Merger FAQ for Prospective Students

Boston Conservatory and Berklee have agreed to merge the two institutions. The following is a series of questions about this new initiative, along with the most up-to-date answers available.

Q: When will Berklee and the Conservatory become one school?

A: Berklee and the Conservatory remain two separate legal entities until June 1, 2016. On this date, the two schools will become one legal entity and the Conservatory will become “Boston Conservatory at Berklee.”

Q: Will future students be accepted into both Berklee and the Conservatory?

A: No, acceptance to one program does not mean the student is accepted into the other program. Students can be accepted into both programs only if they applied to Berklee and the Conservatory programs separately. 

Q: If I am applying to both schools, will my audition for one school count as the audition for the other school?

A: No, the admissions and auditions process for each school will remain separate for the 2016–2017 academic year. If you are applying to Berklee and the Conservatory, you will need to audition twice, once for each school. More information about the audition process can be found on the Berklee and Conservatory admissions websites.  

Q: Can I major in an area at one school and minor in another area at the other school?

A: No, not in the immediate future. This is an area that the Executive Integration Steering Committee and Academic Affairs teams will explore over the next year, as we continue the academic merger planning process.  We will share developments in this area with our student communities as available. 

Q: If I get accepted to both schools and receive scholarship packages from each, can I appeal to use the higher amount?

A: No, financial aid offerings made by either school are not applicable for use at the other institution. Financial aid and scholarships will continue to be handled separately and be administered only to accepted and enrolled students at each respective institution. 

Q: When filling out the FAFSA form for the Conservatory, should I use the Berklee Federal ID code?

A: No, at this time, you should continue to use the Conservatory’s Federal ID code, and add Berklee’s Federal ID code in addition.