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Applying to FAA
Any incoming student interested in enrolling in an undergraduate program in the College of Fine and Applied Arts must first complete the online application from the university's Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Those interested in pursuing an advanced degree should apply to the Graduate College directly.
Step 1: Apply Online
Tell Us about Yourself
Complete the online application from the university's Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Make sure you meet all requirements.
Submit one essay with your application to tell us why you're interested in your major. You may want to describe an experience related to this area of the arts or write about what you plan for your life as a creative professional.
You will automatically be considered for scholarships once you submit your materials. No separate scholarship application is needed.
Deadlines
EARLY ACTION ADMISSION
The early action application deadline is November 1, 2018.
Students who meet the criteria for early action consideration will be notified about their admission decision on December 14, 2018.
REGULAR ADMISSION
The regular application deadline is January 4, 2019.
Students who meet the criteria for regular decision consideration will be notified about their admission decision on March 1, 2019.
Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning Programs
- The application must be received by November 1, 2018, for early action consideration and January 4, 2019, for regular decision consideration. No talent submission is required for these programs.
Art and Design Programs
- The portfolio must be received by November 1, 2018, for early action consideration.
- The portfolio must be received by January 11, 2019, for regular decision consideration.
Performing Arts Programs
- The audition/interview/portfolio requirement must be completed by December 1, 2018, for early action consideration.
- The audition/interview/portfolio requirement must be completed by March 1, 2019, for regular decision consideration. (Please complete the talent request form for your intended major by January 1, 2019, to secure your spot.)
Step 2: Fulfill the Talent Requirement
Find Your Major
Visual and Performing Arts Programs
Most visual and performing arts programs require an audition, a portfolio review, or an interview in addition to an application to the University of Illinois.
Find your major below and follow the next part of the process.
Degree Programs with No Talent-Based Submission Requirements
- Architecture/architectural studies (BS): submit your university application
- Landscape architecture (BLA): submit your university application
- Music (BA): no audition is required, but explain your interest in this particular degree, describe your musical experience, and connect your long-term goals to this degree in your application essay. Students interested in music technology should schedule a faculty interview.
- Urban planning (BA): submit your university application
Art and Design
Majors and Talent Requirements
Art education—portfolio
History of art—portfolio/research papers and essays
Crafts: metal (jewelry design)—portfolio
Graphic design—portfolio
Industrial design—portfolio
New media—portfolio
Painting—portfolio
Photography—portfolio
Sculpture—portfolio
Studio art—portfolio
If you haven't decided what area fits best with your talents, you may apply to the Art Foundation program and choose your major when you're a sophomore. A portfolio is still required to complete your application.
Dance
We want to see you in action! You must audition to join Dance at Illinois.
Music
1. The first thing you need to do after finishing your university application is submit the supplemental music application.
Get the Supplemental Music Application
2. Next you will need to fulfill some requirements for your area of interest. Find your specific major. You'll be sent to the School of Music's site for the details.
- Computer Science + Music
- Instrumental Performance
- Jazz Performance
- Vocal Performance
Get the Music Performance Audition Requirements
- Lyric Theatre
Get the Lyric Theatre Requirements
- Music Education
Get the Music Education Requirements
- Music Composition
- Music Composition-Theory
- Music Technology
Get the Music Composition and Theory Requirements
- Musicology (Music History)
Get the Musicology Requirements
- Open Studies
Get Information on the Open Studies Major
If you aren't able to come to campus for an audition, you can submit a recording. You will need to set up an online account and then follow the additional instructions from the School of Music.
Theatre
Majors and Talent Requirements
Acting—audition
Costume design and technology—portfolio
Lighting design and technology—portfolio
Scenic design—portfolio
Scenic technology—portfolio
Sound design—portfolio
Stage management—interview
Theatre studies (directing, playwriting, criticism, history)—interview
Transfer Students
Requirements
Qualified transfer students from both community and four-year college programs are eligible for admission. Academic and artistic qualifications are considered equally during the admissions review process, and both may impact your placement in core courses in your major. To learn about transfer requirements and the admissions process, see our suggestions for college preparation. You might also want to review the transfer student information from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Deadlines
Transfer applications for fall 2019 will be accepting beginning on December 15, 2018. Please check back for more information.
Art and Design
Your portfolio does not have to contain material specific to your major.
Dance, Music, and Theatre
Our performing arts programs have audition, portfolio, or interview requirements for admission. Each area has individual guidelines for assessing your talent.
Get the Dance Admission Requirements
Graduate Students
All students interested in earning a graduate degree in the College of Fine and Applied Arts must apply for admission through the Graduate College. If you have questions, contact a representative by phone at 217.333.0035 or email grad@illinois.edu.
College of Fine + Applied Arts
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 