Admissions and Paying your Deposit
Backstage, Peabody’s New Student Orientation Program
Communication
Billing and Financial Aid
Housing and Residence Life
Academic Advising and Course Registration
Technology Account Access
Placement Auditions

Admissions and Paying your Deposit

I paid my deposit and I am officially coming to Peabody! What’s next?

Congratulations- we look forward to welcoming you to campus in August! Prior to arriving in Baltimore, you will need to complete the Backstage Online course, submit your Pre-Entrance Health Forms, take online placement tests (if applicable), register for summer online review and remedial courses (if applicable), and take time to relax and celebrate.

We invite you to start connecting with your peers through the Discord. Please review your admissions letter for the link to the Discord server.

Will my private teacher be confirmed before paying my tuition?

Most students receive their private teacher assignment in their acceptance letter. In a few cases each year, applicants are offered their choice of teacher, are waitlisted for their preferred teacher’s studio, or a last-minute assignment must be made. Students interested in changing their teacher preference should contact the Office of Admissions at [email protected].

Backstage, Peabody’s New Student Orientation Program

Is orientation required?

Yes! The Backstage program (both the online course and in-person orientation) are mandatory for all first-year undergraduate and transfer students. Graduate students are required to complete the Backstage online course and are strongly encouraged to attend the one-day graduate student orientation program. Current Peabody students who are graduating in May and starting a new degree in August are also required to complete the Backstage online course. Returning students should continue to check their JHU email accounts for information about returning to a new degree program.

What is the difference between Backstage Online and Backstage On-Campus?

Peabody’s Backstage Orientation consists of both an online course and on-campus experience. Our two-fold approach creates a smooth and successful transition into the Peabody, Johns Hopkins, and Baltimore communities.

Prior to arriving to campus, all incoming students are required to complete the Backstage online course; you will be assigned to the Backstage online course through Canvas (Peabody’s learning management system). Backstage, both online and in-person, will introduce you to social, academic, professional, and wellness opportunities, as well as the requirements you will need to complete prior to arrival. Through Backstage, you will learn how to complete placement testing, meet with an academic advisor, and register for fall courses, as well as connect with valuable resources. Failure to complete the Backstage online course requirements could result in you being delayed in moving in to their residence halls and/or registering for classes. 

Do I need to attend every day of in-person orientation? What are the dates for orientation?

First-year undergraduate and transfer students are required to attend all in-person orientation sessions. Graduate students are strongly encouraged to attend their day for orientation. The dates for undergraduate and graduate orientation are available on the Peabody academic calendar. You should refrain from scheduling appointments, meetings, and lessons during the week of orientation. 

Where can I find the Backstage schedule?

A detailed orientation schedule will be available through Hopkins Groups in late summer. Hopkins Groups is an engagement platform that is used across Johns Hopkins; you will be instructed how to download and access Hopkins Groups through the Backstage online course.

Communication

How will I be notified of important information?

Once you have paid your deposit, all communication will be sent to your JHU email account. We encourage you to add the mailbox to your mobile device(s) and check every day for any updates and important information.

Billing and Financial Aid

How are scholarships determined?

Peabody is committed to providing an exceptional scholarship and financial aid program so that we may attract the best students while helping to ensure an education that is as affordable as possible. Peabody scholarships are awarded using a merit-driven, need-informed evaluation process with consideration given to the strength of the applicant’s audition balanced against the enrollment needs of the school. All students must submit a financial aid application.

If my family does not need financial aid, do I have to submit financial aid documents?

No, but we recommend all applicants submit both a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and CSS Profile by the deadlines indicated on our financial aid website so that they may be considered fully for all aid for which they may be eligible, including federal and state aid.

How can I go about requesting reconsideration of my financial aid package? 

Families are advised to submit an appeal that includes an explanation of their financial hardship or merit request as well as the amount of the additional funding being sought.  They can also provide award notifications from other schools as a comparison of aid offers.  Families are welcome to appeal multiple times.

If I transfer to Homewood (ASEN) does my aid transfer? 

