Backstage with Tracee
Hello Muse Community! In my last post, I shared hot tips about the performing arts admissions process you can use during your summer before senior year. In this post, I want to dive deeper into some tips on how to build your college list. You have probably already figured out that there are 100s of schools across the United States that offer a variety of degrees in the performing arts. This is amazing news because it means there are many options, and you are going to find the institution and program that is right for you. Let’s be honest though—this also might make you a little sweaty, stressed and overwhelmed because it’s hard to know where to begin. Friends, wipe that sweat off your brow and let’s take a peek backstage for some tips, tricks and advice.
Your first step is to create a college list that is right for you. In a space where you often work as an ensemble, at first it might seem that your college list should match those of your peers. This is actually a very important time to recognize that your college list is very personal and should be created with your best interests and goals in mind. Yes, I am insisting you be the lead in this part of the process…take the spotlight!
When building your college list, know that you can and should start with many options, which you will strategically narrow down by the time you start applying. It is super important to create a proportional, tiered list including highly competitive, reasonably competitive, and ‘likely to get in’ places you want to apply. Making this list will be based on many factors related to your academic profile and desired program of study.
To break it down a bit further, you have to do your research, and I encourage you to consider any/all of these areas:
Programs offered
BA vs BFA
Location
Private vs public
Performance/production opportunities
Ability to change programs
Scholarships/financial aid
There are some very handy tools on the internet to help with your initial search (AI can help build a list for you) AND you will have to do your part researching each university’s website to learn more. Hot tip—I encourage you to meet with an admissions counselor and/or attend an information session when possible. This is also a great way to get your questions answered and get a feel for the program and institution.
Your initial list might have 20+ schools on it. Depending on your program, I encourage you to narrow that list down to 8-12, keeping in mind that it needs to be well-balanced. Don’t forget there are applications, fees, and very likely prescreens, auditions, portfolios and/or interviews. It’s a lot to navigate, but with a strategically built list and a commitment to being very organized, when the application process opens, it will hopefully feel like an amazing opening night.
All this said, I also want to honor that navigating the performing arts admissions process is often daunting, which is why I am here to mentor and advise students along the way. Reach out to me any time if you want to learn more about the work we can do together and stay tuned for more backstage tips. Remember to be bold, brave and confident!