Congratulations – you survived your college auditions! You may feel a bit like you’ve climbed Mt. Everest, and the hard part is over. However, the waiting period before you receive your admissions decisions can be equally (sometimes even more) difficult. Here are some tips to help you make the most of the next phase of the admissions process.
- Take some time to think about each of your auditions. What went well, and what could have been better? What would you like to do differently in your practicing and preparations next time you have an important audition? By making each audition a learning experience that will help you grow as a musician, you gain value from it regardless of the outcome.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself. This might sound contrary to the previous point, but it won’t do any good to obsess over a mistake whether big or small. Musicians have a tendency to be their own toughest critics. Keep a positive outlook, and take some time to celebrate all that you’ve accomplished thus far. Missing a note or two doesn’t mean that you blew an audition completely. If you were already perfect, there would be no point in going to music school!
- Take on new musical challenges. You’ve probably been so focused on your audition pieces that you are eager to set them aside for a while. Now is a great time to start new repertoire, change up your warm-up routine and/or devote some extra time to practicing fundamentals. Set some new goals to accomplish before the summer is over.
- Stay focused on schoolwork. Now is the time to catch up in the classes you missed during the audition season. Also be sure to stay on top of your academics during the upcoming months, and don’t give in to “senioritis.” The school you attend in the fall will require a final transcript from your previous school, and you don’t want there to be any questions about a sudden downturn in grades.
- Re-connect with family and friends. The spring and summer will go fast, and next fall you may be far away from people you care about. Take the time to make some great memories with them now, and let them know how much you appreciate all the support and encouragement they have given you.
When will I find out?
All applicants will be notified via email of their admission decision. Graduates will be notified by April 1st, and undergraduates will be notified by April 15th. Decisions are sent as they are finalized, and are not sent all at the same time. If your friend receives a decision before you, that doesn’t mean anything except that their decision was finalized sooner. Rest assured that the admissions team is working feverishly to let you know as quickly as possible.
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