<p>I don’t want people coming up to think that the only way to gain acceptance to these schools is to spend thousands going to auditions and visiting schools.</p>
<p>After two rounds of auditions, I’m starting a list of cost-cutting tips. Feel free to add yours!~</p>
<li><p>No need to visit all the schools on your list before auditions. Cost-cutting way: do auditions at Unifieds (schools on the unified list plus those not on the list who are auditioning in the same city). Visit schools only after receiving acceptance(s). </p></li>
<li><p>Headshots: no need for professional headshots. We got a decent headshot by asking at a local photo shop if they had a headshot package. They did, for $30. After we purchased the image (so we could print it ourselves to save money) the total cost was $80. The professional photographer we used the first time cost $250. Not necessary. </p></li>
<li><p>Unfied audition trips: for those of us going to unifieds, ask around on CC ahead of time for hotel recommendations. I heard of people spending $250-400 a night in NYC. We had a lovely hotel room with kitchen in mid-town Manhattan for $109/night. With the kitchen, we didn’t have to eat out. More savings. </p></li>
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<p>Maybe I got lucky, but I had a friend take the headshot I used this year with a digital camera and it came out better than the "professional" one I used last year. Also, if there are any students like me who have to pay their own way and go it alone, stay in the dorms with a friend if you know anybody that goes to college in the same city as the Unified site you're attending. Just make sure your friend will respect that you are there for important auditions and not to party!</p>
<p>The Best Western President in NY was 1/2 block from auditions and about a block from Times Square. Rooms were nice, extremely small, but fine. Just a little over a $100 a night.</p>
<p>On campusvisit.com is an ad for a cut-rate 2 for1 train fare if an adult is traveling with a 16-17 yr. old to look at colleges. I believe you can also take other sibs for 90% off(?).</p>
<p>As far as headshots go - since we needed to have senior photos taken anyway - we planned them in October. Our d did some online research and found a photographer whose website showed photos with the sort of look she wanted. He took just a few traditional shots. The majority were headshots. We had the option of purchasing negatives, which we did. We had them printed (friend with a great printer) and after experimenting with photo paper - were able to print the resume on the back (without any smearing!) Much easier than pasting it on - and cleaner looking than stapling.</p>