How important is my audition repertoire?

VERY. Select material that presents you at your best. Avoid material that is beyond your current abilities. Don’t choose material just because you think the faculty want to see it or because you think it will impress! The way to really impress to choose material that is within your abilities, that you love, and that […]

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What’s a prescreen audition?

A prescreen audition is simply an “audition” to “audition”. More and more colleges/university programs/conservatories are requiring this and it is a terrific idea. If you pass the “prescreen” you are invited to campus to do a live audition, and if not, you’ve saved a great deal of time, effort, and money auditioning for a program […]

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If I apply Early Decision, I have to go if accepted so am I less likely to get funding?

The official word is no, you are not at a disadvantage. However, make sure your school of choice will let you know your financial aid package before you click that ED (Early Decision) box!

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Can you recommend a good website for scholarship information?

Yes, my favorite is www.finaid.org.  Also, your college websites should all offer advice.

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My parents won’t help me pay for college. Can I get loans on my own?

Unfortunately, no, unless you are independent from your family or have some other situation. Call the financial aid office at one of the schools on your list, and see what they can suggest for you. Loan eligibility is based on credit worthiness, and most 18 year olds haven’t had the chance to build credit.

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What is merit aid?

Merit scholarship usually refers to grant awards for both academics and arts talent.

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What is need-based aid?

Need-based aid is financial aid you receive from a college and/or the government based on your family’s financial situation. Just because you have “need” doesn’t mean the college will meet your “need” but several do.

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My family has very little money. What types of schools offer funding?

Every college, as of October 2011, is required to have on their website a Net Price Calculator. It was determined that is was unfair to have students apply to a college without any idea if they would qualify for any funds. This is an excellent first step for families who depend on this funding. For […]

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What is FAFSA and where can I find it?

FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You and your family must file this to see if you are eligible for need based grants, loans, and federal work study programs. Go to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

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What should I consider when visiting a college?

Definitely take the tour offered by the admissions office — but go off course too. Visit whatever you can, and talk to the students. Don’t be embarassed, they love questions! Ask them specifically what they like and don’t like about their school, how the food is, plus a realy important question — what do they […]

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