Admission

All applicants whose native language is not English must have an official Duolingo Online English Test Score (DET) submitted to Manhattan School of Music (MSM) by December 3, 2024.

Manhattan School of Music has no minimum English test score requirements in order to apply. However, based on the results of the Duolingo English Test (DET), some admitted students may be asked to complete MSM’s Summer English Study (SES) program in preparation for the coming Fall semester. Students whose English skills cannot be improved to required standards by the start of the Fall semester may be denied admission and encouraged to study English further and apply in the next admission cycle.

Duolingo English Test Scores and Likely Outcomes:

• 120+: Likely exempt from additional English Language Proficiency requirements.
• 115: May be considered for exemption from additional English Language Proficiency requirements; may be assigned to attend Summer English Session at MSM.
• 85-110: Likely to be assigned to attend Summer English Session at MSM.
• 65-80: May be considered for admission, but should study and submit a higher score to be considered for acceptance to Summer English Session and MSM.
• 60 or less: Not currently competitive for admission, should study and resubmit a higher score to be considered for acceptance to Summer English Session and MSM.

Note:

• Duolingo must be taken after September 1, 2024, during the current application cycle.
• In addition to the overall score, Duolingo category scores are evaluated closely to determine whether further language support is necessary through enrollment in our Summer English session.
• Test scores are due with the application by December 3, 2024, and will be considered during the Prescreen process.
• We encourage you to focus on your English language studies and to retest. Updated test scores may be submitted until March 1, 2025.

Please note that DMA applicants are held to a higher standard of English proficiency.

We require that you submit unofficial transcripts and proof of degree(s) by January 15.  You may upload your documents through the Application Checklist in your portal or email a copy of your transcripts to our the Admissions Office.  

Official transcripts (showing proof of equivalency to the U.S. educational system) are only required after admission decisions are issued. If you are offered admission, you will be required to provide final, official transcripts with proof of degree or diploma that clearly states your degree and date of graduation, in a sealed, stamped envelope sent directly from the institution. If your school does not provide an English translation of these documents, you must provide an official translation. 

All academic documents are evaluated by the Office of Admissions. Completion of a degree in an international program of study does not guarantee equivalency to a degree in the United States. You may be required to submit a professional evaluation to help MSM determine your eligibility for your desired program of study. If you do not complete the process, you will not be able to attend MSM. 

You should not request a credential evaluation (e.g. WES evaluation) unless you are specifically asked to do so by the Office of Admissions. 

All applicants who have completed their online application and passed prescreening (if applicable) must audition in order to be admitted to MSM.

IMPORTANT: You should not purchase travel tickets until MSM has notified you that your live audition date and time have been confirmed.

To learn more about MSM’s audition process and to find out if you are eligible for a recorded audition, please click here. 

All applicants who audition are considered for institutional scholarships, as long as you have completed the necessary financial aid documents. You are required to complete the CSS Profile and MSM’s Financial Aid Questionnaire, located on your applicant Status Portal. Scholarships are awarded based on merit and demonstrated financial need. Financial aid documents are due on February 1. For more information, please visit our Scholarships and Financial Aid page.

If you are admitted to MSM, you will be required to apply for the SEVIS Form I-20. Upon approval, you will be eligible to apply for the F-1 Student Visa. The application process for the Form I-20 and F-1 Student Visa can take several weeks, so it is extremely important for you to be prepared and plan ahead. 

If you are an international student who is required to take Summer English Study, your SEVIS I-20 application deadline is May 1.  If you are not required to attend the Summer English Study, your application deadline for the SEVIS Form I-20 is May 15. 

Only original financial documents with official English translations will be accepted when applying for the Form I-20. No emails or faxes will be accepted. The original documents will be returned to you for use at your U.S. Embassy visa appointment after your SEVIS I-20 application has been approved. 

Please email:
International Student Services
at iss@msmnyc.edu
for more information

Please note: Manhattan School of Music does not sponsor students for F-1 status (SEVIS I-20) to pursue a program in the same major that is also considered the same education level of the program previously completed at MSM or any other U.S. institution. If you have already been studying inside the United States and are applying for programs at Manhattan School of Music, please make sure you are applying for a program that is a higher level of education in order to stay in compliance with SEVIS rules and regulations.

The application for the International Exchange Program will be available on March 1, and is due on April 1. This program is intended for students who are currently enrolled in an institution of higher education outside the United States and who wish to study at MSM for one or two semesters. For more information about our International Exchange Program, please click here.

Newly accepted students can find important information regarding enrollment, student visas, insurance, and housing on the Accepted Students page.