Admissions Overview
Admission to ACAPA is selective and holistic. Because ACAPA is a conservatory-style institution, all applicants are evaluated on both academic merit and demonstrated artistic ability. Academic review and artistic review (audition, portfolio, or interview, depending on department) are conducted in parallel and carry equal weight in the admissions decision. We enroll approximately 340 new undergraduate students each fall.
Application Process
All applicants must complete both an academic application and an artistic review (audition, portfolio review, or faculty interview). The two components are evaluated separately by different committees and then reviewed together before an admissions decision is rendered.
Step-by-Step: First-Year Applicants
- Submit the ACAPA Application — Complete the online application form including essays, high school transcript, and two letters of recommendation (one academic, one from an arts instructor or mentor).
- Submit Prescreening Materials — Depending on your department, submit a prescreening video recording or portfolio through the Applicant Portal prior to scheduling a live audition or review. Prescreening is required for Music, Theatre, Dance, and Musical Theatre.
- Schedule Artistic Review — If you pass prescreening, you will be invited to schedule an on-campus audition, portfolio review, or faculty interview. Virtual options are available for applicants who cannot travel to Eastbridge.
- Complete Audition / Portfolio Review — Attend your scheduled session. Music and Dance auditions are performed live before a faculty panel. Visual Arts, Film, and Design applicants submit a portfolio for panel review. Theatre applicants combine a live monologue with an interview.
- Await Decision — Decisions are issued within 4–6 weeks of completing both the academic application and the artistic review. Early Decision applicants receive decisions in December; Regular Decision applicants receive decisions in late March.
- Submit Enrollment Deposit — Admitted students must submit a $500 non-refundable enrollment deposit by May 1 to secure their place.
Required Application Materials
- Completed ACAPA online application form
- Official high school transcript (or college transcripts, for transfer applicants)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement (500–700 words) addressing artistic background and goals
- Artistic résumé listing training, performances, exhibitions, and related experience
- Prescreening recording or portfolio (department-specific; see below)
- $65 application fee (waivers available; see Financial Aid)
- SAT/ACT scores are optional for all applicants (test-optional policy)
Application Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Prescreening Deadline | Decision Released |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision (binding) | November 1 | October 15 | Mid-December |
| Regular Decision | January 15 | January 5 | Late March |
| Transfer Applicants | March 1 | February 15 | Late April |
| Graduate Programs | Rolling | Rolling | 4–6 weeks after completion |
Early Decision is binding. Applicants who apply ED and are admitted agree to enroll at ACAPA and withdraw all other applications. Financial aid awards are issued concurrently with ED decisions. If the financial aid award is insufficient, admitted ED students may be released from the binding commitment upon written request reviewed by the Dean of Admissions.
Portfolio & Audition Requirements by Department
Requirements below are for undergraduate applicants. Graduate requirements differ — see Graduate Admissions. Full detailed requirements and prescreening guidelines are on the Audition & Portfolio Requirements page.
Department of Music
Prescreening: Submit an unedited video recording (10–15 min) of two contrasting works on your primary instrument or voice. Upload via the Applicant Portal.
Live Audition: Invited applicants perform for a faculty panel. Prepare 15–20 minutes of repertoire representing at least two contrasting stylistic periods. Sight-reading may be requested. Accompaniment is provided for vocalists; instrumentalists audition without accompaniment unless otherwise specified by the department.
Additional: A written music theory diagnostic is administered on audition day (unscored; used for placement purposes only). Composition applicants submit a portfolio of 3–5 original works written within the past three years in lieu of a performance audition.
Audition Dates: October–February (on-campus). Virtual auditions available by request.
Department of Theatre
Prescreening: Submit two contrasting monologues on video (one classical, one contemporary), each 60–90 seconds. Musical Theatre applicants also include a 16-bar cut of a song.
Callback Audition: Invited applicants participate in a full audition day including monologue performance, movement workshop, and a faculty interview. Musical Theatre auditions include a song and a cold-reading scene.
Theatre Design & Technology applicants submit a portfolio of design work (sketches, ground plans, model photos, light plots, or technical drawings as applicable) and participate in a faculty interview.
Department of Dance
Prescreening: Submit a video recording (10–12 min) showing technical and stylistic range. Include at least two styles; one section must be unaccompanied by music to demonstrate musicality through movement alone.
Live Audition: Conducted as a group class with all auditioning candidates, led by Dance faculty. Includes barre work, center combinations, and improvisation. Choreography applicants also submit a brief portfolio of documentation of original work (video and written description).
Department of Visual Arts
Portfolio Review (no prescreening required): Submit a digital portfolio of 12–20 works via the Applicant Portal. At least 8 works must be from the past two years. Include a brief artist statement (200–300 words) and a description of each work (medium, dimensions, year). Observational drawing samples are strongly recommended for all applicants regardless of concentration.
Faculty Interview: Select applicants are invited to an optional faculty interview (in-person or virtual) to discuss their work and intentions.
