# Help for Prospective Freshmen Choosing whether to study music in college can be daunting. This page helps you take your first steps. **These steps apply to prospective majors *and* minors in music. ## Know the Cost **Before anything...** Please do your research, discuss with family, and learn about what it takes not only to attend college, but to do so in Music. 1. College is becoming prohibitively expensive. We know. - We'll do our best to help with scholarships - You must realistically assess your financial situation before making this commitment 2. Learn and understand FAFSA, Loans, Grants, and Scholarships. - FAFSA is a huge help, but often doesn't cover everything, nor do scholarships - Learn and understand about the pros and cons of student loans 3. Don't let finances scare you away from college - All of this warning aside, it's important not to plan or prepare in fear. - Remember **everything has a cost (time, money, energy, etc.)** > [!Info]- Helpful advice regarding jobs and school > Many students enroll in classes while also trying to maintain a full-time (or nearly full-time) job. Unfortunately, this is not a viable approach to a music degree. > > Unlike many other degrees, music demands an enormous amount of time and dedication. You will have academic classes just like the other 20k plus students on campus *along with* hours and hours of practice in the practice rooms. You will also have concerts and events all occurring sporadically about your weeks. > > Trying to maintain a job as a means of staving off financial struggle becomes a self-consuming problem no worse than the initial financial struggle of college. To this end, it is imperative that you consider your situation and understand that **you may have to apply for loans** in order to successfully complete your studies. > > We understand it's not optimal, but it is **just a reality.** To overwork an hourly job often results in minimal practice and study time and, while you might graduate with minimal debt, you will not have gotten out of your studies what others will. > > > [!tip]- An anecdote for perspective: > > At some point you will likely buy a car or a home. For that purchase you will likely take out a loan and incur debt. But often, that debt is worth it. A roof over your head (an investment) and/or a car that safely gets you places is *worth* that debt. > > > > If that is so, to avoid student debt entirely, is like saying a car is worth debt more than lifelong knowledge (an investment) and a degree that credentials you for career. ## First Steps - **STEP 1:** Fill out our [Interest Form](https://airtable.com/appV2UFEOZdQxBIMH/pagqI37v3buD3u4hS/form) - This puts you on our radar and helps us get to know who you are - It is also our Audition Form (but you can fill it out again later for that) - **STEP 2:** [Apply to UNLV](https://www.unlv.edu/admissions/undergraduate/first-year) - Even if UNLV isn't your first choice, it doesn't hurt to apply to get the process going - Getting applied helps set you up faster the sooner you do it - **STEP 3:** Read our [[2.1 Audition Requirements (all levels)|Audition Requirements]] - This page has all the *when* and *how* stuff - It will also help you with the *what* to play part - **STEP 4:** Visit the [[2.3 Scholarships and Funding|Scholarships and Funding]] page - Get an understanding of how money does and doesn't work - Get linked to FAFSA and student aid - **STEP 5:** Audition! (for entrance & scholarship) - You don't need to wait for your admission decision to audition - The audition takes care of both [[2.1 Audition Requirements (all levels)#Auditions are both for Scholarship Consideration and Entrance|Entrance and Scholarship]] consideration >[!Warning]- Missed the audition dates? > >Email the [[1.3 Faculty and Staff|Percussion Area Coordinator]] to schedule an individual entrance audition. Auditions are accepted up until just before the semester begins, but **scholarship consideration for the immediate semester is unlikely**. - **STEP 6:** Still have questions? - Email [email protected] ## After Admission Once you're admitted to UNLV and have passed your entrance audition: - **STEP 1:** Sign up for [UNLV Orientation](https://www.unlv.edu/orientation) - Orientation is where you will receive your [RebelCard](https://www.unlv.edu/rebelcard) at Orientation - You'll need it for studio access later. - **STEP 2:** Monitor your email and gather your materials - Check your email regularly for any updates - Check the [[2026-2027 Orientation Page]] regularly before the semester starts. - Then work through the [[2.2 Before You Arrive (Freshman Checklist)|Before You Arrive checklist]] — books, sticks and mallets, orientation, and PAS membership, all on one page. ## What do I need to know before I get to college? Our [[2.1 Audition Requirements (all levels)|Audition Requirements]] covers the music side. Beyond that: 1. **Understand the cost — time and money.** - Do your research. Ask people already in college. - Ask faculty and advisors; that's what they're there for. 2. **Get your communication skills into shape.** - *Email is everything* — clear, timely communication will make or break you as a student. - Be respectful and use appropriate language (no "lol," "omg," or emoji). Learn your professors' titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Dr.); when in doubt, "Professor." 3. **Help yourself first before asking for help.** - Immediately asking for help without trying yourself makes a fast negative impression. - Everyone is managing their own problems — manage *yours first*, and if you hit a true dead end, *then* ask. 4. **Use this site to find answers.** - Virtually every detail you need to thrive as a UNLV Percussion student is here. - If it's not here, email [email protected] ## Additional FAQs and Links to Helpful Topics - What [[3.1.1 General Requirements and Materials#Sticks & Mallets|Sticks and Mallets]] do I need before getting to college? - more FAQs soon...