Intro
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FAA Application Process
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.
You’ll answer short essay questions as part of your application. This is your opportunity 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. If your major requires a portfolio or an audition, you will also be considered for talent awards.
Apply to the University of Illinois
First-Year Deadlines for Fall 2024
Early Action
The early action filing period ends on November 1, 2023.
Students who meet the criteria for early action consideration will be notified about their admission decision on January 26, 2024.
Regular Admission
The regular application deadline is January 5, 2024.
Students who meet the criteria for regular admission consideration will be notified about their admission decision in early March.
Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Sustainable Design, and Urban Planning Programs
- The application must be received by November 1, 2023, for early action consideration and January 5, 2024, for regular admission consideration. No talent submission is required for these programs.
Art and Design Programs
- The application and portfolio must be received by November 1, 2023, for early action consideration.
- The application must be received by January 5, 2024, and the portfolio must be received by January 14, 2024, for regular decision consideration.
Dance Programs
- The application must be received and the audition/interview must be completed by November 1, 2023, for early action consideration.
- The application must be received by January 5, 2024, and the live audition/interview requirement must be completed by January 21, 2024, for regular admission consideration.
Music Programs
- The application must be received by November 1, 2023, and the live audition/interview/portfolio requirement must be completed by November 13, 2023, for early action consideration.
- The application must be received by January 5, 2024, and the live audition/interview/portfolio requirement must be completed by February 15, 2024, for regular admission consideration.
Theatre Programs
- The application must be received by November 1, 2023, and the live audition/interview/portfolio requirement must be completed by November 4, 2023, for early action consideration.
- The application must be received by January 5, 2024, and the live audition/interview/portfolio requirement must be completed by February 7, 2024, for regular admission consideration.
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. A talent-based submission is required for all second-choice majors in art and design, dance, and theatre programs.
Find your major below and follow the next part of the process.
Degree Programs with No Talent-Based Submission Requirements
- Architectural Studies (BS): submit your university application only
- Landscape Architecture (BLA): submit your university application only
- Sustainable Design (BS): submit your university application only
- Urban Studies and Planning (BA): submit your university application only
Art and Design
- Art and Art History (BFA)
- Art Education (BFA)
- Art Undeclared (freshman option only; major is declared sophomore year)
- Graphic Design (BFA)
- Studio Art (BFA)
- Concentrations
- Fashion
- General Studio Art
- New Media
- Painting
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- Concentrations
- Studio Art (BA)
- Concentration
- General Studio Art
- Concentration
If you haven’t decided what area fits best with your talents, you may apply to the Art Undeclared program and choose your major on December 1 of your first year of study. A portfolio is still required to complete your application to Art Undeclared.
Dance
We want to see you in action! You must audition and interview to join Dance at Illinois.
- Dance (BA or BFA)
- Dance (BA) + Kinesiology (BS)
Music
1. After submitting an application to the university you will receive a supplemental music form in 24–48 hours. Please fill it out and submit it. The supplemental music form will allow you to schedule your talent submission date.
2. Next you will need to fulfill the talent requirement for your area of interest.
- Computer Science and Music (BS)
- Instrumental Music (BMUS)
- Jazz Performance (BMUS)
- Lyric Theatre (BMA)
- Music (BA)
- Music Composition (BA)
- Music Education (BME)
- Musicology (BMUS)
- Music Open Studies (BMUS)
- Voice (BMUS)
Talent Requirements by Major | Audition and Interview Events
Theatre
- Acting (BFA)
- Arts and Entertainment Technology (BFA)
- Costume Design and Technology (BFA)
- Lighting Design and Technology (BFA)
- Scenic Design (BFA)
- Scenic Technology (BFA)
- Sound Design and Technology (BFA)
- Stage Management (BFA)
- Theatre Studies (BFA)
Talent Requirements by Major | Audition and Interview Events
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.
Application Filing Periods
- Spring 2024: September 1–October 15
- No spring admission for the School of Architecture or the School of Art and Design
- Fall 2024: January 15–April 5
Art and Design
Your portfolio does not have to contain material specific to your major. The School of Art and Design does not have spring transfer admissions. Transfer portfolios must be submitted by April 10.
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.
Graduate Students
Graduate College
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.