One test could cost you an extra year of college — and tens of thousands of dollars.

If you’re planning to major in music, there’s one certainty you need to prepare for: the Music Theory Entrance (or Placement) Exam.

Depending on your score, you’ll either be placed in college-level Music Theory I or assigned to remedial music theory classes. Here’s the catch: if you land in remedial theory, you could fall behind your peers, extending your college graduation timeline from four to five years — and most scholarships only cover four years.

With college costs today, that extra year isn’t cheap. At a public university, a fifth year could add $20,000–$30,000 or more in tuition, fees, housing, and expenses. At a private university, it can be even higher.

Failing this one exam could cost you more than just extra time — it could cost you a small fortune.

Your Options If You Don’t Pass the Exam

If you score low on the placement exam, you’ll likely have three options:

• Pay full tuition for a fifth year — often without any scholarship support.
• Enroll in expensive summer classes to catch up on Music Theory I before fall semester.
• Or — the smart move — pass the entrance exam on the first try and avoid the detour altogether.

The third option is your best path. And the good news? It’s completely within your control.

Timing Matters: What to Know About the Exam

The Music Theory Entrance Exam isn’t always taken the first week of school. Depending on the college:

• Some administer the exam during your audition weekend — and use that score.
• Some schedule it after acceptance deadlines (May 1) — in late spring or early summer — during early orientation sessions.
• Others align it with freshman orientation programs in June or July.
• A few schools don’t offer retakes — your audition day exam score is final unless you ask.

Important Tip: Do not wait until the first week of school to take the exam if an earlier option is offered. If your school provides a late spring or early summer testing date, take advantage of it. Even if it means spending a few hundred dollars to travel, it could save you tens of thousands later.

If you perform poorly early on, you’ll still have time to improve — by taking a summer Music Theory I class, hiring a theory coach, or studying intensively before classes begin.

If you wait until August and do poorly, you’ll likely be stuck in remedial theory for the year — with no way to catch up.

Taking the initiative early could be the smartest investment you make — a few hundred dollars now could prevent tens of thousands in additional tuition later.

Scholarships Go to the Sure Bets

Music schools aren’t just handing out scholarships randomly — they’re making an investment in students they believe will complete their degrees.

One of the biggest red flags?

Struggling with Music Theory I.

Every year, a significant number of music majors who withdraw after freshman year do so because they find music theory overwhelming. Performing on stage may be the dream, but passing theory is the foundation.

Universities know this. That’s why students who demonstrate strong music theory knowledge — even before stepping into their first college class — are seen as lower-risk. They’re more likely to:

• Pass Music Theory I.
• Stay enrolled as music majors.
• Graduate on time.

Because colleges want their scholarship dollars to pay off, students who arrive prepared are more likely to receive larger scholarships.

Translation: If you can prove you’re ready for college-level music theory, you’re not just saving money — you’re making yourself a better scholarship candidate.

It’s not just about passing a test. It’s about positioning yourself as a sure thing — and sure things get funded.

Why Start Preparing Early?

Music theory isn’t something you can cram for the night before.

Real fluency in scales, intervals, chords, and harmonic progressions comes from consistent, long-term study.

Most Music Theory Entrance Exams test more than memorization — they test true musical literacy.

The earlier you start, the more confident and capable you’ll be when it counts.

And if you build those skills early, you’re not just avoiding a remedial class — you’re opening doors to scholarships and a smooth four-year college experience.

How to Get Ahead — Year-by-Year Guide

7th Grade

• Begin annual music theory testing appropriate to your grade level.
• Supplement your classroom learning with online tutorials or music theory apps.
• Explore beginner-friendly YouTube channels on basic music theory concepts.

8th Grade

• Continue online lessons and consider summer music camps that include theory instruction.
• Participate in the National Scholastic Junior Musicians Awards (Level I or II) — focused on applying music theory knowledge and building foundational skills.
• (The National Scholastic Junior Musicians Awards are self-paced and online — full details at NationalScholasticJuniorMusiciansAwards.com.)

9th Grade

• Focus on self-study and online resources to build a strong foundation in scales, intervals, and chords.
• Consider joining a summer music camp that includes music theory classes.

10th Grade

• If your high school offers it, enroll in a Music Theory class or AP Music Theory.
• Start taking practice Music Theory Entrance Exams online.
• Identify weak areas — scales, harmonic analysis, rhythm reading — and target improvements.
• Consider working with a music theory coach.
• Pursue higher levels of the National Scholastic Musicians Awards — such as the Letter Award and Acclaimed Musician Award — both of which sharpen real exam skills.
• (The National Scholastic Musicians Awards are self-paced and online — full program details at NationalScholasticMusiciansAwards.com.)

11th Grade

• Prioritize AP Music Theory or a community college course if your school doesn’t offer it.
• Add keyboard/piano lessons — even basic proficiency boosts theory understanding.
• Advance toward the Ovation Award — evidence of deep, tested music theory knowledge.
• Attend a summer music camp with daily theory classes.

12th Grade

• Enroll in AP Theory II or second-year theory courses if available.
• Strive for the National Hall of Fame Artist Award — showing advanced theory mastery.
• Review consistently — exams may happen at audition weekends, after acceptance, or during orientation.
• Note: The National Scholastic Junior Musicians Awards (for middle school students) and the National Scholastic Musicians Awards (for high school students) are both self-paced, online programs designed to build and test music theory knowledge. Learn more at NationalScholasticJuniorMusiciansAwards.com and NationalScholasticMusiciansAwards.com.

Final Thought: Your Future Is in Your Hands

Music theory isn’t just a hurdle — it’s a tool that can unlock your success.

Starting early gives you a real advantage.

But even if you stumble on your first try, you’re not stuck.

With smart use of your time, access to summer courses, and a commitment to improving, you can retake the exam, boost your placement, and stay on track for graduation.

Believe in your ability to learn, grow, and succeed.
Prepare smart. Stay focused. Start strong.
Your future — and your scholarship dollars — depend on it.