The Juilliard School vs NorthWestern

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the primary areas of focus at The Juilliard School and Northwestern University?

  The Juilliard School is a world-renowned conservatory exclusively dedicated to the performing arts, offering intensive training in music, dance, and drama. Northwestern University, on the other hand, is a comprehensive research university with a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a highly regarded School of Communication that encompasses theater, film, and other media arts, alongside strong programs in other fields like journalism, engineering, and business.

• How do the academic environments differ between Juilliard and Northwestern?

  Juilliard's academic environment is highly specialized and performance-focused, emphasizing rigorous artistic training and professional development within a conservatory setting. Northwestern offers a more diverse academic experience, allowing students to explore various disciplines and combine their artistic pursuits with studies in other fields. Northwestern students can pursue double majors or minors across different schools within the university.

• What types of degrees are offered at each institution?

  Juilliard primarily offers Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Doctor of Musical Arts, Graduate Diploma, and Artist Diploma degrees in music, as well as Bachelor of Fine Arts and Diploma programs in dance and drama. Northwestern offers a wide array of degrees, including Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master's, and Doctoral degrees across various disciplines, including performance-related fields like theater, film, and music through the School of Communication and the Bienen School of Music.

• What are the differences in campus life and location?

  Juilliard is located in the heart of New York City, offering students unparalleled access to the city's vibrant arts scene and professional opportunities. Campus life is centered around the conservatory and its performances. Northwestern University has a beautiful campus located in Evanston, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Students benefit from a more traditional college town experience with access to the resources of a major research university and the cultural attractions of Chicago.

• How do the performance opportunities compare between the two schools?

  Both schools offer ample performance opportunities. Juilliard provides numerous opportunities for students to perform in recitals, concerts, and productions within the school and at prestigious venues in New York City. Northwestern's School of Communication and Bienen School of Music also offer a wide range of performance opportunities, including mainstage productions, student-led performances, and collaborations with professional organizations in the Chicago area. Northwestern students may also have opportunities to perform in other university ensembles.

• What is the typical class size and student-to-faculty ratio at each school?

  Juilliard has a very low student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized instruction and close mentorship from renowned faculty. Class sizes are typically small, especially in performance-related courses. Northwestern also boasts a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, though class sizes can vary depending on the program. Introductory courses may be larger, while upper-level and specialized courses tend to be smaller.

• How does the admissions process differ between Juilliard and Northwestern?

  Juilliard's admissions process is highly selective and focuses primarily on artistic talent and potential. Applicants must typically submit recordings or portfolios and audition live. Northwestern's admissions process is more holistic, considering academic achievements, extracurricular activities, essays, and standardized test scores in addition to any artistic supplements for performance-related programs. Northwestern's School of Communication and Bienen School of Music also require auditions or portfolio submissions for certain programs.

• What are the career prospects for graduates of Juilliard and Northwestern?

  Juilliard graduates are well-prepared for careers as professional performers, composers, choreographers, and educators in their respective fields. The school's reputation and connections provide graduates with access to a vast network of industry professionals. Northwestern graduates have diverse career options depending on their chosen field of study. Graduates from the School of Communication pursue careers in theater, film, television, journalism, and other media-related industries. A Northwestern education provides a strong foundation for success in a variety of fields.

• Can I study subjects outside of the performing arts at either school?

  At Juilliard, the focus is almost exclusively on the performing arts. While some academic courses are offered, they are primarily designed to complement the artistic training. At Northwestern, students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of academic subjects outside of the performing arts. Students in the School of Communication or Bienen School of Music can easily take courses in other departments, pursue a double major, or add a minor in a different field.

• Which school is more selective, Juilliard or Northwestern?

  Both Juilliard and Northwestern are highly selective institutions. Juilliard's selectivity is driven by its specialized focus and the limited number of spots available in each performance area. Northwestern's overall selectivity is also very high due to its strong academic reputation and the large number of applications it receives across all its programs.