If you read our previous blog post about the dreaded waiting period, you are probably well aware that March can be the toughest month for college auditions. Lots of waiting for decisions to roll in and then lots of weighing pros and cons on where to attend!
In order to make a decision, it’s important to truly investigate if a school and program is right for you. Not one that is right for your best friend, or which school the internet says is the best program, but a future second home that is right for you.
So, how does one go about doing that? Here are a few suggestions:
Visit the school and department
You may have visited the school before, but trust me when I say it’s much more exciting to visit a school once you have a YES decision in hand. Envisioning yourself at the school feels much more real and exciting. Be sure to visit when classes are in session and the campus is bustling with students so you get the real idea of what campus life consists of.
Email the head of the program you were accepted to (or someone in admissions) about setting up a visit. They should be able to connect you with a current student in your chosen major. That student can bring you along to one of their classes, have lunch with you and give you the real inside scoop of the department and school.
While with the representative, here are some questions you could ask:
What do the performance opportunities consist of?
Am I able to perform as a freshman?
Do students ever perform off-campus? Is this encouraged or discouraged?
What do you do on the weekends?
What do you love most about this program?
Chat up an Alum or Current Student
If you aren’t able to make it to the campus, don’t fret! Admissions should be able to give you the name and email address of a student who either attended or currently attends the school.
Students will answer your questions candidly without reservation, so be sure to ask everything you are wondering! Connect with them on Facebook, shoot them an email or even Skype with them.
Watch Videos on YouTube
Most performing arts department have their own YouTube channels filled with various footage from productions, showcases and interviews with current students. Spend an afternoon and get to know what could be your future school. Here are some examples of videos you can search for:
Oberlin Conservatory of Music
A video showcasing a double degree student in Piano and History:
Muhlenberg College
A video outlining the Theatre and Dance program:
Letting Go
One very important part of making a decision of where to attend college is letting go of the programs that you will not be attending. Ultimately, you can only attend one school! While this can be difficult, it is imperative to let a school know you won’t be attending as soon as you know you can take them out of the running.
This is important for a few reasons and the biggest is: karma. Put good karma into the world, future starlets! There is a student somewhere out there on a waitlist who is wishing for a spot in the program. You could be holding that spot. If you absolutely know you will not be attending, notify the school that you will be withdrawing your application. The school will appreciate it and so will any waitlisted students.
Also, you are only allowed to put a deposit down on one school. Do not make the mistake of depositing at multiple schools – a school can retract their offer. So, if you are ready to commit to a program – be sure to let the other schools know shortly after!
Keep swimming, Acceptd fans! You got this!
