Countdown to College

Though the bulk of the work will fall during your junior and senior years, you can make the job easier if you start planning as a freshman and sophomore:

•    Meet with your parents and guidance counselor to discuss a four-year plan to satisfy college application requirements.

•    Review your current dance study options. Are you challenged? Do you have satisfactory opportunities to perform?

•    Determine what you are looking for in a school:

     o    Will you pursue a degree in dance?

     o    What type of degree ?

     o    Or will you minor in dance?

     o    Will you focus on one style of dance?

     o    Or do you want a diverse program?

     o    Is the size of the student body important to you?

     o    What level of competitive challenge do you seek in class?

•    Find schools that match your interests and start gathering information.

•    Plan to take as many practice SATs or ACTs as possible in your junior year.

•    Make a plan to visit as many schools as possible, perhaps during Spring Break of your Junior year. Request videos from those you can’t visit.

•    Expand your current dance study program to include classes from a variety of teachers.

•    Explore opportunities to help teach classes or choreograph in your community.

•    In January, research summer dance programs.

•    Talk with your parents about financing your education.

Things to do your junior year

Fall

•    Focus on academics. This is the last complete year of grades that colleges will evaluate.

•    Explore scholarship opportunities offered through colleges and in your community. And check the Dance Magazine Scholarship Guide (www.dancemagazine.com/2010_scholarship-guide) for an extensive list of dance-specific scholarships.

Winter

•    Select a summer dance program, particularly if you haven’t participated in one before. Some colleges offer summer programs.

•    Take the SAT/ACT. Learn which is required for the schools you are interested in.

Spring   

•    In May, take Advanced Placement tests to gain college credits.

•    Repeat the SAT/ACT if you want to improve your first score.

•    Meet with college students who have returned home for spring break and ask about their experiences.

•    Double-check the requirements for the schools you are considering, and be sure you meet them. Begin gathering transcripts of grades, test scores, letters of recommendation, awards, and income records.

•    Schedule campus tours and interviews. Take classes and meet current students. Be sure to include staff of financial aid office. Ask the alumni office to put you in contact with recent grads.

Summer

•    Begin writing application essays.

•    Attend a summer dance program and enjoy.

•    Begin organizing a resume of your dance (and other extracurricular) experiences and career up to this point.

Things to do your senior year

•    Meet with each teacher from whom you’ve requested a recommendation.

•    Gather letters of recommendation, transcripts, and test scores.

•    Narrow your choices to two reach colleges, three middle choices, and two safety-schools.

•    Collect application forms and begin submitting.

•    Decide if you will apply as Early Action or Early Decision to one school.

•    Ask your school counselor about available scholarships and apply.

•    Complete application essays. Ask a teacher to edit for content.

•    Last chance to take the SAT’s.

•    Attend auditions.

•    Celebrate when good news arrives.

•    Notify the college of your choice by May 1.

•    Thank those who have supported you through the process.<

•    Keep up your grades. Many schools base final acceptance on your last semester.