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Admissions

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Welcome to the intersection of talent and opportunity! There is a reason why aspiring artists from all over the world choose AMDA to reach their career goals. AMDA’s education is designed to support and enhance your individual development as an artist. If you’re willing to put your heart and soul into what you do, AMDA is the place for you. You are just a few short steps away from beginning your professional career at AMDA.

Schedule Campus Tour Schedule Open House

Applying to AMDA is a multi-step process. Below you will find the general list of requirements. Be sure to follow ALL steps that are applicable to your program to ensure the submission of a successful application. Please note that the requirements may vary by program. Exact Admission Requirements can be found by selecting your program on the Programs page.

  1. Submit Your Application +−

    To apply, you must be at least 16 years old and/or in the final two years of high school/secondary education*.
    Apply Now

    AMDA also accepts applications from CommonApp. If you have already applied through one of our partners, you do not need to apply again through our website.

    * If you are not yet 16, we would encourage you to consider attending the AMDA High School Summer Conservatory.

  2. SCHEDULE Your AMDA Audition +−

    Admission and scholarship consideration to AMDA require an audition. AMDA offers a robust calendar of auditions including regional auditions, campus auditions, live-online auditions and video submissions. Scheduling your audition will prompt a phone call with one of our enrollment specialists to help you prepare for a successful audition.

    IMPORTANT: To better prepare for your AMDA audition, we strongly encourage ALL applicants to review the Audition Instructions and Tips page prior to scheduling an audition or submitting a video submission.
    Schedule Audition

  3. Phone interview with Admissions +−

    This interview is an opportunity for us to get to know you, your educational background, and your interest in attending AMDA. We will be calling you, but if you would like to schedule an appointment for this interview, please email admissionsteam@amda.edu with the best day, time, and phone number to reach you.

  4. SUBMIT YOUR PERSONAL ESSAY +−

    AMDA would like to get to know you better. Please submit your essay in response to the prompts below.

    Required for ALL programs: Describe a challenging experience in your life and what you learned from it. (500-word minimum)

    Submit Your Essay

  5. Submit Letter of Recommendation +−

    Please request and submit letters of recommendation from teachers, school leaders, guidance counselors, coaches, or anyone familiar with your background and potential. Your recommendation letter must be written in English and signed and dated. To help with this process, please feel free to use AMDA's recommendation form by clicking the link below. Recommendation letters/forms may be submitted via email to docs@amda.edu or by mailing to the address on the form.

    Required for ALL Programs: Submit a minimum of 1 letter of recommendation.

    Recommendation Form

  6. Submit your Academic Records/Transcripts +−

    Send an official transcript from your high school and (if applicable) college. Official transcripts from every educational institution that you listed in your application must be forwarded to AMDA. The minimum grade point average (GPA) required for AMDA's programs is 2.0 out of 4.0 or its equivalent in other grading systems.

    The following options are available for submitting your official transcripts:

    1. If your high school or college uses the free service Parchment, please click below.

      Parchment Request

    2. If your high school or college does not use Parchment, please send the transcript request form to your guidance counselor/transcript office and request that they send your transcript(s) to AMDA using the address on the form.


    IMPORTANT: Unofficial transcripts may be submitted for an expedited admissions decision. However, final official transcripts from every attended institution must be submitted prior to enrollment.

  7. SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BA PROGRAMS +−


    Submit Two Minute Personal Video (Recommended)

    We would be delighted to hear more about you! This should be a two minute video to tell us more about yourself. We have listed four topic suggestions as examples below. Feel free to use one or more of these, or select a topic of your choice. We highly recommend taking this opportunity to tell us more about yourself!

    1. What has been one of the best experiences in your life and what made it so special and valuable?
    2. Please describe your interest in theatre.
    3. In addition to theatre, please tell us about one of your other passions.
    4. Please tell us about a meaningful experience you have had participating in your community (school, neighborhood, local organization, etc.)
    Submit Video

    Provide SAT/ACT Scores (Optional)

    Although not required for admission to AMDA, we welcome your SAT/ACT scores if you would like to share them with us. Scores may be mailed to:

    AMDA Records
    211 West 61st Street
    New York, NY 10023

International students are a welcome and vital part of AMDA's culture. We are dedicated to accommodating your needs and guiding you along the process of gaining admission to AMDA. Click below to learn more about pursuing college in the US and to get started!

