VanderCook College of Music
International Students
International students interested in enrolling in the Bachelor of Music Education (BMEd) program and Master of Music Education (MMEd) need both musical and academic competence to attain the degrees. The strengths and background of each applicant are weighed on an individual basis to determine the candidate’s potential for success. In general, however, preference is given to applicants who fulfill the following requirements:
- Graduate from an accredited secondary school or its equivalent with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better
- Complete the following coursework at the secondary level:
- 3 years of English
- 2 years of mathematics
- 2 years of science
- 3 years of social science
- 2 years of electives in foreign language or art
- 3 years of electives in music, or evidence of successful participation in music ensembles and classes
3. Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The internet-based (ITB) TOEFL test measures the areas of reading, listening, writing and speaking. The EIKEN test, an English-language competency exam of Japanese origin, can be considered in lieu of the TOEFL. VanderCook requires a minimum grade of 2A, but admission is contigent on an interview.
- The minimum acceptable subscore for each section is 22.
4. Complete the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) with a recommended combined score of 1100 (reading plus math), or the American College Test (ACT) with a recommended composite score of 22 (writing component strongly suggested).*
APPLICATION PROCESS
International students considering enrolling in VanderCook College of Music should contact the Admissions Office. Our admissions personnel are trained to assist you in completing your application and answering your questions about the college. Applicants for the BMEd program should follow this process:
- $35 non-refundable application fee
- Essay describing your desire to pursue a degree in music education. How has music affected your life? Why is becoming a music teacher important to you? How could you, as a music educator, impact the lives of your students?
- Copies of the biographical pages of your passport
- Recorded audition. Guidelines and audition criteria are available here. If you are traveling to Chicago, you may audition in person, but a recorded audition is accepted if travel is not an option.
Applicants are notified of admissions decisions after application files are complete as listed above. In general, this decision is made within two weeks of receipt of all materials, although delays may occur during semester breaks.
All mailed materials should be sent to:
Admissions Office
VanderCook College of Music
3140 S. Federal St.
Chicago, Illinois 60616
All required materials must be received by the Admissions Office at least 30 days prior to the start of each semester.
ONCE ACCEPTED
- Send the following items to VanderCook College of Music:
- Signed copy of your Offer of Admissions
- $100 non-refundable deposit
- Proof of financial support showing ability to cover tuition and fees for one year at VanderCook
RESOURCES
City of Chicago

Every Gift Matters…
Gifts to VanderCook come in many forms and sizes and each one truly makes a difference. You may wonder how a small contribution can matter to the college – how it can “make a dent.” Combined with other donor gifts, even a relatively minor contribution can make a major impact.