College Application Deadline Research and Planning

Objective: Learn to read and interpret college websites for application and audition deadlines and estimate the time required for completion and preparation.

Assignment Instructions:

1. Select Five Schools: Choose any 5 from the list provided below.
2. Review Applications: Visit the official website for each school and examine their general application process.
3. Estimate Completion Time: Determine how long it would realistically take you to complete each application (prep time).
4. Identify Deadlines: Record the official general application deadline for each school.
5. Plan for Editing: Add a 2-week buffer before the application deadline for revisions.
6. Check Music School Requirements:
   • Does the music program require a separate application or audition request form?
   • Find and note the submission deadline for these materials.
7. Create a Graph: Organize all information into a clear chart like the one below:

List of Schools to Choose From:

• University of South Carolina
• Drake University
• Berklee College of Music
• Ithaca College
• Kansas State University
• Cleveland Institute of Music
• Indiana University
• Oklahoma City University
• Azusa Pacific University
• Baylor University
• Furman University
• St. Olaf College
• Arizona State University
• East Carolina University
• University of Wyoming
• Chapman University
• Gettysburg College
• University of Maryland
• Indian University
• Walla Walla University
• New York University
• Northwestern University
• Belmont University
• Liberty University
• Utah State University
• University of Buffalo
• Boise State University

Poster Board and a Red Magic Marker Circling Deadlines

From __________________________ to ____________________ Music Student’s Parent
Music Teacher’s Name — Name of School

Dear Parents,

When I was unwrapping Christmas presents my junior year of high school, the heaviest package I opened was a box filled with college catalogs—this was before the internet—and a rather crude coupon book my mother had drawn and stapled together. This coupon book was for three college visits during my upcoming spring break. That meant I had to read the catalogs between Christmas and Valentine's Day so that if any of them required a flight, we could book it at a reduced rate.

On Valentine's Day, I brought my three filled-out coupons to the breakfast table. One school was here in Texas, two hours from our home, another was in Boston, and the last one was outside of Chicago. Plane tickets were purchased, and we visited the two out-of-state schools and the Texas school, all during my spring break. A week after this excursion, I was required to drop one school from consideration.

I dropped the school outside of Chicago because when I read their audition requirements, I realized I didn’t want to learn all that material—it was heavily weighted toward performance majors, and I was interested in music education. My mother and father read those two remaining catalogs like they were the Bible for the next month. They didn’t watch TV in the evenings—they read catalogs.

By May 1, my mother had two poster boards taped to the breakfast room wall with everything required for applications and auditions. Most importantly, in bold red marker, were the deadlines. Over the next five months, we followed everything on those charts, never missing a single deadline. I practiced the audition requirements and studied for the entrance exam at both schools I was considering. I was accepted into both—and both awarded me scholarships.

I chose to attend _____________. I am writing this blog and teaching at _______________ High School because of those posters on my breakfast room wall and the discipline of never missing a deadline.

College Applications and Auditions: What You Need to Know

Now, as the college application season kicks into high gear, our aspiring students must prepare for a journey filled with deadlines and auditions. The reality is simple: deadlines are not optional—missing them can mean losing out on opportunities.

Many students assume they can look through different college websites and find a common set of audition requirements. But what quickly becomes clear is that there is no uniformity in audition expectations. Each institution has its own specific repertoire, technical expectations, and application process.

While previous achievements—like being in an All-State ensemble or winning competitions—may feel like they carry weight, they don’t automatically meet a school's audition requirements. You must carefully follow each college's specific instructions, or risk being disqualified.

No matter how different each college’s audition process is, there is one universal truth: deadlines are non-negotiable. Missing even one can mean losing your chance at a program.

Here are a few critical deadline reminders:

• Application and audition deadlines must be met—there are no exceptions.
• Some schools require admission before audition scheduling, while others allow audition scheduling after only an application submission.
• Keep a detailed calendar with deadlines clearly marked—and stay vigilant.
• Certain programs require a pre-screening video before granting an in-person audition. These video submissions often have different criteria than live auditions, so make sure you pay attention to the details to avoid mistakes.
• If you're in contact with a school's recruiter, know that they are assessing your interest and preparedness. Being organized, informed, and committed to deadlines can make a lasting impression, potentially opening doors to scholarships and ensemble placements.

But be careful—if your interest appears lukewarm, you may be placed in the “Possible Interest” category, which can be tough to climb out of.

Family Discussion: Preparing for College as a Team

Applying for college is not just about the student—it’s a family effort. Here are some key points to discuss as a family:

• Setting Priorities: What are the top three things we should look for in a college (location, faculty, cost, scholarships, etc.)?
• Travel Planning: If auditions require travel, how can we plan efficiently and affordably?
• Deadline Management: How can we stay organized and ensure no deadlines are missed? Should we create a physical chart like the one in my story?
• Understanding Requirements: Have we reviewed audition requirements carefully? Does the student feel confident about their preparation?
• Backup Plans: What is the plan if the first-choice school doesn’t work out?

Parents, you and your child must work together as a team—this process is overwhelming, but with strong organization and commitment, success is within reach.

In the fast-paced world of college applications, deadlines aren't just guidelines—they are the foundation of success. Stay organized, be proactive, and take every requirement seriously.

To read the full article and get more insights on college applications and auditions, visit Accoladi.com. Don't miss this valuable guide to navigating one of the most important steps in your child’s musical journey!

Warm Regards,
_________________[Your Name]__________________
Your Child’s High School Music Director