BFA, BM and conservatory applications add an artistic review on top of regular admissions. Many programs ask for a prescreen video or portfolio in the fall of senior year, invite selected students to audition or interview in winter, and send decisions in spring. Because a student is effectively applying twice to each school, the work starts in junior year and needs a calendar of its own.
How these programs differ from regular admissions
- BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts). A professional degree with a large share of studio or performance training. Common in acting, musical theater, dance, design and visual art.
- BM (Bachelor of Music). The music equivalent, focused on performance, composition or music education.
- BA in an art form. A liberal arts degree with more room for other subjects. Many BA programs do not require an audition.
- Conservatories. Schools focused almost entirely on artistic training. Some stand alone; others sit inside a university.
- Two decisions. At many universities, the student must be admitted by both the academic admissions office and the arts department. A strong audition does not override a missing transcript or a weak academic record.
A timeline from junior year to decisions
Dates vary by program and change each year, so build your calendar from each school’s own admissions page. A typical rhythm looks like this. Our high school to college calendar shows how it fits with everything else.
Junior year
- Research programs and requirements; note which need prescreens, portfolios or auditions.
- Start building repertoire, monologues or a portfolio with a teacher.
- Consider a summer intensive or pre-college program if it fits the budget.
- Ask teachers early about recommendation letters.
Summer before senior year
- Finalize material and record or photograph work in good conditions.
- Draft the main essay. See college essay procrastination if it keeps slipping.
- Build a balanced college list.
Fall of senior year
- Submit academic applications and prescreens. Prescreen deadlines commonly fall in the fall, and many cluster late in the term.
- Watch for application choices like early decision or early action, which some arts programs offer and others do not.
- File the FAFSA when it opens. See our FAFSA timeline.
Winter and spring
- Auditions and portfolio reviews, in person or virtual, often run through the winter.
- Decisions usually arrive in spring; compare offers and aid carefully before committing.
What prescreens and auditions involve
A prescreen is a recorded submission that lets faculty decide whom to invite to a live audition. Requirements are specific: number of pieces, length, contrast, even camera framing. Missing a detail can mean an automatic no, so build a checklist for each school. Live auditions may add a dance call, a short interview, sight reading or a coaching session where faculty see how the student takes direction. Visual art programs often hold portfolio review days.
Balancing applications with senior year
- Keep grades up. Colleges see senior grades, and offers can be conditional. See senior year slump.
- Map every deadline on one calendar, academic and artistic, with a target date a week before each real one.
- Batch the recording work into a few planned sessions instead of last-minute retakes.
- Budget for audition costs such as fees, travel and recording, and ask about fee waivers.
- Include programs without auditions. A balanced list protects against a tough audition season.
- Protect health. Rest and voice or body care matter during audition months.
Where a mentor helps
A mentor does not coach auditions or make admissions decisions. What a mentor does is keep the whole process moving: a weekly plan that tracks every prescreen, essay and deadline, check-ins between sessions, and help keeping grades steady through senior year. Parents get regular updates. Learn more about mentoring for high school students or our work with actors and creatives.
Related
- Arts high schools explained
- Performing arts students and school
- What can you do with an art degree?
- Parents of young creatives
- High School Midterms: How to Prepare Without Cramming
- Minority-Serving Institutions Explained: HBCUs, HSIs and More
Common questions
Do I need a prescreen for every BFA program?
No. Requirements vary widely; some programs require a prescreen, some audition everyone who applies and some admit without an audition. Check each program’s admissions page.
How many programs should a performing arts student apply to?
There is no single right number. Many families include a mix of audition programs and non-audition options so the student has choices in spring.
Do grades matter for conservatory and BFA programs?
Yes, especially at universities where academic admission is separate. Standalone conservatories may weigh the audition more heavily, but they still review the transcript.
Should we hire an audition coach?
Many students work with a voice, acting, dance or art teacher on material. That is a family decision; make sure any coach knows each program’s specific requirements.
Get started
Want help keeping every prescreen and deadline on track? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.