How to Apply to Arts Academy

All applications for Interlochen Arts Academy are submitted online. You will need the materials listed below to complete your application. You can start the application now and submit it once these materials are retrieved:

Transcripts from the last three years (unofficial transcripts are fine)
Contact information for a school principal or guidance counselor
Optional contact information for a non-family member recommender
Optional SSAT test scores
If you are an international applicant, English language testing results through DuoLingo

Step 1: Register at our Academy Education Community

Register for an account at application.interlochen.org using your email address. Both you and your parents/guardians should have separate accounts. You can save your progress and exit at any time. We also accept the Standard Application Online (SAO). If you have completed the SAO, you will hear from an admission representative regarding next steps.

Step 2: Fill out the Application

The application consists of the following sections:

Student and family contact information. This includes your intended Interlochen major.
Student writing responses (only completed using student account). These are short essays where you can tell us a bit more about yourself, your artistic path, and your goals.
Parent writing responses (only completed using parent account). These will help us gain a more holistic understanding of your child.
Recommendations. Your school principal or guidance counselor must fill out one recommendation. The other is optional.
Admission Documents. Here is where you can upload transcripts and test scores. If you are an international applicant, please note that all application materials should be translated, including transcripts.

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Step 3: Upload Your Audition/Portfolio

Your audition/portfolio materials show your artistic readiness. The appropriate faculty member will review the work you submit in your application. Every major has its own audition or portfolio requirement. Please review requirements carefully before submitting your materials.

Audition & Portfolio Requirements

Step 4: Review & Submit

Make sure to review your application before submitting it. When you feel it is ready, pay the application fee ($65 for domestic students and $100 for international students; non-refundable) and submit.

It is very important that you submit all materials by the posted deadline. The dates for the 2025-2026 Arts Academy year are the following:

Early Decision Deadline: Nov. 15
Space is limited, so we encourage you to apply by the early application deadline. Applying early gives you priority consideration for your major of choice, and financial aid opportunities ahead of those applying for the regular decision deadline.
Decision Sent: Dec. 10
Decision Reply Date: Jan. 15

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan. 15
Decision Sent: March 10
Decision Reply Date: April 19

Rolling Decision Deadline: Ongoing as space permits

Decision Reply Date: Beginning March 15, applicants will be notified of an admission decision within three weeks of application completion

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Step 5: Apply for Financial Aid

If you are interested in merit- or need-based financial assistance, you must complete the Clarity financial aid application.

Learn more about Financial Aid

Nondiscrimination policy

Interlochen Arts Academy admits qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender identity or expression, religion, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other status protected by applicable law, and extends to them all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Interlochen Arts Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender identity or expression, religion, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other status protected by applicable law, in the administration of its educational, admission, financial aid, artistic, and other school-administered programs.

Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Academy with a free digital viewbook

Application Deadlines

Nov. 15. The early decision application deadline is Nov. 15. Meeting the early decision deadline better secures your place in our artistic community and provides more opportunities for financial aid.
Dec. 10. The pre-assessment deadline is Dec. 10. If you complete and submit your application by the pre-assessment deadline, the Office of Admission will review your audition and portfolio files and then follow up with any feedback.
Jan. 15. The regular decision application deadline is Jan. 15.

Applications will remain open after the regular decision deadline as space permits. Please contact the Office of Admission & Financial Aid with any questions.

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How to Apply