Music Performance

Undergraduate academic requirements

• Completion of high school education.

English proficiency

• Applicants who don’t speak English as a first language must submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Duolingo English Test.

English proficiency waivers

• Applicants whose native/first language is English are exempt from submitting English proficiency scores.
• Specific waivers or exemptions depend on primary citizenship or completing secondary/undergraduate education where English is the native language and primary medium of instruction, though policies can vary slightly by specific undergraduate college or campus.

Documents required

• Passport
• Academic Transcripts
• Degree certificate or diploma
• Proof of English proficiency
• Statement of purpose or personal statement
• Recommendation letters
• Finance proof
• Translations
• Credential evaluations

Documents

• Common Application
• Non-refundable $75 application fee
• High school courses and grades and official secondary-school transcript
• Secondary School Counselor Evaluation, including the school profile and transcript
• Official final transcript or proof of diploma completion after admission

Deadlines

• Early Decision

  November 2

• Regular Decision

  January 4

• Regular Decision for School of Music programs

  December 1

Supporting materials should be submitted by the relevant deadline; international English-proficiency scores should be sent by January 7 for Regular Decision

Essays and statements

• Common Application essay
• Carnegie Mellon Common Application Writing Supplement, including three short-answer questions

Recommendations

• Secondary school counselor evaluation
• One teacher recommendation submitted through the Common Application

Creative and performance

• Fine arts applicants must complete the required prescreening, audition or portfolio review after submitting the Common Application. School of Music applicants pay an additional $55 audition fee; portfolio fees may apply to other College of Fine Arts programs.

Selection

Admission is determined by the relevant Carnegie Mellon college or program. Applicants may apply to up to two colleges/programs when permitted, and program-specific criteria may apply.

Tests and examinations

• Standardized testing depends on the college or program

  the School of Computer Science requires SAT or ACT scores; the College of Fine Arts is test optional; other schools are test flexible

• Applicants whose first language is not English must submit TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test or Cambridge English Assessment results