International Students
Performers waiting backstage

Once you’ve been accepted to AMDA, please follow these next steps to ensure a smooth transition.

  • Meet the Admissions team +−

    Your admissions advisor is here to provide personalized attention to you and your family throughout the enrollment process.
    LA + NY Advisors

  • Set Up Student Portal +−

    Activate and utilize your student portal. Here you can view your document center, financial aid plan, and later, your housing application and class schedule! Get started on any missing documents to secure your enrollment.

    • Open your web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, or Chrome) and visit https://portal.amda.edu.
    • Click Student Portal Homepage. If it’s your first time logging in, click Create a New Account.
    • Enter your Social Security Number (SSN) and first/last name. If you don’t know your SSN, you may use your Student Number
    • Fill out the security questions (“City or Town of Birth” and “Your Mother’s Maiden Name”). Our system will use these questions to verify your identity if you need to reset your password!
    • Click Next and verify your email address. You’ll need to log into that email to click the verification link AMDA sent you. Contact helpdesk@amda.edu if you don’t get an email.
    • The verification link will bring you to AMDA’s Login Information form. Enter a username and password of your own choosing, then click Submit.
    • Once your account is created, log into your AMDA Student Portal with your new username and password!
      • Student Portal

  • APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID +−

    If you plan to apply for financial aid and haven’t already done so, please submit your application.
    1. Domestic students may visit www.studentaid.gov and enter AMDA’s school code (016082) to initiate the process. Please remember to use the most updated FAFSA application, which is released in October of the year prior to your enrollment.
    2. International students should complete the International Aid Grant found on our website.

    More information about the financial aid process can be found on AMDA’s Financial Aid homepage.

    FINANCIAL AID HOMEPAGE

  • SUBMIT YOUR REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT +−

    Incoming students must pay a refundable $500 tuition deposit three weeks after being accepted. Students interested in Campus Housing should also submit a $200 deposit housing deposit. Our housing brochure can be found here.
    Submit Deposit

  • Attend an Accepted Student Reception +−

    AMDA hosts multiple Accepted Student Receptions throughout the year to celebrate your acceptance! Each on-campus Accepted Student Reception gives you the opportunity to experience life at AMDA. At the event, you will participate in master classes led by our industry leading faculty, tour our academic and residence buildings, meet a prominent AMDA alumni & hear about their performing arts career and see a live performances from our talented students! These events are also a chance to meet your incoming peers!
    Contact us

  • Arrival and Orientation +−

    AMDA hosts a mandatory orientation each semester designed to help new students become acquainted with AMDA. Visit our Orientation pages for more information.
    Orientation

  • Start Dates for AMDA Programs

    • Spring 2024: Feb. 26th, 2024
    • Summer 2024: June 24th, 2024
    • Fall 2024: Oct. 21st, 2024

  • Application Deadline

    AMDA has rolling admissions, which means we accept students throughout the year. It is recommended that you complete your admissions file no later than 60 to 90 days from your intended start date.

  • Program Length

    A student's program length at AMDA depends on whether they decide to take the Traditional Track or Accelerated Track for their program. There are two terms of study in a traditional academic year and AMDA offers three terms per calendar year (Fall, Spring, Summer) with a minimum of a week off between each term. This structure offers the flexibility for students to complete their program at a pace that works for them, whether they decide to do the Traditional Track and take a term off after each academic year or do the Accelerated Track and enter the workforce ahead of their peers.
    Term (Semester) Traditional Track Accelerated Track
    Certificates 4 2 yrs 1 yr, 4 mo
    Advanced Certificate 6 3 yrs 2 yrs
    AOS 4 2 yrs 1 yr, 4 mo
    BFA 8 4 yrs 2 yrs, 9 mo
    BA 8 4 yrs 2 yrs, 9 mo

  • Tuition + Housing Costs

    The following is the direct cost of education for one academic year (two terms) of each program. The tuition for each academic year is the same for all programs. The housing costs listed below are for students planning to live in AMDA's Student Housing. Students who choose to secure housing on their own should expect costs to be higher than those listed here. Residential students live at one of the AMDA Housing locations.

