San Francisco Conservatory of Music The San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM), established in 1917, stands as one of the world's premier institutions for classical music education. Located in the heart of San Francisco's vibrant arts district, the conservatory offers innovative programs ranging from traditional performance to technology-driven music disciplines. SFCM's faculty includes members of the San Francisco Symphony and other world-class performers, providing students with direct mentorship from industry leaders. The conservatory's state-of-the-art facilities include the Bowes Center, a $80 million building featuring cutting-edge technology, performance spaces, and the first ever 'vertical campus' for music education.
SFCM is renowned for its intimate learning environment, with a student body of about 400 ensuring personalized attention. The conservatory's partnership with the San Francisco Symphony and other Bay Area arts organizations provides students with exceptional performance opportunities. SFCM's Roots, Jazz, and American Music program and its Technology and Applied Composition program represent its commitment to evolving musical landscapes. Alumni include Grammy winners and principal players in major orchestras worldwide. The conservatory's location in one of America's most culturally rich cities offers students exposure to diverse musical traditions and professional networks.
San Francisco Conservatory of Music Acceptance Rate
San Francisco Conservatory of Music is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) is 41.58%. This means that 42 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitive are San Francisco Conservatory of Music Admissions?
- Moderately Competitive: Applicants need good academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
Since the acceptance rate is low, you need to perform exceptionally well in academics and other activities. However, since it is not below 20%, you still have a chance if your GPA isn\'t excellent. You can compensate for a lower GPA by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can enhance your admission chances.
San Francisco Conservatory of Music Admission Requirements
Can I Get Into SFCM Without SAT Or ACT?: San Francisco Conservatory of Music considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
SFCM Profile
Name: San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM)
City: San Francisco
URL: https://sfcm.edu/
State: California
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 94102-6011
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
How much does a degree from SFCM Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at San Francisco Conservatory of Music is USD: 73761. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at San Francisco Conservatory of Music is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
17.26% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 45.58 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to SFCM and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At San Francisco Conservatory of Music, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist SFCM as your choice in the form.
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Music
Masters Degree Programs
- Music
Post-baccalaureate Certificate Programs
- Music
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
- Music
Professional Certificate Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About San Francisco Conservatory of Music Admissions
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $73761 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at San Francisco Conservatory of Music?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for San Francisco Conservatory of Music?
Answer: The acceptance rate of San Francisco Conservatory of Music is 41.58 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: Is it possible to transfer to San Francisco Conservatory of Music from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to San Francisco Conservatory of Music each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at San Francisco Conservatory of Music?
Answer: The campus culture at San Francisco Conservatory of Music is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into San Francisco Conservatory of Music?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.