How to Apply to Interlochen Arts Academy

Many of our majors reach capacity, and the best way to ensure your enrollment into your program of choice, and be considered for financial aid, is to apply during for by our early action deadline.

Your Next Steps:

  • Create an account at interlochen.org/apply. We also accept the Standard Application Online (SAO).
  • Upload your audition or portfolio. Review the requirements carefully for your artistic major before submitting your materials.
  • Review and submit. Submit your application by one of the pre-assessment deadlines to get feedback on your submissions.
  • Apply for financial aid. If you are interested in merit- or need-based financial assistance, you must complete the Clarity financial aid application.
  • Schedule a time to connect. An admission representative will reach out to schedule a 30-minute one-on-one virtual call to learn more about you.

Dates & Deadlines

 Nov. 1

Pre-Assessment Deadline

If you complete and submit your application by the pre-assessment deadlines, the Office of Admission will review your audition and portfolio files and follow up with feedback. If changes need to be made, you'll have the opportunity to revise your application and submit it before the deadline.

 Nov. 15

Early Action Deadline

It is strongly recommended to complete your application by this deadline for your best chance at your program of choice, and financial aid opportunities.

 Dec. 10

Pre-Assessment Deadline

 Jan. 15

Regular Decision Deadline

After this deadline, applications are accepted on a rolling basis as space permits.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Interlochen is located in the northwest corner of Michigan's lower peninsula. We are a four hour drive from Detroit, and about a five hour drive from Chicago. Our region is served by Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), which offers multiple daily flights to and from Chicago and Detroit, and seasonal service to/from Minneapolis, New York City, and Newark.
Each major has different audition or portfolio requirements. We want to see your best work, but we're not expecting perfection. More than anything, we're looking for potential. This is your opportunity to shine and show your passion. We recommend that you sign up to learn more, start an application, or visit our website for more information.
Interlochen Arts Academy is committed to making an arts education accessible, and we believe each and every talented student who is offered admission should be able to attend. Nearly 80% of Interlochen’s incoming students are awarded financial aid, a percentage that is over 30% higher than many competing schools. Arts Academy offers both talent scholarships and need-based assistance. Completing a financial aid application will not affect your admission decision.

Since Interlochen exists to help artists develop and improve, it is most important that students showcase potential to learn and a capacity for continued growth. Students are not expected to be "perfect."

We recommend that you learn more about Interlochen, visit our campus, or apply.

Every student has an Instructor of Residence Life (IRL) who is their main point of contact when they have questions, concerns, or need different support. The IRL is a faculty member who lives in the same hall as the students. Parents are encouraged to keep in touch with their student's IRL and partner with them.

A dedicated orientation session is held for all parents on at the start of the school year.

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What People Are Saying

“We saw that there were some really high level academic work happening here. That was really what sold us. We saw that kids could go to an Ivy League from here, they could go to an arts school from here. The full range of learning here and it was just a matter of what they wanted to do.”


Interlochen Arts Academy Parents

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