    95% of AMDA students receive institutional support in the form of scholarships and/or grants. Learn more about financial aid.

    Below are the 2024-2025 costs for The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York and the AMDA College of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles on ground programs for Fall 2024, Spring 2025, or Summer 2025.

    2024-2025

    Direct Costs (cost paid directly to AMDA)

    Off Campus On Campus
    Tuition $46,628 $46,628
    Fees $300 $300
    Housing N/A $14,800
    Total $46,928 $61,728
    *$1,550 per credit for part-time enrollment

    Indirect Costs (cost that does not appear on your bill)

    Off Campus On Campus
    Housing $14,800* N/A
    Books $1,200 $1,200
    Transport $1,200 $1,200
    Food $4,300 $4,300
    Misc $2,300 $2,300
    Total $23,800 $9,000
    * Off campus housing estimate

    Below are the 2025-2026 costs for The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York and the AMDA College of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles for Fall 2025, Spring 2026, or Summer 2026.

    2025-2026

    Direct Costs (cost paid directly to AMDA)

    Off Campus On Campus
    Tuition $48,974 $48,974
    Fees $300 $300
    Housing N/A $15,200
    Total $49,274 $64,474
    *$1,550 per credit for part-time enrollment

    Indirect Costs (cost that does not appear on your bill)

    Off Campus On Campus
    Housing $15,200* N/A
    Books $1,200 $1,200
    Transport $1,200 $1,200
    Food $4,300 $4,300
    Misc $2,300 $2,300
    Total $24,200 $9,000
    * Off campus housing estimate

  • NY Supplemental Food Plan (SFP)

    AMDA recognizes that being a student in higher education can be stressful - and costly - and being hungry may only add on to the stress. We have a solution to ease these concerns: NY's Supplemental Food Plan. While this declining balance plan isn’t meant to cover all your food costs, it’s a great option to ensure that you’re able to have a meal(s) and/or snack(s) on campus throughout your busy day of classes and rehearsals.

    The Supplemental Food Plan is a required plan for all first year NY students.

    The Supplemental Food Plan costs, per academic year, are outlined below.

      • $2,800 – 1st Year On Campus SFP Plan ($1,400 per term)
      • $2,000 – 1st Year Off Campus SFP Plan ($1,000 per term)


    LA FLEXIBLE FOOD PLAN (FFP)

    AMDA recognizes that being a student in higher education can be stressful - and costly - and being hungry may only add on to the stress. We have a solution to ease these concerns: LA’s Flexible Food Plan!
    Our Flexible Food Plan is just that – flexible! Your account will operate as a “declining debit” starting with your full semester’s balance at the beginning of the semester. Deductions are applied to your account only for the specific menu items you order – meals and food items are all priced individually, and there is no automatically-deducted fixed price for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You may choose when and what you want to order so you can utilize the plan at your own convenience for any meal or snack any day of the week. There are no requirements of which days or meals you must order through the plan. Menu options will be available for vegan, vegetarian, and traditional omnivore diets.

    The Flexibile Food Plan is a required plan for all first year LA students and will be packaged together with tuition and housing in your Financial Aid Plan.

    The Flexible Food Plan costs, per academic year, are outlined below.

      • $3,600 – 1st Year On Campus FFP Plan ($1,800 per term)
      • $1,800 – 1st Year Off Campus FFP Plan ($900 per term)

    ONLINE BFA PROGRAMS

    Technology Package for Online BFA Programs

    Students enrolled in the Online BFA programs are responsible for securing all technology required for their program. For a list of requirements, students should contact their admissions advisor. Students who require financial assistance to secure their technology package should contact Financial Aid.

    ONLINE TUITION

    Below are the 2024-2025 costs for AMDA College of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles BFA online programs for Fall 2024, Spring 2025, or Summer 2025.

    Direct Costs (cost paid directly to AMDA)

    Online
    Tuition $28,700
    Fees $300
    Total $29,000
    *$1,050 per credit for part-time enrollment

Looking to continue your education at AMDA? The Los Angeles campus offers the following options:

Graduate Programs

AMDA Bachelor’s Degree Graduates have the opportunity to earn a Master of Arts in Performance Studies or Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting: Writing for Film and Television degree.

