If you have questions, please email MusicAdmissions@illinois.edu.
Undergraduate Application Process
How to Apply to a Music Degree Program as a First-Choice Major
Step 1: Complete the University Application
Submit your application through the University of Illinois or the Common App. Be sure to select Music as your first-choice major.
Application Tips:
- Ensure application fee or fee waiver is submitted: your counselor must submit the waiver if applicable; your application remains incomplete until UIUC receives either payment or waiver.
- Self‑report your courses and grades accurately through MyIllini (or SRAR link from UIUC if using Common App). Discrepancies with official transcripts can jeopardize your offer.
Step 2: Review Program-Specific Requirements
Each degree has specific expectations regarding repertoire, materials, or interview formats. Visit the Undergraduate Programs page for details.
Step 3: Complete the Music Supplement Form
You will receive an email with a link to the Music Supplement 24–48 hours after submitting your University application. The form collects your instrument, program preferences, and audition/interview scheduling details.
Step 4: Schedule Your Audition (Select Majors Only)
Our Bachelor of Music Education (BME), Bachelor of Music (BMUS) and Bachelor of Musical Arts (BMA) degree programs require an audition as a part of the application process. These are scheduled through the Music Supplement. We encourage you to apply early to reserve your preferred date.
Step 5: Submit Your Portfolio or Video Audition (Select Majors Only)
Our Bachelor of Science (BS, CS + Music), Bachelor of Arts (BA in Music Technology, Musicology, Music Composition, or Music +), and our Bachelor of Music (BMUS-Open Studies, Musicology, Music Composition) degree programs require a portfolio and/or additional essay component, as a part of the application process.
Applicants who are required to submit a an audition as a part of the application process, but are unable to schedule an in-person audition should submit a video audition.
Step 6: Monitor Your “MyIllini” Account
Stay alert to communications from UIUC’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions. They may request updates or additional information via MyIllini, so checking often avoids delays.
Step 7: (International Students)
International applicants must also follow the Undergraduate International Requirements.
Love music but applying with another major? Learn how to pursue Music as a second-choice through dual degrees and pre-approval with the School of Music.
Already at UIUC and considering Music as an additional major? Explore your options for a dual degree or second major with the School of Music.
Timeline: Applying as a First-Year Applicant
September 1: Application Opens
November 1: University Application – Early Action Deadline
November 5: Early Action Music-Specific Requirements Due
• Music Supplemental Form
• Music Portfolio and/or Additional Essay – Required for applicants to CS+Music, Musicology, Music Technology, and Music Composition; optional for the BA in Music + program.
• Video Audition Deadline – For BMUS, BME, and BMA applicants who choose to submit a recorded audition in lieu of a live audition.
November-December: Early Action Audition/Interview Period – See audition calendar and find faculty conflicts here
January 31: Admission Decision Notification
May 1: Deadline to submit intent to enroll
September 1: Application Opens
January 5: University Application, Regular Decision Deadline
January 10: All Music-Specific Requirements Due
• Music Supplemental Form
• Music Portfolio and/or Additional Essay – Required for applicants to CS+Music, Musicology, Music Technology, and Music Composition; optional for the BA in Music + program.
• Video Audition Deadline – For BMUS, BME, and BMA applicants who choose to submit a recorded audition in lieu of a live audition.
Janaury-February: Regular Decision Audition/Interview Period – See audition calendar and find faculty conflicts here
March 6: Admission Decision Notification
May 1: Deadline to submit intent to enroll
Timeline: Applying as a Transfer Applicant
September 1: Application Opens
October 15: Application Deadline
October 20: All Music-Specific Requirements Due
• Music Supplemental Form
• Music Portfolio and/or Additional Essay – Required for applicants to CS+Music, Musicology, Music Technology, and Music Composition; optional for the BA in Music + program.
• Video Audition Deadline – For BMUS, BME, and BMA applicants who choose to submit a recorded audition in lieu of a live audition.
November: Early Action Audition/Interview Period – See audition calendar and find faculty conflicts here
Late November/December: Admission Decision Notification
January 15: Application Opens
February 1: Priority Transfer Application Deadline
April 1: Final Transfer Application Deadline
April 5: All Music-Specific Requirements Due
• Music Supplemental Form
• Music Portfolio and/or Additional Essay – Required for applicants to CS+Music, Musicology, Music Technology, and Music Composition; optional for the BA in Music + program.
• Video Audition Deadline – For BMUS, BME, and BMA applicants who choose to submit a recorded audition in lieu of a live audition.
March-April: Fall Transfer Audition/Interview Period – See audition calendar and find faculty conflicts here
April 15: Priority Decision Notification
June 1: Regular Decision Notification