and innovation.
Does Berklee require SAT or ACT scores?
No. Berklee is test-blind and does not require SAT or ACT for admission.
How can I check the status of my application?
Log in to the applicant portal at any time to check the status of your application.
Submitting Your Transcript
How do I submit my transcript?
You have two options for submitting your transcript. Your school can send your transcript via email or through a digital transcript delivery service. Paper submissions are discouraged.
I’m applying from outside the U.S. How should I send my transcript
If you attended high school or college outside the U.S. or Canada, please do not submit your transcript directly to Berklee. You must have your transcript reviewed by a transfer credit evaluation agency.
How do I know if you’ve received my transcript?
You can log in to the applicant portal to check the status of your transcript. This information will be updated once your transcript has been processed by Admissions.
The Audition Process
Do I have to audition?
If you are applying to the Bachelor of Music program, an audition is required. Applicants to the Bachelor of Arts in music industry leadership and innovation are not required to audition.
Where can I audition?
In addition to our Boston, Massachusetts campus, Berklee offers applicants the opportunity to audition in a wide range of locations worldwide. You also may audition online.
What should I play for my audition?
For your prepared piece, you should play something that you are comfortable with and that showcases your abilities as a musician. If composing or songwriting is your primary focus, you may want to perform an original composition on your principal instrument. Check out our audition guidelines for more detailed information.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
How do I apply for financial aid?
Berklee uses two forms to evaluate your eligibility for financial aid: the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile. For complete information on the financial aid process, visit the Scholarships and Financial Aid page on our website.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
All applicants to Berklee’s undergraduate programs are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships as part of the audition and interview process. No further application is necessary.
When will I know if I am receiving financial aid?
Students who have submitted their forms and fully completed any required documents will receive their need-based aid award along with their admissions decision.
Deadlines and Decisions
When is the deadline to apply?
Visit our admissions deadlines page for details about early action and regular action deadlines as well as spring and summer enrollment.
When will I get my admissions decision?
Early action applicants receive notification by January 31. Regular action applicants are notified by March 31.
Is my early action decision binding?
Berklee’s early action decision is non-binding.
Information for Transfer Students
I’d like to apply as a transfer student. Will Berklee accept my credits?
You are invited to submit official transcripts from regionally accredited institutions for transfer credit evaluation.
