Requirement
The ability to speak, read, and understand English fluently is an important factor in admissions decisions. Youare required to show proof of English language proficiencyby theapplication deadlineif your native language is notEnglish, regardlessof citizenship. The Juilliard School defines native language as the language first spoken as a child and the primary language spoken at home.
Exemption
You may be exempt from the requirement to provide proof of English language proficiency if you meet certain criteria. Exemptions are determined by your answers to questions on the application form. To qualify for anexemption,BOTHof the following must be true:*
- You have attended an English language high school/secondary school for four years AND
- You have completed or will complete an undergraduate degree (3-4 years in length) at an English language institution.
*Note that this is a TOTAL of 7-8 years of instruction at English language institutions, including BOTH high school AND undergraduate degree studies.
An exemption to provide a test score as proof of English language proficiency is granted automatically ifyou meet the aforementioned criteria.Applicants who are exempt from providing a test score also are exempt from the ELP interview requirement.
Waiver
A waiver excuses an applicant from the requirement to provide a test score as proof of English language proficiency. Waivers are granted by Juilliard upon request of the applicant, and following a review by the School’s Director of ESL of the materials submitted by the applicant in support of their request for the waiver.
A waiver of the requirement to provide a test score as proof of English language proficiency may be granted at the school’s discretion if the following criteria are met:
- The applicant has earned (or will have earned by the time of matriculation) a THREE- or FOUR-year undergraduate degree from a school where the language of instruction is EnglishAND
- The applicant submits two academic papers written in English, for review by our Director of ESL. The papers must have been written in the applicant’s most recently completed academic term.Each paper must be a minimum of 1200 words in lengthAND
- The applicant submits an unofficial transcript for review.
To request consideration for a waiver, follow the instructions on the application form.
An interview is still required of applicants whose test score requirement is waived.
Helpful tool: To see if you may qualify for an exemption or a waiver of the requirement to submit a test score as proof of English language proficiency,our online form can help you. Although this form does not grant exemptions or waivers, it can help you plan ahead should the result indicate that you need to schedule an ELP test.
English Language Proficiency Assessment Criteria
We assess your English language abilities using the following criteria:
- The results of a standardized English language proficiency test
- An online interview with staff from our English language office
- Your previous academic record
Note that your test score alone is not sufficient for admission; you must still meet our artistic and academic standards.
Test Scores
You must submit one of the following test types to document your current level of English language proficiency.If your score falls below the minimum scores listed here, you should carefully consider whetherto continue the application and audition process. We reserve the right to deny an audition based on scores that fall considerably below our minimum.
| Test Type | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| Cambridge English | C1 |
| 89 | |
| 627 | |
| 6.5 |
The official test results must be sent directly from the testing company and received in the Office of Admissions by the appropriate deadline.
Interview Requirement
- Any Master of Music (MM)and Graduate Diploma (GD) applicantwith a test score of 94 TOEFL and below (or the equivalent score for other tests) is required to interview with Juilliard’s Director of ESL in order to demonstrate fluency in the English language.
- MM and GD applicants who are exempt from the test score requirement also are exempt from the interview requirement.
- MM and GD applicants whose test scores are waived are still required to interview with the School’s Director of ESL.
- The Office of Admissions will contact applicants to schedule required interviews.
