Circle in the Square Theatre School, founded in 1961, is a prestigious acting conservatory in Broadway's heart. The school's unique circle training emphasizes spontaneity and emotional truth. Alumni include Lupita Nyong'o and Kevin Bacon. Programs range from a two-year intensive to summer workshops.
Students train in acting, voice, and movement with Broadway professionals. The school's intimate size ensures personalized coaching. Performances occur in Circle's own off-Broadway theater. For actors seeking rigorous, practical training amid NYC's theater scene, Circle is a transformative launchpad.
Circle in the Square Theatre School Acceptance Rate
Circle in the Square Theatre School is one of the most selective universities in the USA. With an acceptance rate of 3.77%, the institution utilizes a Holistic Review process to identify students with exceptional intellectual depth.
Admissions Guidelines
- Elite Standards: Admitted students typically rank in the top 2-5% of their high school class.
- Curriculum Rigor: AP, IB, or Honors courses are essential to validate academic readiness.
- Character & Impact: Beyond grades, leadership, research, and unique 'spikes' in extracurriculars drive decisions.
At this level of selectivity, meeting average GPA and test scores is considered the 'baseline.' Because Circle in the Square Theatre School values intellectual curiosity, your supplemental essays and personal recommendations are critical in distinguishing your application from thousands of other high-achieving candidates.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Circle in the Square Theatre School Admission Requirements
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Circle in the Square Theatre School SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Circle in the Square Theatre School Profile
Name: Circle in the Square Theatre School
City: New York
State: New York
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 10019-6795
Campus: Main
Accredited by: National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)
Elite Strategy: The 'Spike' Approach
To be successful at a world-class institution like Circle in the Square Theatre School, you must move beyond being 'well-rounded' and demonstrate that you are institutionally necessary.
Elite schools favor 'pointy' students; those who are world-class in one niche. Achieve national-level recognition or produce original research rather than joining ten generic clubs.
Demonstrate 'self-driven learning.' This includes graduate-level coursework, mastering a complex skill independently, or attending top-tier summer programs (RSI/TASP).
Avoid safe, cliché topics. Use the supplemental essays to showcase creative risk-taking, quirky intellectualism, and authentic personality.
Admissions officers prioritize 'Founders' and 'Change-makers' over 'Office-holders.' Document quantifiable impact—what did you build that didn't exist before?
Does a degree from Circle in the Square Theatre School Worth It?
Getting into Circle in the Square Theatre School can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Circle in the Square Theatre School offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Circle in the Square Theatre School is USD: 65694.38 and unemployment rate is 3.59%.
How much does a degree from Circle in the Square Theatre School Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at Circle in the Square Theatre School is USD: 42500. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Circle in the Square Theatre School is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
23.26% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 41.86 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Circle in the Square Theatre School and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Circle in the Square Theatre School, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Circle in the Square Theatre School as your choice in the form.
How much a Circle in the Square Theatre School Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 39899. An average Circle in the Square Theatre School graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Circle in the Square Theatre School Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $39899 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $42500 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
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?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Circle in the Square Theatre School is 3.77 which is extremely low. Admission is highly competitive, and only the top candidates are accepted.
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
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 Circle in the Square Theatre School.
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.