VCM Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at VCM is 100%.  Its admission rate is the 119th lowest in Illinois.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into VCM and can you get accepted?

VanderCook College of Music is an easy school to get into and you have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 22 out of the 22 who applied were admitted.

VanderCook College of Music typically accepts and attracts "B" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.1. 50% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into VCM?

Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to VanderCook College of Music you should:

• Have a high school GPA of 3.1 or better
• Earn B grades in high school
• Score 1030 on the SAT
• Score 17 on the ACT

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

What GPA do you need to get into VanderCook College of Music?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into VCM are to have around a 3.1 high school GPA. You need about average high school grades.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at VCM is 3.1 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B letter grades and regularly score around 83-86 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #55 in Illinois for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since VCM is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.1 GPA range.

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to VanderCook College of Music. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 18% of students submitted SAT scores and 9% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to VanderCook College of Music?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at VCM is 1030 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 890-1160. Students who get into VanderCook College of Music score in the top 79 percent of all SAT test takers..  VCM ranks #36 in the state of Illinois for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1030 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. VCM regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 890 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 890, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 750, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

VanderCook College of Music is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1030 SAT score range.

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1025, you have around a 99% chance of being admitted. A 1160 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 99% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into VCM?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to VCM is 17, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 15 and 20.  The school ranks #46 in Illinois for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 17. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 15 and score in the score in the top 81 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 12.

9 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to VanderCook College of Music.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as VanderCook College of Music is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into VCM for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 17 score has around 99% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 99% with a 20 ACT score.

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Fall 2025 Application Deadline

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to VanderCook College of Music is $35.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to VanderCook College of Music and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Credits Accepted

Admission Requirements Summary

Because VanderCook College of Music is lightly competitive to get into, you have a very good chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.1 GPA, you are almost certain to getting in. Combining this with an SAT score of 1030 and ACT of 17 will almost guarantee your admission.