How to Apply to Arts Academy

Step 1: Check Out Our Viewbook

Take a look at our Viewbook to learn more about artistic, academic, and student life programming, financial aid, and more.

Request Viewbook

Step 2: Fill Out Your Application

Create an account at application.interlochen.org and follow the prompts to start your application. (Note: Student applicants and their parents/guardians should have separate accounts.) We also accept the Standard Application Online (SAO). If you have completed the SAO, you will hear from an admission representative regarding next steps.

The application consists of the following sections:

• Student and family contact information.
• Student writing samples. These are short essays where you will tell us a bit more about yourself and your goals.
• Parent questions. Your answers will help us gain a more holistic understanding of your student. 
• Recommendations. Your school principal or guidance counselor must fill out a recommendation form that we will send them. A second recommendation form completed by a non-family member is optional.
• Admission Documents. We will ask you for transcripts from the past three years. You can also choose to share your SSAT scores. If English is not your first language, we may ask you to share results from an English Proficiency exam, such as Duolingo. All application materials should be provided in English, including transcripts.

Step 3: Upload Your Audition/Portfolio

Please review the Audition & Portfolio Requirements carefully before submitting your materials. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the admission office.

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.

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

Step 6: Schedule a Time to Connect

Once we have received all of your materials, an admission representative will reach out to schedule a 30-minute one-on-one Zoom call with you. This gives us a chance to learn a bit more about you.

Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Academy with a free digital viewbook

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.