Our successful college prep plan is a four (or five) step program.
Step 1: Initial Meeting
In this first meeting, we talk through where young musicians are in the college application and audition process. This initial consult could take place as early as sophomore year in high school. In getting to know the student, their individual strengths, their learning styles, their personal interests, and their professional goals - things we may touch upon include:
Majoring vs. minoring in music
Music education vs. music performance degrees
Dual degree and/or dual major programs
Conservatory programs vs. music schools within bigger colleges and universities.
Domestic vs. international music programs
The college audition process
Step 2: Customized College List
Based on our first meeting, Annie will craft a personalized list of at least twelve colleges as a jumping off point. This list will be the basis of our action plan to successfully get the young musician accepted into as many colleges as possible, with as much financial aid and scholarship as possible. Armed with this information, students can begin to schedule trial lessons and campus visits to find what feels right to them.
Step 3: Strategy and Timeline
Applying to music school is not like applying to regular college. There are extra steps to being successfully admitted into top level music programs - for example, scheduling trial lessons with potential professors, attending strategically selected summer music programs, upgrading instrumental equipment, recording of pre-screening auditions, etc…
Step three in our four step process includes building an action plan for strategic audition repertoire selection, using Connected Arts incredible network to find the best fit college teachers, and the planning of best possible summer and trial lesson experiences leading up to the audition season senior year.
Step 4: Essays and Pre-Screening Recordings
December 1st in the young musician’s senior year in high school is the deadline for almost all college admissions. Prior to that deadline, Connected Arts College Prep can help with editing of college essays, editing and providing feedback for pre-screening and supplemental audition recordings.
Step 4.5: Mock Auditions
As an added service, Connected Arts College Prep provides mock auditions for students in advance of their actual college auditions. This audition, live with an actual panel of seasoned professional musicians, will simulate the actual college audition experience. Young musicians will receive live feedback, an invaluable tool in preparing to audition successfully for college. They will also receive a recording of the mock audition to ensure they have it as a future resource.
Post Acceptance Services:
Negotiation and Appeals
You’ve been accepted to every college on your list!! Annie will talk through the options with you to ensure you will make the best choice - for your wallet, your career, and your happiness.
Getting into your dream school and actually being able to attend are sometimes two, very different things. Annie can help you appeal your first financial aid offer and hopefully, get enough to make it feasible to matriculate!
Outside Scholarship Opportunities:
Most times, the cost of room and board, books, and supplies, at a conservatory or university aren’t covered by financial aid packages or even full-tuition scholarships. Annie can guide students to outside sources of scholarship funds that can be applied to help with these costs.