<p>Um... do you have to have a minimum requried GPA to get into the good grad school programs? like Eastman, Juilliard, Indiana University, ? I'm talking about the MM degree BTW</p>
<p>I tried looking for it all overrrrrr but couldn't find anything. Any thoughts? Thanks</p>
<p>There is not one answer - individual schools may vary. Some thoughts:</p>
<p>1) Call the admissions dept and ask. You may get a run around, but there is the possibility of a “real” answer. Try to talk with the actual admissions director, not a receptionist or work/study assistant.</p>
<p>2) What is your instrument and how superior will your audition sound? (rhetorical question) There can be differences in experience. If you come in at the top of the audition group, the GPA expectations may be weighted less than if you are at the bottom of the list. </p>
<p>3) Conservatories frequently use language something like “transcripts must show evidence of the ability to complete graduate level academic work”. This type of policy allows the conservatories lots of room to assess audition vs. transcript and helps those students whose GPAs are less than the student might have liked! </p>
<p>I’m sure Juilliard’s, NEC’s and CIM’s websites have had GPA info stating something like this - at least in past years. Try the FAQ’s section or use the search function in the websites of the schools you’re interested in to see if you can’t uncover school specific info.</p>
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<li><p>If your GPA is low, but your talent/accomplishment exceptional, have you considered applying for a non-academic degree program - Artist Diploma, Professional Studies Diploma, etc? These programs give you the opportunity to study with the faculty, play in ensembles and practice without many (or any) course requirements. Each school/conservatory will have their own definition and name for the “non-degree” programs they offer. </p></li>
<li><p>Good luck to you - I have known students with GPA’s that are far from stellar who have been admitted to top MM programs while others with better GPA’s but lesser playing abilities have been rejected. As with undergrad - the audition will be extremely important.</p></li>
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<p>Instrument or voice type also factor in. The more popular the program, the harder it is to get in and that’s one place where GPA can really play a role.</p>
<p>Also very critical in the top programs for music academics (history, theory, musicology, etc.) where there is a high value placed on strong writing and research skills.</p>
<p>Can also be a factor in awarding stipends, assistantships and fellowships beyond those decided based largely on performance/audition results.</p>