What is the Unified Application?

Definition: Just as there is a Common Application for universities, there is a similar Unified Application for musicians and other performing artists. This online application is used by eight schools, including the Boston Conservatory, Cleveland Institute of Music, Eastman School of Music, Manhattan School of Music, Mannes College/New School for Music, New England Conservatory of Music, Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and San Francisco Conservatory of Music. The application gathers basic personal, academic and musical background data, asks for grades and scores, and offers essay questions. Most of these conservatories also require supplementary applications unique to their school. Some require several additional essays. All require auditions. And the deadlines differ for every school, so it's important to read the fine print.