How to Apply

Applicants are required to apply online. You must complete all required fields and upload materials prior to submission. Most materials can be submitted electronically via the online application. Any additional supporting documents that need to be sent electronically or by mail must include an Application Materials Cover Sheet. All supporting materials must be received before your application can be reviewed.

If you're planning to apply using a school email address, please confirm you can receive our email first. Some schools block email from outside their domains.

The application fee for U.S. domestic applicants and international transfer applicants is $50. Application fees are paid through the online application and are non-refundable. The New School waives application fees for those who meet the eligibility guidelines listed in the Application Fee Waivers section of our university-wide undergraduate and graduate How to Apply pages.

Arts Management and Entrepreneurship MA

Submit answers to the following questions:

1. Describe the ways in which your artistic practice, past work, and other professional experience make you a good fit for The New School’s Master of Arts program in Arts Management and Entrepreneurship. (300-400 words)
2. What is your view of the role(s) that an artist can play to effect positive social change? (300-400 words)
3. Tell us about your entrepreneurial, leadership, and/or management skills and how you will apply the skills you will gain in these areas after you complete this program. (300-400 words)

MM Performer-Composer

Essay: Why The New School’s MM Performer-Composer Program?

The New School brings together a dynamic group of students interested in the performing arts, visual arts, design, entrepreneurship, social change, and critical thought. We would like to know more about your interest in joining our community and why you would be a good fit for The New School. Please also describe your work as a performer, composer, and/or improviser and how it relates to the values of the MM Performer-Composer program, as described above. (500-650 words) 

Arts Management and Entrepreneurship MA
A portfolio must be submitted with your application. Your portfolio will be evaluated in three areas:

• Artistic skills
• Entrepreneurialism, leadership, or management skills
• Socially engaged practice or social justice values/goals

Please upload up to nine items demonstrating your relevant work and experience in these three areas. Materials submitted for evidence of your artistic skills must be video or audio files. Additional portfolio items can include writing samples, images, work samples, links to social media and/or websites, etc. All items must be uploaded individually. 

In addition to the items mentioned above, please also upload the following three items:

• A document that provides context for each of the items in your portfolio. Specifically, tell us the date, time, and location for each piece of work; describe your role; explain how this item demonstrates your skills in the areas of artistry, entrepreneurialism, leadership, and management; and discuss your socially engaged practice or social justice values and goals.
• A current résumé.
• A brief statement in which you reflect on your capacity to commit to a full-time program given other commitments.
  

This means you will have a maximum of 12 items in your portfolio.

MM Performer-Composer

A portfolio must be submitted with your application. Successful applicants will provide evidence of:

• A high level of artistic practice (as a performer, composer, improviser, or any combination thereof)
• An interest in challenging and expanding their creative practice 
• An interest in or capacity for socially engaged artistry, interdisciplinary approaches, and/or technology-based innovation

Applicants are asked to submit two to four work samples. A work sample encapsulates a single project and consists of a primary document, supporting materials, and a brief written description.

• The primary document should be an audio or video excerpt (five-minute maximum) of the work. If this type of documentation is not available for the work sample, please explain in the written description.
• Supporting materials help illuminate one’s process and can include scores, transcriptions, source materials, renderings, and other materials.
• The written description (300-word maximum) should speak to your work as it relates to the qualities listed above. Identify any collaborators and their roles in the work sample.

Please provide work samples that show as many different aspects of your artistic practice as possible and that demonstrate the qualities listed above. Please also submit a current résumé or CV as part of your portfolio.

Two letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic references are required. Recommendations must be submitted by recommenders directly via the online application portal. Instructions are included in the online application.

Applicants must upload an unofficial transcript, mark sheet, or academic record for each institution (even if you didn’t receive a degree) in the Academic History section of the online application.

All uploaded transcripts must be accompanied by a key, a legend, or the back copy of the transcript. Non-English transcripts must be accompanied by an English translation. Records from non-U.S. institutions must have grades or marks and contain a copy of diploma if the degree has been conferred. Make sure your name appears on the transcript/record. Scanned documents must be clear and legible.

If you experience trouble uploading your transcript, email [email protected] and give a detailed description of the issue and attach the document in question.

The New School reserves the right to require official transcripts or an official NACES course-by-course evaluation at any time during the admission process. Any fraudulent activity or discrepancies found between uploaded and official transcripts will result in the immediate revocation of admission and/or dismissal from The New School. Transcripts uploaded with the online application are considered unofficial.

