VCM Admission Requirements
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- 4 Year
- Chicago, IL
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VCM Admission Overview
VCM admission requirements are summarized from last year's class. Last year VCM admitted 89.5% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.1 GPA (B) and SAT 890-1160 / ACT 15-20. VCM is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
VCM is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT or ACT.
VCM Acceptance Rate
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance rate Share of applicants offered admission last year.
Admission Standards Measure of enrolled testers' SAT/ACT scores vs. other colleges.
Applicant Competition Measure of this school's acceptance rate vs. other colleges. A low acceptance rate indicates high competition.
Very Low
Admission difficulty for VanderCook College of Music
Acceptance Rate
The VCM acceptance rate is 89.5%. Last year, 34 of 38 applicants were admitted. That is the 47th lowest acceptance rate in Illinois.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into VCM and can you get accepted?
VCM is an easy school to get into, admitting most applicants. You have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.
VanderCook College of Music typically attracts "B" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.1. 44% of those admitted chose to enroll.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
VCM GPA
GPA of enrolled freshmen
Avg. High School GPA The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen on a 4.0 scale.
3.1Typical High School Grades Letter grade on a 4.0 scale for last year's average, not a cutoff.
BAverage GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.1
Average GPA
Enrolled freshmen at VCM typically have around a 3.1 GPA (B) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have about average high school grades. VCM is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.
The school ranks #54 in Illinois for highest average GPA.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.1 GPA range.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024
VCM SAT Scores
SAT scores of enrolled freshmen
SAT Range The middle 50% of enrolled testers who sent SAT. The maximum score is 1600.
890-1160Freshmen who sent SAT Share of enrolled freshmen who submitted SAT scores. This is enrolled testers, not all applicants.
-25th Percentile Scores
- Reading 445
- Math 445
- Composite 890
75th Percentile Scores
- Reading 570
- Math 590
- Composite 1160
Average SAT
Enrolled testers at VCM typically score around a 1030 SAT (middle 50% 890–1160) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 45th percentile nationally. VCM ranks #37 in the state of Illinois for highest average SAT composite score.
SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 890 to 1160
SAT policy
VCM is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.
View other colleges which accept students in the 1030 SAT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
VCM ACT Scores
ACT scores among enrolled freshmen
ACT Range Mid-50 ACT composite among enrolled testers who sent ACT. The scale tops out at 36.
15-20Freshmen reporting ACT Percent of enrolled freshmen who reported ACT. Counts enrolled testers, not the full applicant pool.
-25th Percentile Scores
- English 23
- Math 21
- Composite 15
75th Percentile Scores
- English 24
- Math 22
- Composite 20
Average ACT
Incoming testers at VCM typically have around a 17 ACT (mid-50 15–20) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 31st percentile of ACT takers nationwide. VCM places #48 among colleges in Illinois for highest average ACT composite.
ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 15 to 20
ACT policy
You may apply to VCM without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.
See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 17.0 ACT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Estimate How You Compare
See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.
Open the VCM chances calculatorApplying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to VanderCook College of Music and what student information is used for admission decisions?
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Fall 2027 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Apr 1, 2027Days left to Apply
213Applicants have 213 days left until the Fall 2027 term applications are due on Apr 1, 2027.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to VanderCook College of Music is $40.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Credits Accepted
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Admission summary
VCM is test-optional for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 89.5% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.1 GPA (about an B average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (890-1160); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=149639.
GPA calculator: VanderCook College of Music GPA calculator.
Last updated: August 2026