Timing Applications Pre-screen Submissions

S is working away on early drafts of essays and audition repertoire and I am working on the “master calendar”, in an attempt to keep things as organized and stress free as possible once school starts. I wondered about the timing of sending applications v. sending the pre-screen recordings. Does he send everything at the same time, or can he complete the applications and essays early, say by the end of September, then send the recordings closer to the application deadlines after a few more weeks of preparation? I’m sure that information is provided once the applications open, but hoped to get an idea before then. Thanks much!

I don’t believe there is a single system for applications - wouldn’t that make life easier if there was?

Some conservatories I’m familiar with have an integrated application in which the pre-screen is uploaded along with basic identifying info, essays, resumes and repertoire, etc. These applications can be started and saved so items like the pre-screen can be uploaded later than other requirements such as the essays are input. Then, everything is submitted at once on a single automated application.

Schools should have a music admissions page - which may or may not adequately explain their process. Good luck to you and your son this fall, it’s an exciting albeit busy time.

Thanks, Momofadult! Some of the schools’ websites sounded like the process was as you described, and a couple sounded as if you would send the application first, then you would be sent uploading instructions for a 3rd party site. It sure would make things easier if there were a single uniform system! Lol…for me anyway…I like to know well in advance what is expected. Fortunately, S is more easy-going and take-things-as-they-come than I am.

I’m like you, starting preparations way in advance and planning for all contingencies that I can invent! I hate it when I don’t have information at my fingertips to start in scheduling. My musicians did seem much more able to cope without undue stress than I would have managed. Probably very good preparation for college with all those non-negotiable deadlines and demands.

The other big frustration that I recall was audition results that were not not communicated on what I consider a timely basis. Nothing like seeing airfare rise and rise while you wait to make sure that your offspring will even be doing a live audition. Dilemma - do I buy at reasonable fare assuming that, of course(!), my kid will be invited for a live audition or do I wait to confirm acceptance and pay more? I do think schools could be a bit more considerate in this regard!

For scheduling auditions in advance of actually receiving a confirmed date, using Southwest is great, if possible - because you can make changes without any penalties.

Thank goodness we’re in the NE and all the schools he plans to audition at are within a 5-6 hour drive! We didn’t discourage long distance schools, but I have to admit I was pretty relieved when he decided he’d rather stay in the region for undergrad.