Application Process
Thank you for considering Westminster Choir College of Rider University. We invite you to visit our campus to learn more about Westminster’s programs and to meet faculty, staff and current students who will be happy to answer your questions.
We encourage you to review the application instructions carefully, then complete your application for admission and financial aid and schedule an audition as early as possible to maximize your opportunities for receiving financial aid.
All undergraduate and most graduate admission decisions are made on a "rolling admissions" basis. Applications are evaluated when the audition has been completed and required application materials are received. Notification letters are sent as soon as each decision is made throughout the year.
Although there are no formal application deadlines, students are encouraged to submit the application by March 1 for Fall admission and October 1 for Spring admission.
Financial aid decisions and awards are made each spring and awards for the following academic year are announced beginning April 1. All accepted students prior to that date are automatically considered for both merit and endowed scholarships, and those students applying for financial aid (submitting the FAFSA) are considered for need-based grants as well. Therefore, all students (even if not yet accepted) are encouraged to submit the FAFSA directly to the federal processor so that it is received by March 1 to be considered for maximum need-based aid. Students accepted after June 1 will be considered for remaining funds.
Undergraduate students are automatically considered for scholarship eligibility at the time their application for admission is evaluated. Students must have submitted their application and completed the audition no later than April 1, 2007 to be considered for merit scholarships.
Before completing the application form, please read the following instructions carefully. Contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-962-4647 or FAX 609-921-2538 for further information.
File an application together with a non-refundable $45 application fee. The fee is payable in U.S. funds only by personal check or money order. Do not send cash. Applications received without an application fee will not be processed.
- Complete an audition or submit an audition tape with the application. Please note: auditions will not be scheduled and tapes will not be evaluated unless Westminster has received the application and fee. It is encouraged that applicants send in all required documents before auditioning. Click here for audition dates and requirements.
- Submit a repertoire list. All applicants must submit a current and complete list of works performed.
- Submit two reference letters. We would like a reference from your current or most recent music teacher. The remaining reference(s) can be of your choosing. Ask your teachers to mail the recommendations directly to the Admissions Office.
Decisions for All Applicants
The Admissions Committee will evaluate applications and notify applicants of the admission decision as soon as the applicant’s file is complete.
Enrollment
Accepted applicants must confirm their intention to enroll by returning the non-refundable deposit by the due date indicated in the Admissions Decision Form.
Filing Instructions
It is very important to make copies of all parts of your personal application for your records. Please note that audio and videotapes sent to Westminster will not be returned. Mail the originals with the application fee to:
Office of Admission
Westminster Choir College of Rider University
101 Walnut Lane
Princeton, New Jersey 08540-3899
Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must file all application materials for the degree program for which they are applying as well as the items listed below.
- All transcripts and recommendations submitted in a language other than English must be accompanied by notarized English translations.
- All transcripts should include the following information:
A. Dates of attendance.
B. Courses taken and grades received.
C. Degree earned and date received. - All international students must submit an official TOEFL score report. A score of 550 is required for undergraduate acceptance; 525 for graduate study.
- All admitted students must submit a Statement of Finance. Proof of support may be a bank statement or other document guaranteeing the student’s ability to meet the costs of studying in the U.S. If the funds belong to a parent or sponsor, that person must also submit a letter of intent to sponsor the student’s tuition and living expenses. All bank documents must display the official bank seal; while all financial support letters must be notarized.
- When an accepted international student has paid the tuition deposit and provided a Statement of Finance, the Admissions Office will issue an I-20 travel document necessary to obtain a non-immigrant student visa.
