College Audition Timeline
Sophomore Year ( Recommended)
- Spring:Begin exploring music schools and programs. Attend concerts and performances at local colleges.
- Summer:Consider summer music programs to build skills and experience college-level instruction.
Junior Year (Critical Planning Year)
- Fall:Begin serious repertoire development. Research schools and create initial list of 10-15 programs.
- Winter:Attend college music program open houses. Refine school list to 8-12 programs. Begin SAT/ACT prep if needed.
- Spring:Finalize audition repertoire selections. Take SAT/ACT. Visit top-choice schools if possible.
- Summer:Intensive repertoire preparation. Begin working on prescreening videos. Draft college essays.
Senior Year (Execution Year)
- September:Finalize school list (6-10 schools). Begin applications. Request recommendation letters.
- October:Record and submit prescreening videos. Continue application work. Finalize audition repertoire.
- November:Submit early applications (if applicable). Complete remaining applications. Schedule audition dates.
- December:Final application submissions. Intensive audition preparation. Plan travel logistics.
- January-March:Live auditions. Follow up with schools. Continue lessons and practice.
- April:Receive admission decisions. Compare financial aid packages. Make final decision by May 1.