Juilliard Acceptance Rate, Alumni, and How to Get In (2024)
March 10, 2024
The Juilliard School, commonly referred to simply as Juilliard, is a prestigious performing arts conservatory. Founded in 1905, Juilliard has become one of the leading institutions for training musicians, dancers, and actors. Juilliard is important to me, personally, for its part in the baffling audition scene performed by the lovely Julia Stiles in Save the Last Dance (2001). But for you, maybe Juilliard is important because it’s your dream! So in this blog, we’ll answer questions like, where is Juilliard? Who are some Juilliard notable alumni? How much does The Juilliard School cost? What’s the Juilliard acceptance rate? And we’ll talk about how to get into Juilliard. Then you’ll be prepared for your own Julia Stiles moment.
First of all, where is Juilliard?
Juilliard is located in New York City, United States. More specifically, it’s situated in the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is a renowned hub for the arts. It’s home to several other prominent institutions and venues. These include the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, and the New York City Ballet, among others.
And who are the Juilliard notable alumni?
Here’s a list of notable alumni from The Juilliard School across acting, music, and dance:
Acting:
- Viola Davis
- Robin Williams
- Jessica Chastain
- Kelsey Grammer
- Christine Baranski
- Laura Linney
- Oscar Isaac
- Jessica Hecht
- Andre Braugher
Juilliard Notable Alumni (Continued)
Music:
- Yo-Yo Ma (Cellist)
- Itzhak Perlman (Violinist)
- Van Cliburn (Pianist)
- Wynton Marsalis (Trumpeter)
- Emanuel Ax (Pianist)
- Alan Gilbert (Conductor)
- Beverly Sills (Soprano)
- Leontyne Price (Soprano)
- John Williams (Composer and Conductor)
- Renée Fleming (Soprano)
Juilliard Notable Alumni (Continued)
Dance:
- Martha Graham (Choreographer)
- Twyla Tharp (Choreographer)
- Alvin Ailey (Choreographer)
- Paul Taylor (Choreographer)
- Lar Lubovitch (Choreographer)
But remember this is just a selection of Juilliard notable alumni. Many more talented individuals have graduated from Juilliard and made significant contributions to the world of performing arts.
So how much does The Juilliard School cost to attend?
According to Juilliard, the total estimated cost of attendance for a first-year student living on campus is $83,892 during the 2023-2024 academic year.
And before we go on to talk about the Juilliard acceptance rate, let’s break down this big number.
| Tuition | $53,300 |
| Double room and meal plan | $21,340 |
| Estimated student health insurance | $3000 |
| Orientation fee | $250 |
| Books, supplies, personal expenses | $4000 |
| Transportation | $2002 |
| Total | $83,892 |
However, some first-year students choose not to live in the residence hall. For these students, The Juilliard School cost will be a little different. So let’s compare Juilliard’s estimated cost of living off campus with the cost of living with your parents (if your parents happen to live near Juilliard.)
| Students Living Off Campus | Students Living With Parents | |
| Tuition | $53,000 | $53,000 |
| Estimated student health insurance | $3000 | $3000 |
| Orientation fee | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated housing | $13,500 | $0 |
| Estimated meals | $5,760 | $5760 |
| Books, supplies, personal expenses | $4000 | $4000 |
| Estimated transportation | $2430 | $990 |
| Total | $82,240 | $67,300 |
What is the Juilliard acceptance rate?
Juilliard has an acceptance rate of 10.6%. This is consistently low compared to many other colleges and universities. However, the exact acceptance rate fluctuates each year based on various factors. For example, the number of applicants, the quality of applicants, and the available spots in each program will affect the Juilliard acceptance rate each admission season.
But don’t worry. If either the Juilliard acceptance rate or The Juilliard School cost is a dealbreaker for you, there are other fantastic drama, dance, and music programs for you to pursue.
How to get into Juilliard as a dancer
Getting into Juilliard’s Dance Division is highly competitive. It requires dedication, talent, and preparation because the Juilliard acceptance rate is low. So here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of admission:
Develop exceptional dance skills
Start training in dance at a young age and continue to refine your technique and artistry. Consider pre-college programs or specialized high school programs. Take classes in various dance styles such as ballet, modern, jazz, and contemporary. And gain exposure to different techniques and styles.
Build your repertoire
Work on building a strong dance repertoire that showcases your technical proficiency, musicality, and expressive abilities. Focus on mastering both classical and contemporary dance pieces, as Juilliard’s dance program typically requires proficiency in both styles.
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Participate in competitions and performances
Gain performance experience by participating in dance competitions, showcases, and recitals. Moreover, seek opportunities to perform both solo and ensemble pieces to develop your stage presence.
Take academic classes
While dance is the primary focus, Juilliard also values academic excellence. So maintain a strong academic record in high school or equivalent education.
Attend auditions and workshops
Keep an eye out for the dance audition schedule and attend auditions in your area. Additionally, consider participating in pre-screening workshops or classes offered by Juilliard or other reputable institutions.
