Meritously
Oberlin College and Conservatory

Conservatory Dean's Award

ListedCollege program
Award
Amount not stated; renewable for 8 semesters (10 for Double Degree students)
Timeline
  1. Nov 1, 2026Fall 2027 Conservatory: Early Decision Common Application
  2. Nov 4, 2026Audition/interview request, music background, recommendation requests and screening . Regular Decision Common Application December 1, 2026
  3. Dec 4, 2026Portal forms and screening
  4. Feb 1, 2027Final recorded auditions . Recommender submissions December 18, 2026. Music Theater ED and early-screening applications October 15, 2026
  5. Dec 5, 2026ED on-campus audition . The theory-exam instructions conflict: select-area ED applicants are told December 1, 2026, while the table says February 1, 2027.
How to apply
Submit the Common Application, portal audition/interview request, music background and prescreening for all areas. Request two artistic teacher recommendations, at least one from the current or latest private teacher or coach, and submit secondary transcripts and school report. Audition or interview according to the area requirements; ED requires an on-campus audition, while RD recordings are allowed except Music Theater, which requires live singing. Composition and TIMARA require supplemental essays; TIMARA and Recording Arts applicants need the theory exam for admission. CSS Profile is strongly recommended for merit consideration; FAFSA is not required for merit alone.
What you'll need
  • No separate application: you are considered when you apply for admission
  • Recommendations
  • A portfolio
Who can apply
Admitted Conservatory of Music students.
Good to know
The individual Dean’s Award amount is communicated in the admission offer. The published 2025-26 Conservatory handbook requires good academic standing and ensemble placement or equivalent service each semester as applicable. Full-time enrollment is required except prorated final-semester funding; academic dismissal may end eligibility. Funding does not transfer to unaffiliated study abroad or between divisions, except the specified dual-degree situation.
Details
Arts