Applicants offered admission will be required to submit official transcripts with proof of their degree conferral(s) prior to enrollment. Admitted applicants must submit all official transcripts pertaining to their entire academic career. Transcripts uploaded with the online application are considered unofficial, and do not satisfy this requirement.

How to Submit Electronic Transcripts
The New School accepts electronic transcripts only from our approved vendors:

• National Student Clearinghouse
• Parchment Exchange
• Credentials eScrip-Safe
• TrueCopy Credentials

Electronic transcripts sent directly by a student are not considered official.

Whenever possible, please send all official communication electronically, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and tuition deposits.

In rare circumstances where items must be mailed, please send to:

The New School
Office of Admission
55 West 13th Street
New York, NY 10011

All materials and documents submitted in association with The New School application become the property of The New School and cannot be returned to you or transmitted to a third party.

All applicants whose first language is not English must submit valid TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or DET scores. Minimum required scores are:

• TOEFL iBT - 100
• IELTS - 7.0
• PTE - 65
• DET - 115

Our TOEFL institution code is 2521.

The New School does not accept English language proficiency test results from IELTS Indicator, IELTS for UKVI, iTEP, TOEFL Essentials, TOEFL ITP Plus for China, TOEFL My Best Score, or the University College London preparatory certificate program.

The New School does not require TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or DET scores for applicants who have earned a four-year degree from a U.S. college or university or from a university where English is the primary language of instruction (minimum of three years' attendance). After reviewing your application, the Office of Admission may require you to submit an English language proficiency test score to evaluate your candidacy.

We accept scores from tests taken within the past two years. If your scores are older, you must retake the test.

Applicants also have the option of enrolling in The New School's English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Students must pass Level 6 to waive the TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/DET requirement. Visit the ESL website for more information.

All admitted students are considered for merit scholarship awards determined by the strength of their applications. International students are eligible only for merit scholarships. If you are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid  (FAFSA) in order to be considered for federal financial aid. The FAFSA is available each year on October 1. The New School’s federal school code is 002780. You don’t need to wait for an admission decision to apply for federal aid. Our Financial Aid staff are available to guide you through the process of applying for financial aid.

Arts Management and Entrepreneurship MA

Applicants considered for admission will receive email invitation to schedule a virtual interview. Interviews are ten minutes and will help us get to know each other better. There’s nothing specific to prepare.

Arts Management Interview Schedule

Location: Virtual via Zoom
Dates: February 8–10 and February 15–17

Performer-Composer MM

Applicants considered for admission are required to participate in a live Portfolio Conference with faculty. The Portfolio Conference consists of up to 10 minutes of performance in which you'll present your work and 10 to 15 minutes of discussion with faculty.

Performer-Composer Portfolio Conferences Schedule

Location: The New School's College of Performing Arts, 55 West 13th Street, New York City
Dates: February 2–4 and February 9–11

We can also schedule a virtual appointment during these scheduled dates if preferred. Please email us at [email protected] to request a virtual appointment.

Applications become complete and ready for review once all required items have been received by the Office of Admission. You can check your application status in the Admission Hub.

Allow at least 14 days from the date you submitted your application for items to be matched and shown as received. Applicants are responsible for following up with schools and recommenders to confirm that transcripts and recommendations have been sent.

The Office of Admission will periodically notify applicants by email if their file is missing any documents and again when their file is complete for review. These notifications are sent to the email address provided in the online application.

If you need to change your email address, mailing address, or other contact information, email the Office of Admission.

Spring admission decisions are released on a rolling basis starting in November.

Fall admission decisions are released on a rolling basis starting in late March.

Fall transfer admission decisions will be released on a rolling basis starting in April.

In any given academic year, a student can apply to only one department or program within The New School. Applicants who file more than one application in an academic year will be required to withdraw one of the applications, and application fees will not be refunded.

All materials and documents submitted in association with The New School application become the property of The New School and cannot be returned to you or transmitted to a third party.

Students who wish to return to a graduate degree program after an absence of four semesters must reapply via the graduate application. They must first confirm that their program is still active, and that they are meeting time limit requirements (if applicable), before completing the application.

Students who wish to apply to the dual-degree Bachelor's-Master's program, adding the MA Arts Management and Entrepreneurship degree to their studies at CoPA, may do so in their second year. Applicants will select the "Bachelor's-Master's" application type in our Online Application Center and are not required to submit an application fee. Applicants may choose to seek informal recommendations from current Performing Arts faculty to satisfy recommendation letter requirements.

The New School welcomes undocumented students and students who hold DACA status to apply—such status does not affect the admissions process. For questions about financial aid, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at [email protected].

Learn more about how we support undocumented students.