<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I'm thinking ahead to the fall and making travel plans for auditions. Do schools generally keep the same weeks for audition dates? I'd like to start mapping out which weeks we'll be traveling.</p>
<p>thanks</p>
<p>I wondered the same thing last year because I always like to start planning as much as I can....From what I experienced, all my schools had almost entirely the same weekend of audition dates. Some schools changed a little bit...added/removed a date or two...but for the most part, it's the same weekends.</p>
<p>The trick is getting the dates you want, in the order or arrangement you want. Do check into the fact that some require entrance to the college/university prior to being granted an audition and some you schedule even without an application in to admissions yet. We were able to accomplish all but one and we asked if they could please squeeze her in because we couldn't alter our arrangement of others at that point and luckily they were able to accommodate our request. </p>
<p>It isn't impossible but sometimes you are juggling the proverbial balls in the air until you get confirmation of the dates. Good Luck!</p>
<p>Here is my advice... wait a couple of months before scheduling travel plans. I started calling schools in July, and found a couple that took audition dates (some others didn't even know them at that point) by late July/August. In many cases, I was the first one on the list. You do not have to do this now. Stay on top of it during the summer, but in most cases you will still be too early.</p>
<p>We filled out all of the applications as soon as they were online or in our mailbox, then (the same day) I made my d's audition dates...we received our first choice for every school. This was mostly done in September....so you should have time. HOWEVER; we did not go for any early acceptance...I wish we had but my d's schedule did not allow for it. </p>
<p>Also, what helped keep my d somewhat organized, was the making of a a "chart" of the dates, school, and audition requirements. This helped her keep on top of things, and also her private teachers! </p>
<p>Good luck next year...</p>
<p>When do the applications show up online - closer to September or over the summer. I think most schools use online applications more than traditional mailed applications - is that right or should I be contacting schools now to be added to their mailing lists. I'm planning to download the current applications now so we can look them over and hopefully all the essays will get done over the summer.</p>
<p>I think the hardest part is knowing its going to take until this time next year to know the acceptances (positive thinking, right :) even though all the applications and portfolio reviews will be done long before that.</p>
<p>I like the chart idea - between that and files for all the schools we should stay organized.</p>
<p>I remember the "magic" date for apps was Sept. 1. Some it was later, but most were up for Labor Day weekend. I would get on ALL the mailing lists! Any school you are remotely interested in, get on their list. That way you should not miss anything!! As for audition dates, all of my d's were the same time period as the prior years...(ie: the first weekend in Feb....) I do believe that you will be able to wait until the dates are posted. Some schools were able to give us the dates when we visited them over last summer, so be sure you ask if you are doing the college tour this summer!!</p>
<p>Files are great, aren't they. I find it hard to believe that I am at the "cleaning out" point of this whole process!! I will offer one very heartfelt suggestion: ENJOY this time!! It will be very stressful, very hectic and gut wrenching (to say the least), but this is such a special time for you to spend with your child. We would go to the audition the night before to not be rushed in the morning. We were also able to see some shows at the schools during this time. We have a younger d, so most of the time one of us went with my older d while the other stayed to have time with the younger...(it is hard on them, also!) I can honestly say we have very fond memories thoughout this process. The waiting was by far the worst part. </p>
<p>Good Luck on your journey through the land of MT!! Wishing you all the best!</p>
<p>RE: Early Decision
We had the luxury of working with a college entrance counselor (she was one at several universities bb [before babies] and opened her own private business) and her comment about early decision was interesting. She stated that she finds funding/financial aid to be less because they already have you commited. She did not encourage my D to do any early decisions due to the inability to "barter" with scholarships and such once admission has been offered. She made the comment that unless you are going bleed the colors of the school, just go for the normal admission routine especially when entrance is by audition, she truly feels it doesn't boost your ability to get in any better than regular admission.</p>
<p>RE: organizing everything.... I run my own training and development business and am "disgustingly" organized according to my friends (they use another term but it may offend someone). For this MT adventure I bought 2 nice handled plastic flip lid file boxes (she will take them to school for stuff next year), created files for each school that included catalog space, general info, audition info, items sent, items received, financial aid and of course the decision letter. We would just pop the boxes or files in the car as we traveled so there was never a question about who, what, when etc.... I also had the ol' excel sheet on the fridge with addresses, phone numbers, who we talked to at anytime, audition date/time,requirements, when application sent, when to look for notification etc.....boring, took a whole weekend to create but boy did it make my life easier while considering 15 colleges and finally deciding to auditioning at 11. My hubby liked it because he felt that he was part of it too, even though he was here keeping the rest of the family moving. By the way, the college counselor liked so many of my little files and organization she is offering me some work to help someother parents....which considering tution, I am taking the extra work...</p>
<p>I just found out the audition dates for Baldwin-Wallace next year...</p>
<p>November 11, 2006
January 20, 2007
January 27, 2007
February 3, 2007
February 17, 2007</p>
<p>For the November audition date there is a Music Theatre Workshop the day before (friday the 10th) for the auditioners. Also that weekend our fall Musical will be running which is Side Show. </p>
<p>For all the auditions we try to have a masterclass for the auditioners to watch. This year we had Pam Myers, Tara Rubin Casting and others come in. We've added an audition date this year becuase this year there were waiting lists for mot of the audition dates so make sure you get your apps in early!</p>