A Performing and Visual Arts College Application Timeline 

The high school years fly by for most kids and their families. Once you reach your junior year (if not sooner), you’re probably thinking about what comes after graduation. Between school-hosted college fairs, career days, and guest speakers, high schools offer many opportunities to explore what you might want to do “when you grow up.” 

With so many priorities beyond classes competing for your time — a job, sports, extracurriculars, and other activities — keeping everything straight can quickly become overwhelming.

You’ve probably heard how important it is to stay organized and on track so you can balance all your responsibilities, whether it’s studying for that math test, decorating for homecoming after school, remembering to pick up your little brother after chess club, or meeting with your group to finish editing a video you put together for film class. The stress of getting it all done? Very real.

In their recent presentation at NACAC, Andy Moss (BIMM) and Rebecca Kandel (Idyllwild Arts Academy) shared resources to help performing and visual arts students begin their college journey, including a helpful timeline. 

College exploration and application timeline

Here’s an example of the application calendar Moss and Kandel shared. Tweak it so it works for you! After all, the goal is to help you get organized, have plenty of time to research colleges, develop a robust application package, meet all deadlines, and, above all, avoid last-minute stress!

Spring of junior year

If you haven’t already created a list of colleges, start researching now and decide which colleges to visit in person. Set up introductory meetings with the college counselors, if possible.

Meanwhile, ask your teachers, coaches, directors, and anyone else who knows you well for a letter of recommendation. You can also start working on your essays.

Now’s a good time to think about the material for auditions and your portfolio. Visit each college website and read the admission requirements, like auditions, pre-screenings, and portfolio requirements. Note deadlines. 

Summer before senior year

Schedule those college and university visits, which can help you figure out where you want to go — and which colleges to cross off your list. Not sure what to ask? Check out our list of questions to ask.

As you begin narrowing down your choices, note the dates for specific programs, which may differ from the rest of the university. Verify how to apply because not all programs use the Common App.

Keep working on your essays (if required) and creating material for your portfolio and/or audition. 

Senior year

Senior year can become a whirlwind of activities, from homecoming to prom — and everything in between. If you’re balancing multiple responsibilities, use this timeline to keep on track through this busy year.

September

Create your application accounts on the Common App and the portals for the schools you’ve chosen. Sign the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) release, which grants you (if you’re 18+) and your parents/guardians access to information in your education record. The Act also protects that information from disclosure to third parties without your parents’ consent.

If you know the college requires an interview or audition but don’t know the date(s), now’s the time to reach out and ask. Also, check out the National Portfolio Day Association (NPDA) website, created to organize and plan National Portfolio Day events that connect you with counselors, faculty, and admissions personnel who will review your portfolio and help you fine-tune it before you send it off with your application. 

October 

Many application windows open on October 1, so take this month to work on your portfolio, pre-screening, and personal essays. Some colleges may require an artist statement or supplemental essay in addition to the primary personal essay. 

November 

You can also visit (or re-visit) colleges or universities during fall break. You should have finished your essay(s) and personal statements by the beginning of the month.

November 1st, 15th, and 30th are common due dates. After you’ve submitted your application, the college or university should send another link to upload your audition video or portfolio. 

You should also fill out the CSS Profile, which helps determine your financial aid eligibility. While the form opens every October 1st, deadlines for submitting it to college will vary.

December

This month, prioritize completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The government uses this form to determine your eligibility for grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs. Complete this form if you want to take advantage of federal, state, and college financial aid programs. The sooner you submit your application, the more likely you’ll have access to the total funds you qualify for.

Set a goal to complete and submit all your college applications by winter break. Verify your SAT scores have been sent to your chosen schools, too (if applicable). Check online with each college to ensure they’ve received your application and sent the link to upload your portfolio/audition video.

If you plan to major in theatre, visit the National Unified Auditions website to see whether the college you hope to attend is one of the 24 participating schools. 

January and February

You should have submitted all your application materials and scheduled in-person interviews or auditions by now. Check your email and college portals daily to make sure you get all requests for additional information. 

Now, you can focus on applying for scholarships. Hundreds and hundreds of scholarships and grants become available each year, including many for visual and performing arts students. Use a spreadsheet or other method to track scholarships you’ve applied for, application requirements, deadlines, and award notification dates.

March and April

Most college decisions arrive by April 1 if you’ve applied for regular decision (deadlines are December, January, or February). If you’re accepted to more than one school, visit them in person (if possible) or virtually to help you decide which to attend.

Notify colleges if you decline admission. And if you’re waitlisted, find out the school’s policy for accepting a letter of continued interest. 

May

May 1st is National Decision Day — students nationwide officially commit to their selected school and mail their deposit. This month, you should also complete the housing forms and pay deposits for room and board if you plan to live on campus. Register for any placement tests your college requires.

You’re in the home stretch, but don’t let up just yet. Keep attending classes and maintaining your grades. If your GPA falls and/or you drop a class listed on your application without notifying the college, it can rescind your offer of admission.

Once grades are in, ask your high school to send your final transcript to the college’s admissions office. And then, celebrate! You’ve made it to the finish line — and in just a few short weeks, you’ll be off on a whole new adventure.