Manhattan School of Music Admissions

Manhattan School of Music Admissions Overview:

Since the Manhattan School of Music is a conservatory, students will need to audition as part of the admissions process, and admissions are quite competitive. Applicants will need to submit an application, essay, letters of recommendation, high school transcripts, and resume in addition to setting up an audition. For complete guidelines and instructions, be sure to check out the school's website.

Admissions Data (2016):

• Manhattan School of Music Acceptance Rate: 46%
• MSM has test-optional admissions
• Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile
  • SAT Critical Reading: - / -
  • SAT Math: - / -
  • SAT Writing: - / -
    • What's a good SAT score?
  • ACT Composite: - / -
  • ACT English: - / -
  • ACT Math: - / -
    • What's a good ACT score?

Manhattan School of Music Description:

The Manhattan School of Music is a music conservatory in the Upper West Side of New York City. The campus, which is located at the heart of the academic area of Manhattan’s Upper West Side, has a rich architectural history, and Broadway theaters, three city parks, and several colleges and universities are all within walking distance of campus. Academically, the conservatory offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in voice, instrumental performance, jazz and composition, as well as master’s degrees in accompanying, orchestral performance and contemporary performance and a doctorate in accompanying.

Faculty members at the Manhattan School of Music come from prestigious backgrounds in the industry; many are current members of such institutions as the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera. The school's many strengths earned it a spot among our list of the top 10 music schools in the U.S. Campus life is active, and more than 700 musical performances take place every year, including student performances, concerts and faculty recitals.

Enrollment (2016):

• Total Enrollment: 1,071 (457 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 47% Male / 53% Female
• 100% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

• Tuition and Fees: $44,600
• Books: $1,000 (why so much?)
• Room and Board: $16,000
• Other Expenses: $4,600
• Total Cost: $66,200

Manhattan School of Music Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 68%
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 60%
  • Loans: 32%
• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $21,314
  • Loans: $6,824

Academic Programs:

• Most Popular Majors: Composition, Instrumental Performance, Jazz, Voice.

Graduation and Retention Rates:

• First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 93%
• Transfer Out Rate: -%
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 87%
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 100%

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

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