Undergraduate Admissions for the Arts at JMU
Applying to JMU's College of Visual and Performing Arts
In order to be admitted artistically to the College of Visual and Performing Arts, you must 1.) submit an academic application to the Office of Admissions and 2.) complete the gateway admissions process for your intended major (see below). After you have applied to JMU, track the status of your application and review your artistic admission decision in MyMadison.
Visit the school admission websites for more details about the audition/portfolio process for each arts major. We offer on-campus, virtual and video/digital submission options for every program.
All Slideroom applications are now free to prospective students, thanks to generous donors that want to eliminate barriers for our talented prospective students.
For more information regarding special events and virtual visit options, check out our events page.
First-year portfolio deadlines
- Early Action: Friday, Nov. 11, 2022
- Regular Decision: Monday, Feb. 6, 2023
Transfer/Change of Major portfolio deadlines
- Spring 2023: Friday, Oct. 7, 2022
- Fall 2023: Friday, March 3, 2023
Portfolio Feedback Days
Attending an on-campus or virtual Portfolio Feedback Day is required for consideration for SADAH merit scholarships and highly recommended for admission. Registration will close one week prior.
Students pursuing Art B.F.A., Architectural Design, Graphic Design or Industrial Design programs must attend in a Portfolio Feedback Day (virtual or in person) to be considered for any SADAH merit scholarships, which vary in amount up to the full cost of tuition.
For scholarship consideration, students should
- apply Early Action to JMU,
- attend a Portfolio Feedback Day prior to Jan. 25 and
- submit via Slideroom one letter of recommendation, an arts resume and a 300-word (max) essay describing the merits of one of your pieces
Students seeking scholarship consideration in the Art History or Art (BA/BS) programs should contact Records & Recruitment Specialist Michael Penney.
Note: School of Music applications are due at least nine days before your audition.
In order to qualify for a merit scholarship from the School of Music, you must attend an audition (virtual or in-person) and submit your application through Slideroom.
For priority scholarship consideration, please apply to JMU Early Action and complete an audition or submit your digital audition materials prior to Jan. 25.
The School of Music offers a number of scholarship opportunities for incoming students, including the "Excellence in the Arts" and "Madison Recognition" awards. Additional awards include merit scholarships from the School of Music and guaranteed admission to the Wayland Living-Learning Arts Community. Scholarship recipients will selected on the strength of their audition and submitted supplementary materials.
Note: School of Theatre and Dance applications are due at least nine days before your audition.
In order to qualify for a merit scholarship from the School of Theatre and Dance, you must attend an audition (virtual or in-person) and submit your application through Slideroom.
For priority scholarship consideration, please apply to JMU Early Action and complete an audition or submit your audition materials prior to Jan. 25.
Criteria for determining scholarship recipients include:
- Talent and ability
- Academic promise
- Interview
- Application essay
The School of Theatre and Dance offers a number of scholarship opportunities for incoming students, including the "Excellence in the Arts" and "Madison Recognition" awards. Additional awards include merit scholarships from the School of Theatre and Dance and guaranteed admission to the Wayland Living-Learning Arts Community.
Note: School of Theatre and Dance applications are due at least nine days before your audition.
- Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022 On campus
- Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022 On campus
- Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023 On campus
- Saturday Feb. 4, 2023 On campus
- Virtual Audition: Click this link to register for an online submission
- Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022 On campus
- Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022 On campus
- Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023 On campus
- Saturday Feb. 4, 2023 On campus
- Virtual Audition: Click this link to register for an online submission
In order to qualify for a merit scholarship from the School of Theatre and Dance, you must attend an audition (virtual or in-person) and submit your application through Slideroom.
For priority scholarship consideration, please apply to JMU Early Action and complete an audition or submit your audition materials prior to Jan. 25.
Criteria for determining scholarship recipients include:
- Talent and ability
- Academic promise
- Interview
- Application essay
The School of Theatre and Dance offers a number of scholarship opportunities for incoming students, including the "Excellence in the Arts" and "Madison Recognition" awards. Additional awards include merit scholarships from the School of Theatre and Dance and guaranteed admission to the Wayland Living-Learning Arts Community.
