Special Program Admissions Requirements
Architecture and Design
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Whether applying through the CommonApp or Kean University application, a portfolio of original, creative work is required for entry into the Michael Graves College. Once the application is submitted, instructions for uploading the portfolio are sent through email notification.
Enrollment to the Michael Graves College is limited and competitive. Please contact the main offices to request more information.
Robert Busch School of Design Main Office: (908) 737-4740
School of Public Architecture Main Office: 9908) 737-4770
CREATIVE WORK / PORTFOLIO REVIEW GUIDELINES
The Michael Graves College requires a portfolio of creative work to be evaluated for acceptance into the architecture and design programs. Both freshman and Transfer students must complete the creative work requirement. Students are expected to be prepared and have experiences and knowledge in the visual arts in order to gain entrance to the rigorous programs of study for the BA, BFA, and BID degrees.
• A minimum of 10 individual pieces of creative work and no more than 12 will be accepted into the review. All images must be in the individual file uploads; please do not combine multiple items into a single file unless you are displaying the details of one individual work or a sketchbook.
• Your best work should display your creative thinking and skill in basic design and drawing. Select examples in a variety of media and subject matter.
• You may include items created on your own or while in school. All items shown must be your own, original creative work.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE LABEL AND IDENTIFY EACH ITEM IN YOUR PORTFOLIO.
CATEGORY & CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION
Visualization: Effective Sketching and Drawing Skills
Visual Form: Effective Use of Visual Elements and Principles of Composition
Technical: Effective Use of Traditional Art Media and/or Digital Media
Creativity: Unconventional and/or Unique Solutions and Conceptual Strength
Presentation: Variety and Range in the selection of creative work
Professionalism: Maturity and Thoughtfulness of Essay
Theatre
Applicants are admitted to Kean University on the basis of academic and personal qualifications. Applicants are carefully considered in light of their secondary-school record (both academic and personal), their performance on a scholastic aptitude test, and the university's estimation of their potential as a student. In addition to the requirements for admission to Kean University, the Theatre Conservatory requires a review, which is described below.
Instructions for applying to Theatre:
Apply to Kean University at http://apply.kean.edu. Upon having your application completed and reviewed by Admissions, you will receive an invitation to schedule an audition. All theatre degree programs require either an audition or a portfolio review. Out of state applicants will be directed to Slide Room for an audition or portfolio upload. See below for more information.
AUDITION and PORTFOLIO requirements:
Your application asks that you select an intended major, the major you hope to pursue at Kean. Though you may indicate an interest in a particular degree program in theatre, you are not admitted to that major until your application, audition/portfolio has been successfully reviewed. It is possible you will be admitted to a different degree program in theatre or recommended for selection of another major. Once reviewed by the theatre faculty and Kean admissions staff, you will receive notification.
For BA and BFA Actors - Prepare two contrasting monologues or a monologue and contrasting song not exceeding a total of four minutes.
For BA and BFA Designers/Technicians/Stage Managers/Generalists - Prepare a portfolio with samples of art work, design projects, production photos, etc. Include labels and be ready to provide commentary regarding the significance of each item.
For BA Theatre Educators, those seeking the P-12 theatre teacher certification, select either an audition or a portfolio to present to the faculty at the department interview.
Interview Questions:
After your audition or portfolio review date has been confirmed, you will receive an email with questions for you to prepare as part of an interview process. The interview is generally about 5-6 minutes long, and follows your audition or portfolio review. We want to get to know you.
Writing Sample, Drawing Sample:
Prior to your audition, you will be given a writing assignment, to be completed in the 15 minutes or so available. A rubric with the criteria for the evaluation of the writing will be sent to you ahead of time for your review. The writing sample is to assist us in determining your readiness for college level research and writing in theatre. In addition to the writing sample, the design and technology applicants will be asked to complete drawing samples.
Out of State Students:
Those who live outside New Jersey will be directed to a pre-screening program called Slide Room, where you will be instructed to upload your video audition or portfolio and recorded answers to the interview questions.
Current Kean Students:
Current Kean students seeking to change their major to Theatre must audition in person.
For audition dates and times, please call (908) 737-4420.
Music
2021 - 2022 Audition Dates:
The music Conservatory audition dates for the coming year are as follow:
Wednesday, December 8, 2021 · 3 - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 26, 2021 · 3 - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 9, 2021 · 3 - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 23, 2021 · 3 - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 16, 2021 · 3 - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 27, 2021 · 3 - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 25, 2021 · 3 - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 29, 2022 · 1 - 3:00 p.m.
Candidates should contact the Music Conservatory to arrange for an audition at their
earliest convenience. Acceptance into the Conservatory is dependent upon acceptance to
the University. Please complete the University application at Kean.edu.
All candidates are advised to audition prior to the March 1 deadline if they wish to be
considered for scholarships and other financial assistance. For more information contact
the Music Conservatory at music@kean.edu or (908) 737-4330.
Audition Requirements:
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Strings |
Two contrasting movements or pieces from the standard repertoire. |
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Woodwinds |
Two contrasting movements of a sonata or concerto, or a concert piece of moderate difficulty in which contrasting sections are evident. The second piece may be in the jazz idiom for saxophone auditions. |
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Brass |
Two contrasting pieces from the standard concert repertoire showing contrast in style and technique. |
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Percussion |
Proficiency on mallets, snare drum, and timpani. Demonstration of the knowledge of rudiments and ability to read percussion music are required. |
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Guitar |
Two contrasting compositions from the standard literature, e.g., Bach, Sor, Villa Lobos. |
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Voice |
Two contrasting compositions from classical repertoire, one in English and one in Italian, French, or German. Popular songs or Broadway selections are NOT acceptable as audition pieces. |
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Organ |
One work by J.S. Bach and a second work from the standard literature. |
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Piano |
Two contrasting compositions from the standard piano literature, e.g., Bach, Mozart, Scarlatti, Haydn, Brahms, Debussy, etc. |
Music Theory Placement Test
All entering music majors must take a theory placement exam to determine their level of music theory and sight singing/ear training competency.
Piano Placement Test
All entering music majors must take a piano exam to determine the level of class piano in which they should enroll.
Music History Placement Test
All entering music majors wishing to test out of music history/survey must take a placement test.
Fine Arts
Admissions requirements:
Freshman and transfer students applying for our Fine Arts BFA programs are required to submit a portfolio of 10-15 samples of their work including sketches,observational drawing and works in color. Three-dimensional work, photographs, prints, digital work or mixed media may also be included.
Portfolios are to be submitted digitally via SlideRoom.
Students who are accepted into this degree program at the time of the portfolio review are given “provisional” status. Provisional B.F.A. majors must maintain a 3.0 GPA in Fine Arts and Art History courses. After completion of at least 30 s.h. in Fine Arts and Art History courses, all provisional B.F.A. majors must successfully complete a second portfolio review process in order to attain “fully admitted” status.