College Visit

College visits are one of the most important steps to determine which colleges to apply to, yet getting to multiple colleges takes time and money. There are four alternatives to traveling to campus:

1. College Fairs

2. Webinars

3. Zoom/online

4. Admissions Guests on IAA Campus

Tips for visits:

Before visiting campus you should book a tour ahead of time. You can choose the date and time as well as the classes or people you would like to meet. If that option is not available you can contact admissions directly to request a specific visit.
To book a visit go to the Admissions website> campus visit>in person tour> choose date and time.
Here is a great rating sheet to use while visiting each campus.

Private Lesson/ Visit Instructor

Private Lessons or a visit with instructors are another important step in making an informed decision. You can also sit in on class. Lessons can be set up directly with the instructor and class visits can be arranged by the Admissions Office or the Office Assistant for the specific office you are interested in.

Tips for Private Lesson:

During your one-on-one lesson, the instructor will provide instruction in technique, performance, music notation, and more, but most importantly you will determine if they are a good match for you.
To set up a Private Lesson to the the school's website>search for the instructor>find their scheduler>choose date and time.
Tips to get the most out of your lesson
- Prepare ahead of time
- Know what the teacher expects
- If online be sure you have a secluded place
- Listen intently to their feedback
- Prepare questions ahead of time about the school or program if you have them

Interviews

Interviews are not as common as college visits and private lessons. Some schools simply do not have interviews, other will accept interviews, and others require them depending on your major. If you have the opportunity to set up an interview and you feel a face-to-face conversation with admissions will help your admissions process, be sure to prepare questions and answers ahead of time.

Common Interview questions:

Tell me about yourself
What is your interest in our school/major, be specific?
What will you bring to our community or specific department you have applied?
What is your direction/goal? What do you hope to explore?
What subject(s) do you enjoy most/least, and why?
Tell me about your current high school community and your role within it.
What are your greatest challenges/strengths?
Favorite blog, podcast, app, etc, and why?
Favorite book or book you read most recently?
Where do you see yourself in 1 year, 5 years, 20 years?

Summer Programs

Summer Programs or Pre-College Programs are a great way to get on campus and get a sense for the campus, meet instructors, learn about new topics, or improve current skills. Deadlines for most summer programs are in late winter or early spring so it is important to research programs and register ahead of time. Also, some summer programs require transcripts and/or letters of recommendations, so once again make plans early!

Where to find Summer Programs?

Individual school websites
Here is a list of programs to review