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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, 2017.
For early action consideration, all application steps must be completed by November 1, 2017. These include submission of the online application, receipt of ACT/SAT test scores by the university, and fulfillment of any audition, portfolio, or interview requirements.
Students will be notified of a decision on December 15, 2017.
REGULAR ADMISSION
The regular application deadline is December 1, 2017.
Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning Programs
- The application and ACT/SAT test scores must be received by December 1, 2017.
Art and Design Programs
- The application and ACT/SAT test scores must be received by December 1, 2017.
- The portfolio must be received by January 5, 2018.
Performing Arts Programs
- The application and ACT/SAT test scores must be received by December 1, 2017.
- The audition/interview/portfolio review must be completed in January or earlier for notification in February.
Students who meet the January audition/interview/portfolio review deadline will be notified of a decision on February 2, 2018. Applicants who complete the audition/interview/portfolio review process after February 1 will be notified of their admission status on a rolling basis after their materials have been evaluated.
Step 2: Fulfill the Talent Requirement
Find Your Major
Visual and Performing Arts Programs
All visual and performing arts programs require an audition, portfolio review, or 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 and ACT/SAT scores only
- Landscape architecture (BLA): submit your university application and ACT/SAT scores only
- 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
- Urban planning (BA): submit your university application and ACT/SAT scores only
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
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.
Audition Dates
- October 9, 2017
- November 4, 2017—at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
- February 3, 2018
- March 5, 2018—transfer students only
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.
- Instrumental Performance
- Jazz Performance
- Vocal Performance
Get the Music Performance Audition 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
Audition Dates
- November 10, 2017
- January 19–20, 2018
- February 2–3, 2018
- February 9, 2018
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
Audition, Interview, and Portfolio Review Dates
- October 21, 2017
- November 4, 2017
- December 2, 2017
- January 12, 2018
- January 20, 2018
- February 5–7, 2018
- February 17, 2018—transfer students only
- March 10, 2018—transfer students only
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
The early action transfer application deadline for fall 2018 consideration is February 1, 2018.
The regular transfer application deadline for fall 2018 consideration is March 1, 2018.
Art and Design
Your portfolio does not have to contain material specific to your major.
For early action consideration, portfolios must be submitted by February 1, 2018.
For regular admission, portfolios must be submitted by March 5, 2018.
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. Submit a form to request more information, contact a representative by phone at 217.333.0035, or email your questions to grad@illinois.edu.
College of Fine + Applied Arts
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 