Apply for Graduate Degree

Bachelor of Fine Arts Programs

AMDA Associate of Occupational Studies Degree and Certificate Graduates are eligible to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Acting, Music Theatre, Dance Theatre or Performing Arts by transferring in 60 performance credits and completing 30 performance and 30 general education credits.

Note: Additional coursework may be required if you are applying for a BFA Program outside of your AOS or Conservatory discipline.

Apply for BFA Degree

Advanced Certificate

AMDA Certificate and AOS Graduates are eligible to earn an Advanced Certificate in Performing Arts with a concentration in Acting, Acting for Camera, Musical Theatre or Dance by transferring in 60 performance credits and completing remaining 30 credits.

Note: Additional coursework may be required if applying for an Advanced Certificate program outside of the original discipline.

Apply for Advanced Certificate

Admissions

  • Is SAT or ACT required for admission into AMDA? +−

    Although not required for admission to AMDA, we welcome your SAT/ACT scores if you would like to share them with us. Scores may be mailed to:

    AMDA Records
    211 West 61st Street
    New York, NY 10023

  • What is the maximum number of credits I can transfer in from another college or university? +−

    The maximum number is 30 term credits or 45 quarter credits toward the General Education courses only.

  • Does AMDA Recognize the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program? +−

    Yes. International Baccalaureate (IB) courses may be evaluated for potential transfer credit by submitting an official academic record (transcripts) to AMDA. Only IB courses with HIGH LEVEL (HL) designation and assessment score of 5 and above may be considered for transfer. Approved transfer credit may be used to satisfy only the General Education requirements. Courses listed under the category of Standard Level (SL) will not be considered for evaluation.

Accepted Students

  • What do I need to do once I am accepted to AMDA? +−

    We are so excited to welcome you to the AMDA family. Upon acceptance, you are assigned an Admissions Advisor who will work with you and your family through the entire admissions process. Please contact your admissions advisor at AdmissionsTeam@amda.edu or 1(323)490-1284 with any questions. All domestic students should begin to work on their Federal Aid Application (FASFA) at https://studentaid.gov/ using AMDA’s school code 016082..

  • What type of careers can I pursue once I graduate from AMDA? +−

    For a sampling of careers within the Performing Arts, please visit our careers page.

Cost of Attendance

  • AM I ELIGIBLE FOR AMDA SCHOLARSHIPS? +−

    Yes. When you audition, you will be evaluated for potential talent-based scholarship. Scholarship amounts range from $1,000 to $16,000 per year. AMDA does not offer any full-tuition scholarships. You will receive a scholarship determination upon acceptance to AMDA and after a review of your admissions file.

  • IS OTHER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FROM AMDA? +−

    Upon acceptance, you will receive notification of any merit scholarship you may receive from AMDA. All students are also considered for need-based institutional and federal aid after completing the Federal Aid Application (FASFA) at https://studentaid.gov/ using AMDA’s school code 016082. Once AMDA receives your completed FASFA, you will receive an award letter with your total financial aid package via email. Please note if you are selected for verification or selected services than you cannot receive your award letter until you have completed the required steps. Review our financial aid guide for more information.

  • ARE THERE OTHER FINANCIAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE? +−

    AMDA accepts all third party scholarships and encourages students to explore private scholarships online, in their community and within their personal networks (i.e. churches, sports organizations, local theatres, parent’s companies)

    Click Here

  • DOES AMDA OFFER STUDENT EMPLOYMENT? +−

    AMDA offers a wide range of student employment opportunities on campus. Open positions can be found on our Employment page.

    Note: AMDA does not offer Federal Work Study, all compensation for student work will be paid directly to the student.

  • DOES AMDA OFFER ON CAMPUS HOUSING? +−

    AMDA offers Student Housing at both campuses. AMDA Housing provides convivial community living, conveniently located within walking distance of all AMDA facilities. You will receive instructions for making your housing arrangements upon confirmation of your enrollment to AMDA. To indicate interest, a $200 housing deposit is required, which can be paid with your $500 program deposit.

More Questions

"As the premier performing arts college and conservatory with campuses in both New York and Los Angeles, we don't just provide our students with a superior education but a rigorous, performance-based curriculum and an industry-focused training experience. With over 150 opportunities to perform each year, our students leave their training ready and equipped to enter the professional world."

-New York and Los Angeles Admissions Team