Department of Film & Media Arts
Portfolio Review: Submit a digital portfolio consisting of 2–3 short film or video works (combined running time not to exceed 20 minutes), or a screenplay/script (10–30 pages), or a combination of both. Animation and Motion Graphics applicants submit a reel and at least 5 still frames or concept images. All applicants submit a director's or artist's statement (300–500 words).
Faculty Interview: All applicants who pass portfolio review are invited to a short faculty interview (15–20 min, virtual available).
Department of Creative Writing
Writing Sample (no prescreening required): Submit a writing sample of 10–20 pages in your primary genre (fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, playwriting, or screenwriting). Poetry applicants submit 8–12 poems. Include a cover letter describing your writing background and goals.
No audition required. The writing sample is the primary artistic evaluation. A faculty interview may be requested for select applicants.
Full audition and portfolio requirements, including repertoire lists and formatting guidelines →
Tuition, Fees, and Cost of Attendance
| Item | 2025–2026 (per year) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition | $41,800 |
| Comprehensive Fee (technology, facilities, arts materials access) | $1,650 |
| Student Health Insurance (waivable with proof of coverage) | $1,200 |
| Room (on-campus double; other options available) | $7,400 |
| Board (standard meal plan) | $5,600 |
| Books, supplies, and arts materials (estimated) | $1,800 |
| Personal and transportation (estimated) | $1,400 |
| Total Estimated Cost of Attendance | $60,850 |
Graduate tuition: $38,400/year (M.F.A. programs); $36,600/year (M.Mus. programs). Part-time rates available for qualifying students. Tuition is subject to adjustment each academic year.
Financial Aid
ACAPA is committed to making an arts education accessible. Approximately 58% of enrolled undergraduates receive some form of institutional financial aid. The average institutional aid award for first-year students is approximately $18,400 per year.
Types of Aid Available
- Need-Based Grants — Institutional grants awarded based on demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). No repayment required.
- Merit/Talent Scholarships — Awarded to exceptional applicants based on audition or portfolio performance. All applicants who complete an artistic review are automatically considered; no separate application is required. Awards are renewable provided the student maintains satisfactory academic and artistic standing.
- Federal Pell Grants — Available to eligible undergraduate students based on federal need determination.
- Federal Direct Loans — Subsidized and unsubsidized loans available to students completing the FAFSA.
- Federal Work-Study — Campus employment positions available to eligible students, often in arts-related roles (production assistant, gallery assistant, accompanist, etc.).
- External Scholarships — ACAPA's financial aid office maintains a list of external scholarship opportunities for arts students.
Key Dates for Financial Aid
| Priority FAFSA Filing Deadline | February 1 |
|---|---|
| Financial Aid Award Letters Sent (Regular Decision) | With admission decisions (late March) |
| Early Decision Aid Awards Sent | With admission decisions (mid-December) |
| FAFSA School Code | 004727 (fictional) |
ACAPA's financial aid office is available to assist families in understanding their options. Students are encouraged to file the FAFSA as early as possible each year. CSS Profile is not required. International students are eligible for institutional merit/talent scholarships but are not eligible for federal financial aid.
Complete Financial Aid information, net price calculator, and scholarship details →
Transfer Applicants
ACAPA welcomes transfer students with prior college coursework who wish to complete their degree in the arts. Transfer applicants follow the same artistic review process as first-year applicants (audition, portfolio, or writing sample). In addition, transfer applicants must submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions and a transfer-specific supplemental essay describing their reasons for transferring and their artistic development to date.
Transfer credit evaluation is conducted by the Registrar in consultation with the relevant department. Up to 60 transfer credits may be accepted toward a 128-credit undergraduate degree. Credits in general education and liberal arts are typically transferable; applied studio credits are evaluated individually by department faculty.
Transfer application deadline: March 1. Decisions issued in late April.
Graduate Admissions
ACAPA offers M.F.A. programs in Visual Arts, Film & Media Arts, Creative Writing, Theatre (Directing; Design & Technology), and Dance, as well as a Master of Music (M.Mus.) degree. Graduate admissions operate on a rolling basis; applications are reviewed as they are completed, and admissions decisions are issued within 4–6 weeks of a completed file. Prospective graduate students are strongly encouraged to contact the relevant department directly before applying to discuss fit and available faculty mentors.
Campus Visits and Information Sessions
Prospective students are encouraged to visit ACAPA in Eastbridge, Vermont before applying. ACAPA offers open house events in October, November, and February, as well as individual campus visit days throughout the academic year. Visitors can sit in on classes, meet with faculty, tour facilities, and observe student performances. Virtual information sessions and virtual campus tours are also available.
Schedule a visit or register for an information session →
Admissions Contact
Office of Admissions
American College of Arts and Performing Arts
14 Hartwell Drive, Eastbridge, VT 05401
Phone: (802) 555-0182
Email: admissions@acapa.edu
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern
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