No, financial aid is non-transferrable.  The Financial Aid Office at the school of ASEN must receive the student’s electronic data to make an assessment of what types of aid they would qualify.

Can I receive a scholarship and assistantship?

No, you must elect one or the other. Rarely are scholarships awarded in addition to graduate assistantships. 

Should I wait to pay my bill until after aid disburses? 

No, you should pay the balance reflected on your JHU student account. Please ensure that you have accepted all and completed requirements.

How can I pay my tuition to Peabody?

Johns Hopkins University offers several tuition payment options. If you have questions about billing, payments, or refunds, please contact The Office of Student Enrollment and Account Management, or SEAM.

When will my aid disburse? 

Each term, financial aid disbursements are scheduled for the term’s start as long as the student meets the criteria of accepting the aid, is enrolled full-time, and has completed the requirements. You can ensure that all requirements have been completed by viewing your to-do list in SIS Self-Service under the financial aid tab.

Can I take my loans now and cancel them later?

Yes, under the conditions of the borrower’s right to cancel, loans may be canceled up to 14 days after disbursement.  Students should be prepared to make immediate payment to their JHU student account to cover any balance. Beyond day 14, schools are not required to return funds, therefore the student will have to return funds directly to the service provider and they will be charged any accrued interest. 

Is it possible to receive funds to cover purchases not included in my cost of attendance (COA)?

You must speak with a financial aid counselor for full details.

Academic Advising and Course Registration

Does Peabody accept advanced placement (AP) credits?

Yes! We accept a maximum number of nine AP credits in most academic subjects, requirement or elective, if you earned a four or five on the test. However, we do not accept AP Music Theory credits. Our own music theory course offerings will help us determine your level of development to accurately place you in future courses.

Can I transfer credits to Peabody?

Transfer credits are accepted in liberal arts subjects. We do not accept transfer credits for Music Theory. Placement for Music Theory classes is held during audition week and orientation through the Admissions Office.

Can I take classes on the Johns Hopkins Homewood campus?

You can take classes at the Homewood Campus starting second semester, unless your major requires you start classes  there immediately or you are preapproved for the Directed Studies minor. Please look into Interdivisional Registration for more information.

Technology Account Access

How do I activate my JHU account?

Follow the steps found at the following URL: http://my.jh.edu/portal/web/help/how-do-i-log-in-for-the-first-time. Please note that you will need your JHED to complete this process.

How do I access my email account?

Your Exchange Online (Office 365 E-mail) account can be accessed through the myJH portal found at http://my.jh.edu. Hover over ‘Messaging’ in the left navigation and then click ‘Exchange Online’ to access your email through a web browser.

How do I log into my email for the first time?

Please follow instructions at the following URL to set up your JHU email: https://it.johnshopkins.edu/services/email/Office365/firstlogin.html

How to set up email on a mobile device?

The exact steps required to set up your mobile phone for Exchange ActiveSync may vary, but these generic steps will assist you in setting up your mobile phone for Exchange ActiveSync.

  1. On your mobile phone, launch the Exchange ActiveSync application or the phone’s mail application and choose Exchange ActiveSync or Microsoft Exchange
  2. Enter your email address. [email protected] or [email protected]
  3. Leave Domain blank
  4. Enter your [email protected] for UserName and your JHED Password for password
  5. Tap Next. Your device will try to find the settings it needs to set up your account. If it cannot connect, try entering outlook.office365.com in the Server Name
  6. Finish setting up your account
How can I have my SIS Account Holds removed?

If there are any additional holds in the Alerts area of the Student Information System (SIS), please address these issues immediately. If you have holds on your account you may not be able to register for classes, add or drop classes, or move into on-campus residence halls. Each hold should have an office and a contact person to reach should you have any further questions.

I have a Health Form Hold on my SIS Account? How can it be removed?

All pre-entrance health requirements are included on this site. A hold will be placed on your account if you have not completed all required vaccinations and submitted your health forms. Any questions or concerns regarding Health Forms should contact the Student Health and Wellness Center at (410) 516-8272 or via email at [email protected].

Placement Auditions

When is my placement audition?

More information coming soon!