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Prepare for the audition
Prepare thoroughly for the audition by selecting and rehearsing dance pieces that highlight your strengths and versatility as a dancer. Follow Juilliard’s audition guidelines regarding attire, repertoire, and technical requirements. Then be ready to demonstrate your technical skills, artistic expression, and ability to learn choreography quickly.
Submit your application
Complete and submit your application materials according to Juilliard’s application deadlines.
Audition
Finally, if selected, attend the live audition at Juilliard or another designated location. Arrive early, warm up properly, and present yourself professionally. Be prepared to perform your audition pieces and participate in a group audition, improvisation, and interview.
How to get into Juilliard as an actor
Getting into Juilliard’s Drama Division as an actor is also extremely competitive. The Juilliard acceptance rate is low. But it’s certainly possible with dedication, talent, and preparation. So here’s a guide on how to increase your chances of admission:
Acting training
Start your acting training as early as possible. Consider pre-college programs or specialized high school programs. Take acting classes in high school and seek opportunities to participate in school plays, community theater productions, or acting workshops. Develop a strong foundation in acting techniques such as Stanislavski, Meisner, or method acting.
Build your repertoire
Work on building a diverse repertoire of monologues that showcase your range, emotional depth, and acting abilities. Choose monologues from a variety of genres and time periods, and make sure they resonate with you personally. Then practice them regularly to refine your performance.
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Audition preparation
Research the specific audition requirements for Juilliard’s Drama Division, including the number and length of monologues required, as well as any other requested materials. Select monologues that highlight your strengths and demonstrate your versatility as an actor. Then memorize your monologues thoroughly and be prepared to perform them with authenticity and conviction.
Academic excellence
While Juilliard primarily focuses on artistic talent, academic excellence is also important. So maintain a strong academic record in high school or equivalent education.
Participate in extracurricular activities
Engage in extracurricular activities related to theater and acting. For example, you could join drama clubs, attend theater productions, or participate in acting competitions. These experiences will not only enhance your skills but also demonstrate your commitment to the craft of acting.
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Seek feedback and training
Take advantage of opportunities to receive feedback on your acting from experienced professionals. Consider working with acting coaches or attending acting workshops and masterclasses to further develop your skills and receive constructive criticism.
Submit your application
Complete and submit your application materials according to their application deadlines.
Audition
Finally, if selected, prepare thoroughly for the audition. Rehearse your monologues, research the characters and plays, and practice relaxation and focus techniques. Be prepared to perform your monologues with confidence and vulnerability. Also, be prepared to engage with the audition panel during any interviews or discussions.
How to get into Juilliard as a musician
Unsurprisingly, getting into Juilliard’s Music Division as a musician is a highly competitive process. The Juilliard acceptance rate is low. But with dedication, talent, and preparation, it’s possible. So here’s a guide on how to increase your chances of admission:
Start early and develop your musical skills
Begin your musical training as early as possible. Consider pre-college programs or specialized high school programs. Take lessons on your chosen instrument(s) with qualified instructors who’ll help you develop solid technical skills, musicality, and artistry. Practice regularly and aim for excellence in your playing.
Diversify your repertoire
Build a diverse repertoire that showcases your abilities across different musical styles and periods. Include both solo and ensemble pieces that highlight your strengths and musical expression. Make sure to choose pieces that demonstrate your technical proficiency, musical interpretation, and artistic maturity.
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Participate in competitions and performances
Gain performance experience by participating in music competitions, recitals, festivals, and concerts. Seek out opportunities to perform as a soloist and as part of ensembles, such as orchestras, chamber groups, or bands. Performing in front of live audiences will help you gain confidence and stage presence.
Academic preparation
Maintain a strong academic record in high school or equivalent education. Take challenging courses in music theory, music history, and other related subjects to deepen your understanding of music.
Attend summer programs and workshops
Consider attending summer music programs, workshops, and festivals where you can receive intensive training, masterclasses, and performance opportunities. These experiences can help you improve your skills, expand your musical network, and gain exposure to different teaching styles.
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Prepare for auditions
Research the specific audition requirements for your instrument(s) and Juilliard’s Music Division. Select an audition repertoire that demonstrates your technical proficiency, musicality, and artistic expression. Additionally, practice your audition pieces regularly and seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or professional musicians.
Submit your application
Complete and submit your application materials according to the school’s application deadlines.
Audition
Finally, if selected, attend the live audition at Juilliard or another designated location. Arrive early, warm up properly, and present yourself professionally. Be prepared to perform your audition pieces with confidence and musicality. And be prepared to engage with the audition panel during any interviews or discussions.
Juilliard Acceptance Rate – Final Thoughts
If you dream of success in the performing arts, Juilliard just might be the ideal place for you. Learning the Juilliard acceptance rate and reading how to get into the school can help set you up for a successful application and audition. Are you ready to make your dream a reality?
